What is an Auto Test?
Cars run one at a time against the clock on a short course that lays emphasis on Driver skill, car handling and agility rather than speed or power. Speeds and hazards do not exceed those encountered in normal driving on the road. By avoiding the need for rescue units and medical crews the overall cost can be kept low.
All road cars may be suitable for the events, with classes separating competitors depending on the type of vehicle which is determined by engine size and whether it is modified.
The discipline is also very economical with officials, because the competitors marshal the course themselves.
The event is only open to both road-legal cars that are taxed, insured and MOT’d and Competition only vehicles, such as Grass-track specials. You need to be a member of an MSA (motorsports association club) affiliated club, which the IOWCC is, and a Full UK driving license in order to compete.
The test routes are marked by cones and you will incur penalties if you go wrong or hit the markers, but the main aim is to complete the test course smoothly and quickly – times are recorded breaking a light beam at the start and finish of the test and are recorded to 0.01 sec. accuracy.