Tom Hutchings (aka Hutch)
Some say Tom can talk the language of rally cars, and that he has been known to fit 'magic tyres' on occasion. All we know is that the car is more likely to make the finish with him running the service area.
Tom has been brought up with rallying, and as a fully qualified mechanic he combines his passion for cars with his technical skill and meticulous attention to detail. His enthusiasm for everything rally is rivalled only by his impressive statistical knowledge of rally cars, drivers and events - if Hutch wasn't so convenient on the tongue, we'd call him "Mr Rally Top Trumps"!
Tom leads the preparation of the cars, from routine rebuilds to setting up the complex Proflex suspension and in-depth engine work. On an event Tom's quick thinking and logical approach are matched only by his determination and ability to produce the results and keep a cool head in situations that leave the rest of us shaking our heads in frustration. Put simply, when the pressure's on and the job just can't be done - with Tom heading up the technical team - it can.
Tom also comes into his own when it comes to the crucial physics of competition tyre technology. His (at the time) questionable tyre strategy on one particular rally paid off when the team made it to the finish without any punctures, much to the surprise of other crews who were suffering with tyre failure throughout the event.
2009 saw Tom take a big role in the team, even taking his motorsport debut co-driving beside Paul in the Ka. He's an invaluable asset to the team, and we feel ten times more confident when he's with us!
Look out for plenty more action from Tom in 2010; his own rally car is nearing completion and his co-driving skills are already in demand!
Round 4 of the REIS Get Connected BTRDA Rally Championship – The Plains Rally
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