Saturday 16th February 2019 saw the airfield in Millisle come alive to the sounds and manoeuvres for the local TSCC NI (thoroughbred sports car club) charity Autotest.
No papers or pens required for this test, but more the grey matter and a keen knowledge of your car and driving skills are put to use.
The winners of this event were:
1st Place – Mark Francis
2nd Place – Aaron Annett
3rd Place – Simon Brien
It was great to see Mark win on home ground as this would be his local event.
TSSC NI were delighted to have raised £500 for the NI Special Olympics Team on this occasion.
So what is Autotesting?
A course is laid out for drivers and it’s all about your car control. Your challenge is to negotiate around this course as quickly as possible without hitting any of the markers/cones. Penalties arise if you hit a marker. You will be required to memorise your route, having previously competed in some events a number of years ago this isn’t always as easy as it sounds.
Due to the low-speed of these tests you rarely see anything above first gear and reverse also comes into play. Handbrake turns feature a lot in numerous tests so practice at this would be an advantage.
You do not have to have a race license to compete in these events or any special safety equipment and you can attend in any type of car but a vehicle which is small, light and nibble would be in your favour. As you will see from the photo gallery Mazda MX5’s tend to be the most popular car choice.
Tests are carried out on different surfaces such as car parks, tarmac, grass areas and even been known to include fields. Although you don’t get a practice run you can walk the course before your two runs to help you to try and memorise the route.
The driver with the lowest time after penalties are added is the winner.
An example of a course from Millisle:
If you would like to find out more about Autotesting or even just wish to go and watch an event why not add TSCC NI to your facebook for up to date information:
https://www.facebook.com/Tscc-Ni-795126843896451/
Images: Jonathan Macdonald
[images must not be used in any way without prior written consent of the photographer]
