International Autotesting returns to Northern Ireland

The niche sport of “Autotesting”, a complex trial of precision driving against the clock, has seen a major resurgence in Northern Ireland over the last few years. A total rethink of the sports top level by the NI Championship organisers to increase complexity for experts and introduce new simpler layouts for road going cars, novices and clubmen has saw an explosion in the popularity of one of motorsports oldest disciplines. Their 21st century approach to the events with public venues, online promotion, live timing, and a clear path of progression through the ranks for prospective participants has resulted in massive entries and transformed the competition into the leading precision driving series anywhere in Europe!

On Saturday 4th November 2023 things step up another gear with “The Ronnie Trouton International Autotests” seeing a return of International level Autotesting to the island of Ireland! Teams from across Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic will descend on TTS Nutts Corner in Co. Antrim to do battle in what will be the biggest international Autotesting event in living memory with up to 70 drivers expected to take part!

The new event’s title honours Ronnie Trouton MBE, a man who’s passion for Autotesting knows no bounds, has been a great ambassador for Motorsport in general, and Autotesting in particular. His contributions, while too numerous to list in full, include holding Dungannon MC and ANICC secretary positions as well as being a key player in the creation of the Autotest Specialist committee and holding the position of it’s chairperson for 19 years, it is fitting indeed that his name be associated to the new “Jewel in the Crown” of autotesting on our Island.

The Ronnie Trouton International is seen as the Ultimate Autotest Team Challenge, celebrating both Expert and Clubmen competitors. The Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs Autotest Specialist Committee had been in discussions regarding the event for some time, and were delighted to finally see their plans come to life in conjunction with the NI Autotest Championship Clubs.

The event itself will see Expert teams of four drivers and Clubmen teams of three drivers from the different regions, tackle tests at the Transport Training Services premises at Nutt’s Corner, Antrim with competition due to get underway at  9:30am. At time of writing entries are flooding in with massive support from both sides of the water, it’s shaping up to be one of the highlights of the NI Motorsport calendar.

Spectators are more than welcome, and in for a real treat at this event, it’s definitely not one to be missed! So put the date in your diary and get down to TTS to check out the action!