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Autotesting requires the driver to manouv...manoov...manovr..ahem..drive his car round a set course between bollards using a defined route as quickly as he/she can. The bollards or cones are used to create ‘garages’, ‘gates’ or tight corners and penalties (usually 10 seconds) are given for any hit, which are added to the time taken. Failure to stop astride lines also carry penalties.
There are different classes based on engine capacity and size and type of vehicle. Most competitive cars for overall awards are Mini-based or sports cars. Lots of practice and skill is required to win, but they are, of course, great fun. The ability to control a car in a tight space can be invaluable in other branches of motor sport
Licences are required to suit the status of the event, however your Club card is all you need for an event just for KDMC members.
The car needs to comply with the usual non-tipping seats, a throttle spring on each throttle spindle and everything securely fastened down. A good handbrake is needed but skilled use of this is an art form! Anyone can spin a car round but just try it without letting the car’s motion stop and point it in the right direction.
Whilst most autotests are held on tarmac, usually a car park, there are some held on grass. In fact KDMC runs a series during the summer months consisting of 4 rounds counting towards a championship. These are usually more open but can be quite slippery. They are an ideal introduction to the sport.
The organisers provide a diagram of each test and it is usual to ‘walk’ the course. This can lead to the rather amusing sight of several people walking round a field sometimes backwards!
When your time comes to start, you line your car up on the line and start in your own reasonable time after the timekeeper is ready. You then complete the course as fast as possible trying not to hit anything, finishing with a stop astride the finish line. Go too far and there’s more penalties.
So why not give it a try? The grass autotests are an ideal starting point and great fun!
Duncan Wild
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