National Autotest Championship Update - Round 3 - 23/06/24

National Autotest Championship Update - Round 3 - 23/06/24

Round 3 Entries open on Stopastride, event details, and championship update, in replies below!

National level autotesting is back for 2024, but with more than a few changes!

There will be 6-7 rounds, with one drop score and there will be 2 types of test suited to all types of cars!

All details about the Championship and upcoming events can be found here: MI National Autotest Championship

Most rounds are easily accessible from Dublin: The TDC, Kildare MC and Laois RSC events are less than an hour from the M50 with the Birr MC, and Midland MC rounds not much further out.

The most significant change is the introduction of the new "Challenge" competition, and the national title for the overall winner that goes with it! The National Autotest Challenge will see competitors taking on tests specifically designed with road cars in mind. If you own a lightweight and prefer a fast test... don't worry, we have classes to accommodate you too. Nobody is forced to do the "Championship" layouts!

The "Championship" section will see the return of tests specifically designed with lightweight cars in mind, and will mirror the NI and MSUK championships. Tests will be designed to challenge experts and prepare people for team competitions like the Ken Wharton and Ronnie Trouton International Autotest events!

Of course novices haven't been forgotten about! The "Europa Cup" is returning and will be a sub-section of the Challenge and open to novices only!

We have a few TDC members already entered and would be delighted to welcome more on the startline on Sunday!

Last edited by guyfo on Wed Jun 12, 2024 7:18 am; edited 2 times in total

Diagrams for Sunday's Event have been uploaded to irishautotesting.com

Link https://www.irishautotesting.com/mi-round-1-updates.html

Current Entry List

Adam Lowry Mini Special 1
Andrew O Donohoe VW Buggy F2
Austin Quille Toyota Starlet F1
Brian Kingston Suzuki Ignis F1
Chris Grimes Jnr Mini Special 1
Chris Grimes Snr Mini Saloon 3
Ciaran Dwyer Toyota Starlet F1
Colm Dwyer Toyota Starlet F1
Damien Doran Mini Saloon 3
Daniel O Donohoe MG Midget F2
Danny O Donohoe MG Midget F2
Darren Quille Westfield Se 2
David Thompson Vauxhall Nova 4
Guy Foster Mini Special 1
James Mansfield Mazda Mx5 F2
Ken Irwin Mini Special 1
Liam Cashman Vauxhall Nova 4
Peter Falvey Westfield Se 2
Peter Grimes Mini Special 1
Philip O Reilly Toyota Starlet F1

Round 2 will be held in Rosenallis Co.Laois and organised by the Laois RallySport Club.

Entries were late opening but are now live via www.Stopastride.com and all details about this event, including PDF test diagrams etc are available on www.IrishAutotesting.com

Thanks for the TDC support at round 1, we can see a few familiar faces entered for round 2 already!

The Motorsport Ireland National Autotest Championship and Challenge heads to Punchestown Racecourse on Sunday 23rd June for Round 3 of this year's series!

Entries are now live via stopastride: Enter Round 3 Now

County Kildare Motor Club have been pulling out all the stops for their return to championship-level autotesting with a fantastic venue and will also be using laser timing gear in addition to the Stopastride.com live timing service! There will also be extended media coverage with live on-the-day updates, multiple photographers in attendance and a highlights video being produced!

As with all MI National level events, there will be 2 different competitions to enter on the day. The "Championship" consists of tests to suit lightweight cars with experienced drivers and the "Challenge" has tests designed to flow for roadgoing cars, novices and those in lightweight cars who prefer more open tests. With the entry costing just €50 per driver, there has never been a more accessible way into National level motorsport.

See full details about CKMC's event, and the Championship & Challenge on irishautotesting.com

Will you be on the start-line?

Championship and Challenge Update

Looking to the overall standings, the drivers in the Championship section will have some extra pressure over the next few events, with the results after Round 4 being used to set the team selection for the prestigious Ken Wharton International Autotest later this year!

Currently, reigning champion Guy Foster leads after a consistent start with 46 points. Round 1 winner Darren Quille is just 2 points behind on 44 points and is the top RWD competitor. Round 2 victor Peter Grimes leads a 3-way tie on 43 points for 3rd overall, alongside nephew Chris Grimes Jnr and the top placed small saloon driver Damien Doran. The large saloon drivers have completed 1 event each, with Toyota Starlet driver Liam Croston just one point ahead of David Thompson and Liam Cashman, who tie for 2nd in-class, both driving Vauxhall Novas.

In the Challenge, competition is also starting to heat up with road cars currently leading the way. James Mansfield sits on 47 points in his MX5 with Brian Kingston's Suzuki 3 points behind and Daniel O'Donoghue in the family MG Midget another 3 points further back in 3rd. A drop score means that drivers such as Philip O'Reilly, Austin Quille and Rob Fenlon may throw a surprise later in the season, having completed 1 round apiece and scoring some impressive results!

In the novice standings, Daniel O'Donoghue, sharing the MG with his dad, holds a slender 2-point lead over Starlet driver Ciaran Dwyer in what is turning out to be a FWD vs RWD battle for the Europa Cup!