Engine Punk

Torum on the 2021 Launceston Trial I first came across Torum outside Georgie Mellor’s engine tuning establishment in Plymouth. I’d brought my Siva Llama there in an attempt to rectify a lack of puff above 60 mph and outside was what you might call a “cobby” trials car. This would have been around 1999, by which time Joe Caudle and Andy Prosser were successfully campaigning Torum in classic long-distance trials. Torum began in 1985 as a Midge, a component car built to plans offered by John Cowperthwaite of JC Sports Cars. For about £30, an enthusiast received templates and plans to turn a tatty Triumph Herald or Spitfire into a vintage-styled sports car. After getting so far with the project, family commitments and a career in teaching intervened for 10 years before Joe could resume construction. I asked Joe how he got into motorsport.   “I first remember becoming interested in motorsport and cars at an early age when my Uncle Harry used to visit. He went to the Grand Prix r...

Geoff Westcott and Michelle Maidment climb Fingle on their CCM oufit I've just got back wet and muddy, cold and tired but very happy from Fingle Bridge, near Drewsteignton on the northern edge of Dartmoor. I was spectating on the Exeter Trial. This is real grass roots motorsport and a few tree roots came past my ears today not to mention mud and stones. Anecdotal evidence suggested that it was wetter this year but last year I got soaked watching at Simms, near Ilsington. Bill Rosten was really unlucky with a flat tyre As usual, I saw quite a few of my mates. I've either marshalled or competed for some years now and sometimes we often don't see each other for years but we just know that we're out there, somewhere. It's a Troll On a price per mile basis, classic trials are brilliant value. Sadly, the organising body, the Motor Cycling Club, has to put in a tremendous PR effort with each event to allow them to continue. The fun police are sniffi...