Clitheroe and District Motor Club and rally organiser Dave Read have been named the JLT Motorsport UK Club and Volunteer of the Year, respectively, after another year of outstanding entries showcasing the very best of UK motorsport.

Clitheroe and District Motor Club (CDMC) was recognised for work in ensuring safe and low-cost motor-sport is available to all, regardless of background, in the Lancashire area. Established in 1962, the club runs four Inter-Club level events and contributes to the organisation and running of both the Malton Forest Rally and North West Stages, as well as providing a comprehensive weekly programme of club activities and events ranging from winter Navigational Scatters to Autotests in the summer.

The club is known for offering members value for money and actively engages new members through local community events and an active social media presence. With a growing young membership CDMC has proven itself as a well-established organisation, with events regularly attracting full entries.

Clitheroe and District Motor Club’s Chris Woodcock said: “Winning this award is a great tribute to all our members who put effort in throughout the years organising, competing and supporting events throughout the country. Clitheroe and District Motor Club are honoured to be recognised for continually developing the club by keeping motorsport enjoyable.”

Oxford Motor Club took second place in this year’s awards, with Trackrod Motor Club Highly Commended.

Meanwhile Dave Read was nominated by Motor Sport (North West) Ltd and awarded the Volunteer of the Year title for his work and tireless dedication organising the North West Stages rally.

Since 1995 Dave has been the ongoing inspiration and driving force behind the successful and popular event. Holding the role of Rally Director his dogged determination and enthusiasm to manage the event has not waned in almost 25 years. He has the knowledge, talent, energy, and resourcefulness to engage support from others and has built an experienced rally management team around him.

Each year Dave has supported other team members in securing new venues suitable for stage rallying in the North West, including stately homes, army camps, water treatment works, disused chemical works and docklands. Most recently, Dave has worked to bring rallying to the public through the use of closed-road stages along New Brighton Promenade, Blackpool Promenade and Fleetwood Waterfront.

Dave said: “I am shocked but honoured to be awarded the Motorsport UK Volunteer of the year Award. Getting recognised for the work I have put in to organising rallies over the last 40 years is very much appreciated. In recent years the workload required to put on a stage rally has increased dramatically, so although the award may be getting presented to me I would like to thank all those who have worked with me to achieve our goal of Closed Road Rallying in Lancashire, you should all feel a part of this recognition.”

Dave will join members of Clitheroe and District Motor Club at the Royal Automobile Club later this month, to receive trophies and cash prizes.

A series of category winners in the Volunteer of the Year awards will also receive silverware at the Royal Automobile Club. They are:

Clerks/Stewards: Colin Prest

Marshals: Jackie Spencer

Other: Niall McGonigle