Autotest Spectating

Remember Russ Swift’s driving antics in various television adverts? Well it was all learned when he competed in autotests.

Autotests take place in car parks, grass fields and on old airfields, nearly every weekend, but be warned, such temporary venues do not provide the same level of facilities you’ll find at venues such as Silverstone or Brands Hatch. They are tests of driving skill around a series of challenging courses laid out with plastic cones or markers. Drivers have to manoeuvre around the course as fast as possible, but without hitting the cones, because they are penalised time-wise if they do.

Handbrake turns, tightly controlled powerslides and the amazing ‘reverse flick’, which spins a car on its own length from full speed backwards to full speed forwards, are just some of the skills you will see.

Competing cars vary widely, from standard road cars to the strange ‘Autotest Specials’, which are usually Minis with the roof cut off and doors removed to allow the driver freedom of movement while he twists and turns around the obstacles.

But the weirdest thing you are likely to witness is when the drivers walk a test before they drive it in competition. The sight of grown adults walking backwards in unison around traffic cones is a real head-turner!

AUTOSOLOS

Just as popular as Autotests are Autosolos. These are easier to understand and follow because all the tests are driven in a forward direction. Each test is clearly marked with cones and tape so you can concentrate on watching the drivers fighting for victory rather than trying to remember where the course goes. Autosolos also show just how hard a standard car can be driven; despite their tyre-screeching antics, all the competitors are using their road cars, which have to be driven to the event.

For details of events click here GO FIND EVENTS

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