Autotests

Following most major RoadRallies of the 1950's was a tie deciding "Driving Test" involving simple manoeuvrability sections, which involved "parking the car" against the clock. Gradually Driving Tests became a discipline of motor sport of its own and in the 1960's developed into Autotests and Championships were formed, particularly one from the BTRDA®.

Autotests involve driving the car on a timed, predetermined memorised route, with penalties added for striking markers, bad positioning on the lines and not completing the test correctly.

The 2008 demon tweeks Direct BTRDA® Autotest Championship comprises 14 rounds at venues across England and Wales. Vehicles are classified according to overall length, body type, and engine size into seven classes. Showing that the organising committee listens to competitors, and seeing an encouraging number of new competitors in 2002, the class structure for 2003 re-introduced the under 11ft overall length under 1100cc class.

Despite the apparent need for optimum power and handling capabilities it is possible to be competitive in a standard road car, driver skill being the important ingredient.

Notable drivers who cut their teeth in the world of Autotesting include Trevor Smith (1991 National Rally Champion), the late Colin McRae (1991/1992 British Rally Champion and 1995 World Rally Champion) and Russ Swift (Professional Stunt Driver). Russ's son Paul has already topped his dads performance by winning the Gold star 4 times, in 2007 it was a double win with Paul also winning the MSA title. All this has been in the same car except that Russ drove the mini as a saloon and now it is a topless mini special.

In 1999, at 21 years old, Alastair Moffatt became the youngest winner of the Gold Star® Championship driving a mini special. He started championship autotesting at the age of 16 driving a 1.4 Nova. Alastair then went on to spend 2 years with the Bill Gywnne Junior Rally team. In 2000 it was 46 year old Tim Sargeant who was the champion in his 2 litre Dutton sports car. Autotesting is a sport for all ages.

In 2006 Alastair brought the mini special back out to have another go. To show that class really does pay, he got FTD on the second round of the 2006 championship at the difficult venue of the Foxley estate. It proves that autotest skills once learnt do not get forgotten. Alastair then went on to finish 2nd overall in the Gold Star championship. For 2008 there will be a serious go at the championship and with champion Paul Swift tied up with his display performances it is going to be an interesting season. Regular winners, Simon Echlan (Westfield) and Malcolm Livingston (Lotus 7) show that a sports car is still competitive.

Autotests will also feature in the BTRDA® Drive Motorsport News supported series with 2 of the evnts being used for novice drivers to have a go at in the Micra provided for the winning youngeters.