Club History
1952
The Durham Automobile Club was established in 1952 by a group of motoring enthusiasts, many of whom enjoyed participating in the Monte Carlo Rally. For the first ten years, the Club annually sent several competitors to this prestigious event. Initially, the Club held its meetings at the Cock O' the North Hotel.
However, by the early 1960s, as rallying became more professional, a new generation of competitive and determined members emerged, moving away from the casual atmosphere of the original "jolly chaps" who founded the Club.
After a brief period at the Garden House pub, the Club relocated to the Salutation at Framwellgate Moor, where it would stay for the next 20 years. During the following 15 years, the popularity of club-level motorsport surged, leading to an increase in membership that exceeded 300. The primary activities for members, besides a vibrant social scene, included road rallies and autotests, with some members advancing to the highest levels of competition.
1970
By the mid-1970s, the Durham Automobile Club had established itself as a formidable presence in the world of motorsport, regularly fielding four or five dedicated crews in the prestigious Lombard RAC Rally. Club members showcased their exceptional skills and determination, achieving notable success by clinching both Regional and National Championships. Over the last four decades, the club has been home to some of the most accomplished and celebrated drivers in the region, each contributing to its rich legacy and vibrant automotive community.
1980
By the late 1980s, the vibrancy of club-level motorsport began to wane, leading to a noticeable decline in membership across numerous clubs. This downturn resulted in the closure of many organisations, leaving only eight that continue to operate in the region today. Throughout this transitional period, the Durham Automobile Club was dynamic in its approach, holding meetings at various locations before ultimately settling in the charming Willington area for several years.
The club’s primary focus during this time was the Durham Dales Rally, a beloved event that has proudly celebrated over 50 years of motorsport tradition. In addition to this marquee rally, the club organised a full roster of autotests, drawing competitors from all corners of the North East. Among these regular participants were the well-known duo, Russ Swift and his son Paul, who added both skill and excitement to the events. The enduring passion for motorsport within this community helped to foster a sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm, even amidst the challenges faced during that era.
Today
In recent years, the Durham Dales Rally, held at Nissan, was renamed the Wearside Classic Rally in 2013 and is now a navigational rally. The Club returned to the Salutation in 2014, but its sudden closure in 2015 left the Club without a permanent home; they now meet at the Honest Lawyer in Croxdale.
Over the past 70 years, the Club has produced numerous Regional and National Champions. Notable members include Fred Henderson, Steve Petch, Russell Close, and David Henderson, who won various championships in the 1970s, 1980s, and early 2000s. Richard Pinkney achieved back-to-back victories in the British Auto Test Championship in 2013 and 2014.
While the Club used to host an End-of-Season Dinner to present awards, it hasn’t held the event since 2019 due to changing trends. Everyone is welcome to join and participate in marshalling and events throughout the North East. The Club remains active, promoting social events, auto tests, and grassroots rallying. Members engage in Stage, Navigational, and Historic Rallies, Rallycross, Car Trials, Karting, Circuit Racing, and Auto Tests.
1952
The Durham Automobile Club was established in 1952 by a group of motoring enthusiasts, many of whom enjoyed participating in the Monte Carlo Rally. For the first ten years, the Club annually sent several competitors to this prestigious event. Initially, the Club held its meetings at the Cock O' the North Hotel.
However, by the early 1960s, as rallying became more professional, a new generation of competitive and determined members emerged, moving away from the casual atmosphere of the original "jolly chaps" who founded the Club.
After a brief period at the Garden House pub, the Club relocated to the Salutation at Framwellgate Moor, where it would stay for the next 20 years. During the following 15 years, the popularity of club-level motorsport surged, leading to an increase in membership that exceeded 300. The primary activities for members, besides a vibrant social scene, included road rallies and autotests, with some members advancing to the highest levels of competition.
1970
By the mid-1970s, the Durham Automobile Club had established itself as a formidable presence in the world of motorsport, regularly fielding four or five dedicated crews in the prestigious Lombard RAC Rally. Club members showcased their exceptional skills and determination, achieving notable success by clinching both Regional and National Championships. Over the last four decades, the club has been home to some of the most accomplished and celebrated drivers in the region, each contributing to its rich legacy and vibrant automotive community.
1980
By the late 1980s, the vibrancy of club-level motorsport began to wane, leading to a noticeable decline in membership across numerous clubs. This downturn resulted in the closure of many organisations, leaving only eight that continue to operate in the region today. Throughout this transitional period, the Durham Automobile Club was dynamic in its approach, holding meetings at various locations before ultimately settling in the charming Willington area for several years.
The club’s primary focus during this time was the Durham Dales Rally, a beloved event that has proudly celebrated over 50 years of motorsport tradition. In addition to this marquee rally, the club organised a full roster of autotests, drawing competitors from all corners of the North East. Among these regular participants were the well-known duo, Russ Swift and his son Paul, who added both skill and excitement to the events. The enduring passion for motorsport within this community helped to foster a sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm, even amidst the challenges faced during that era.
Today
In recent years, the Durham Dales Rally, held at Nissan, was renamed the Wearside Classic Rally in 2013 and is now a navigational rally. The Club returned to the Salutation in 2014, but its sudden closure in 2015 left the Club without a permanent home; they now meet at the Honest Lawyer in Croxdale.
Over the past 70 years, the Club has produced numerous Regional and National Champions. Notable members include Fred Henderson, Steve Petch, Russell Close, and David Henderson, who won various championships in the 1970s, 1980s, and early 2000s. Richard Pinkney achieved back-to-back victories in the British Auto Test Championship in 2013 and 2014.
While the Club used to host an End-of-Season Dinner to present awards, it hasn’t held the event since 2019 due to changing trends. Everyone is welcome to join and participate in marshalling and events throughout the North East. The Club remains active, promoting social events, auto tests, and grassroots rallying. Members engage in Stage, Navigational, and Historic Rallies, Rallycross, Car Trials, Karting, Circuit Racing, and Auto Tests.
1952
The Durham Automobile Club was established in 1952 by a group of motoring enthusiasts, many of whom enjoyed participating in the Monte Carlo Rally. For the first ten years, the Club annually sent several competitors to this prestigious event. Initially, the Club held its meetings at the Cock O' the North Hotel.
However, by the early 1960s, as rallying became more professional, a new generation of competitive and determined members emerged, moving away from the casual atmosphere of the original "jolly chaps" who founded the Club.
After a brief period at the Garden House pub, the Club relocated to the Salutation at Framwellgate Moor, where it would stay for the next 20 years. During the following 15 years, the popularity of club-level motorsport surged, leading to an increase in membership that exceeded 300. The primary activities for members, besides a vibrant social scene, included road rallies and autotests, with some members advancing to the highest levels of competition.
1970
By the mid-1970s, the Durham Automobile Club had established itself as a formidable presence in the world of motorsport, regularly fielding four or five dedicated crews in the prestigious Lombard RAC Rally. Club members showcased their exceptional skills and determination, achieving notable success by clinching both Regional and National Championships. Over the last four decades, the club has been home to some of the most accomplished and celebrated drivers in the region, each contributing to its rich legacy and vibrant automotive community.
1980
By the late 1980s, the vibrancy of club-level motorsport began to wane, leading to a noticeable decline in membership across numerous clubs. This downturn resulted in the closure of many organisations, leaving only eight that continue to operate in the region today. Throughout this transitional period, the Durham Automobile Club was dynamic in its approach, holding meetings at various locations before ultimately settling in the charming Willington area for several years.
The club’s primary focus during this time was the Durham Dales Rally, a beloved event that has proudly celebrated over 50 years of motorsport tradition. In addition to this marquee rally, the club organised a full roster of autotests, drawing competitors from all corners of the North East. Among these regular participants were the well-known duo, Russ Swift and his son Paul, who added both skill and excitement to the events. The enduring passion for motorsport within this community helped to foster a sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm, even amidst the challenges faced during that era.
Today
In recent years, the Durham Dales Rally, held at Nissan, was renamed the Wearside Classic Rally in 2013 and is now a navigational rally. The Club returned to the Salutation in 2014, but its sudden closure in 2015 left the Club without a permanent home; they now meet at the Honest Lawyer in Croxdale.
Over the past 70 years, the Club has produced numerous Regional and National Champions. Notable members include Fred Henderson, Steve Petch, Russell Close, and David Henderson, who won various championships in the 1970s, 1980s, and early 2000s. Richard Pinkney achieved back-to-back victories in the British Auto Test Championship in 2013 and 2014.
While the Club used to host an End-of-Season Dinner to present awards, it hasn’t held the event since 2019 due to changing trends. Everyone is welcome to join and participate in marshalling and events throughout the North East. The Club remains active, promoting social events, auto tests, and grassroots rallying. Members engage in Stage, Navigational, and Historic Rallies, Rallycross, Car Trials, Karting, Circuit Racing, and Auto Tests.
1952
The Durham Automobile Club was established in 1952 by a group of motoring enthusiasts, many of whom enjoyed participating in the Monte Carlo Rally. For the first ten years, the Club annually sent several competitors to this prestigious event. Initially, the Club held its meetings at the Cock O' the North Hotel.
However, by the early 1960s, as rallying became more professional, a new generation of competitive and determined members emerged, moving away from the casual atmosphere of the original "jolly chaps" who founded the Club.
After a brief period at the Garden House pub, the Club relocated to the Salutation at Framwellgate Moor, where it would stay for the next 20 years. During the following 15 years, the popularity of club-level motorsport surged, leading to an increase in membership that exceeded 300. The primary activities for members, besides a vibrant social scene, included road rallies and autotests, with some members advancing to the highest levels of competition.
1970
By the mid-1970s, the Durham Automobile Club had established itself as a formidable presence in the world of motorsport, regularly fielding four or five dedicated crews in the prestigious Lombard RAC Rally. Club members showcased their exceptional skills and determination, achieving notable success by clinching both Regional and National Championships. Over the last four decades, the club has been home to some of the most accomplished and celebrated drivers in the region, each contributing to its rich legacy and vibrant automotive community.
1980
By the late 1980s, the vibrancy of club-level motorsport began to wane, leading to a noticeable decline in membership across numerous clubs. This downturn resulted in the closure of many organisations, leaving only eight that continue to operate in the region today. Throughout this transitional period, the Durham Automobile Club was dynamic in its approach, holding meetings at various locations before ultimately settling in the charming Willington area for several years.
The club’s primary focus during this time was the Durham Dales Rally, a beloved event that has proudly celebrated over 50 years of motorsport tradition. In addition to this marquee rally, the club organised a full roster of autotests, drawing competitors from all corners of the North East. Among these regular participants were the well-known duo, Russ Swift and his son Paul, who added both skill and excitement to the events. The enduring passion for motorsport within this community helped to foster a sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm, even amidst the challenges faced during that era.
Today
In recent years, the Durham Dales Rally, held at Nissan, was renamed the Wearside Classic Rally in 2013 and is now a navigational rally. The Club returned to the Salutation in 2014, but its sudden closure in 2015 left the Club without a permanent home; they now meet at the Honest Lawyer in Croxdale.
Over the past 70 years, the Club has produced numerous Regional and National Champions. Notable members include Fred Henderson, Steve Petch, Russell Close, and David Henderson, who won various championships in the 1970s, 1980s, and early 2000s. Richard Pinkney achieved back-to-back victories in the British Auto Test Championship in 2013 and 2014.
While the Club used to host an End-of-Season Dinner to present awards, it hasn’t held the event since 2019 due to changing trends. Everyone is welcome to join and participate in marshalling and events throughout the North East. The Club remains active, promoting social events, auto tests, and grassroots rallying. Members engage in Stage, Navigational, and Historic Rallies, Rallycross, Car Trials, Karting, Circuit Racing, and Auto Tests.
Club History
1952
The Durham Automobile Club was established in 1952 by a group of motoring enthusiasts, many of whom enjoyed participating in the Monte Carlo Rally. For the first ten years, the Club annually sent several competitors to this prestigious event. Initially, the Club held its meetings at the Cock O' the North Hotel.
However, by the early 1960s, as rallying became more professional, a new generation of competitive and determined members emerged, moving away from the casual atmosphere of the original "jolly chaps" who founded the Club.
After a brief period at the Garden House pub, the Club relocated to the Salutation at Framwellgate Moor, where it would stay for the next 20 years. During the following 15 years, the popularity of club-level motorsport surged, leading to an increase in membership that exceeded 300. The primary activities for members, besides a vibrant social scene, included road rallies and autotests, with some members advancing to the highest levels of competition.
1970
By the mid-1970s, the Durham Automobile Club had established itself as a formidable presence in the world of motorsport, regularly fielding four or five dedicated crews in the prestigious Lombard RAC Rally. Club members showcased their exceptional skills and determination, achieving notable success by clinching both Regional and National Championships. Over the last four decades, the club has been home to some of the most accomplished and celebrated drivers in the region, each contributing to its rich legacy and vibrant automotive community.
1980
By the late 1980s, the vibrancy of club-level motorsport began to wane, leading to a noticeable decline in membership across numerous clubs. This downturn resulted in the closure of many organisations, leaving only eight that continue to operate in the region today. Throughout this transitional period, the Durham Automobile Club was dynamic in its approach, holding meetings at various locations before ultimately settling in the charming Willington area for several years.
The club’s primary focus during this time was the Durham Dales Rally, a beloved event that has proudly celebrated over 50 years of motorsport tradition. In addition to this marquee rally, the club organised a full roster of autotests, drawing competitors from all corners of the North East. Among these regular participants were the well-known duo, Russ Swift and his son Paul, who added both skill and excitement to the events. The enduring passion for motorsport within this community helped to foster a sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm, even amidst the challenges faced during that era.
Today
In recent years, the Durham Dales Rally, held at Nissan, was renamed the Wearside Classic Rally in 2013 and is now a navigational rally. The Club returned to the Salutation in 2014, but its sudden closure in 2015 left the Club without a permanent home; they now meet at the Honest Lawyer in Croxdale.
Over the past 70 years, the Club has produced numerous Regional and National Champions. Notable members include Fred Henderson, Steve Petch, Russell Close, and David Henderson, who won various championships in the 1970s, 1980s, and early 2000s. Richard Pinkney achieved back-to-back victories in the British Auto Test Championship in 2013 and 2014.
While the Club used to host an End-of-Season Dinner to present awards, it hasn’t held the event since 2019 due to changing trends. Everyone is welcome to join and participate in marshalling and events throughout the North East. The Club remains active, promoting social events, auto tests, and grassroots rallying. Members engage in Stage, Navigational, and Historic Rallies, Rallycross, Car Trials, Karting, Circuit Racing, and Auto Tests.