Autotests
Please note that this is only a brief outline of what is involved. If you wish to know more then our club nights are a great source of information and there will always be someone there who will answer any questions you may have.
What is it?
Autotesting is an ideal starting point for your motorsport journey.
There are two types of Autotest – grass and tarmac and they differ only in the surface that they are run on. We focus on grass ones.
An autotest consists of a course laid out with a series of cones. You are given a route diagram which will illustrate the correct course that you have to take around these. All you have to do is drive against the clock getting the course right. Autotests let you learn and practice car control as well as provide a chance to get that speed quick with little to no wear and tear on the car. This is also the only form of motor sport where you use reverse deliberately in order to execute superb manoeuvres and challenge yourself.
It is great fun with a variety of quick routes and slower more technical ones to truly test your driving skills.
What do I need to get started?
Ages:
You can be just 14 years of age to start competing in autotests all you need is a willing passenger with a full RTA licence that’s willing to help you navigate your way around the courses. Subject to the follow:
a) The vehicle must by de
finition be a’touring car’
b) Engine capacity must not exceed 1400cc
c) Forced induction is not permitted
For drivers who are 16+ without a full RTA licence you no longer need a passenger to guide you but the same rules above to apply.
It is an ideal introduction for the novice driver, who will learn more about car control in two hours than they will in years on the road in a supervised environment, or driving around the nearest supermarket car park.
Paperwork
All you need is a club membership card and a Motorsport UK RS Clubman license (see link below).
https://motorsportuk.sport80.com/public/wizard/a/1297/home
Vehicle
Any roadworthy car is acceptable and we have seen most types of vehicle compete, even a Volvo estate. There are various classes for the different types of vehicle so that you will be competing against similar cars.
Useful items (Not essential there’s always people around to lend a helping hand)
A good tyre pressure gauge, as tyres on the driven axle are usually let down to around 20psi for better traction.
A foot pump or compressor (depending on how lazy you are!) to pump the tyres back up again when you have finished.
A ground sheet or something similar to empty all the accumulated “useful” items out of the boot including the spare wheel.
A piece of wood to put under the jack if you need to change a wheel.
What will it cost
Entry fees are currently from £25 per event for our evening series, which generally gives you two attempts at six different tests.
When does it happen
The club runs a weekday evening series consisting of 6 rounds during the summer months (see calendar for dates).