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 2009 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 five classes and 3 additional scoring classes for Juniors (under 25), Jubilee Drivers (over 45) and Ladies. New for 2009 is the Road Going Class E which is for cars which are capable of being driven on the road, are taxed and have an MOT. ests for cars in Class E may also be less demanding with the intention that all drivers in the class will be able to get round without excessive use of the handbrake.

Despite the apparent need for optimum power and handling capabilities it will be 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 2009 there was serious go at the championship with the end result a justly won 2nd Gold Star.

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 youngsters.

2009 Rules and dates
The above pdf download(s) require Acrobat Reader.

Autotest championship at mid season

Added: 29th June 2009

Paul Swift showed that he has lost none of his Gold Star winninga utotesting form by taking FTD at the Hartlepool event, the last in the first half of the season.