MI National Autotest Championship & Challenge heads west this Sunday!

National level Autotesting returns this weekend, with competitors headed for County Leitrim to take part in Round 5 of the Motorsport Ireland National Autotesting Championship & Challenge. Connacht Motor Club will host the event at the ElastoMetall Site just outside Manorhamilton and the tests being laid out by David Thompson will, as usual, feature versions to suit full weight cars and lightweight machines. Interested in entering yourself? One-day licences are available and there are even classes to suit standard road cars – you can see full details and a link to entries via IrishAutotesting.com.

With 4 rounds down and 3 to go, things are starting to heat up in the standings, with Brian Kingston currently at top of the Challenge section. The table currently shows him out in front with 93 points in his distinctive Suzuki Ignis, while James Mansfield sits 2nd on 86 points in his multi-discipline Mx5. That doesn’t tell the whole story though as, with 2 drop scores, drivers such as Damien Philips and Austin Quille are still very much in contention with one 0 score apiece, as well as wildcards Liam Cashman, John Nolan, Phillip O Reilly and Rob Fenlon showing impressive form, albeit having already having 2 drop scores. The race for the Europa Cup is also getting interesting with Daniel O Donoghue currently on top by just a handful of points in the novice category from Ciaran Dwyer when drop scores come into play!

Looking to the Championship section, reigning champion Guy Foster currently leads but, when drop scores are applied, multiple British and NI champion Peter Grimes edges out in front as, while Foster has been consistent, he hasn’t brought home an overall victory so far this season. On the other hand, Grimes has had some mechanical trouble but has piloted his Vauxhall-powered Special to victory on rounds 2 and 4 of the series when on form. Round 1 winner Darren Quille remains top RWD driver in his trusty Westfield and Peter Falvey will hope to gain some ground in the second half of the season as he continues to acclimatise himself to RWD machinery. Damien Doran has been on impressive form all season and leads the small saloon class from championship stalwart Chris Grimes Snr. while David Thompson remains top large saloon driver despite a season blighted by mechanical issues.

Interested in spectating or getting involved yourself? It couldn’t be easier – why not come along to an event and find out what the sport is all about, spectators are more than welcome to attend!