Endurance Trials are designed to provide a cheap introduction to motorsport. They are a variant of Night Navigation events (rather than a variant of Stage Rallying) but the competitive part of the event takes place on Selectives, which are closed to other traffic.
The Selectives are held on private grounds, such as farm roads, and they vary in length. Some tests will be quite short while others may be several kilometres in length. There is no competitive driving on roads open to the public, but you must drive on public roads to reach the Selectives, aided by a navigator who will guide you using a road book.
TYPES OF VEHICLES
Pretty much any car is eligible as long as it is not four-wheel drive, but to be eligible for overall awards, cars must conform to the technical regulations laid out in Appendix 35 Article 27 of the Motorsport Ireland Yearbook. There are two such Endurance classes, one for cars up to 1000cc and another for cars up to 1400cc. Only very limited modification is allowed with the emphasis placed on keeping costs low and fun high. Toyota Starlets tend to be the most popular choice of car.
WHERE AND WHEN
The Endurance Trial Championship, which runs from January to October, consists of rounds organised by ALMC, Birr and Monaghan. View the Motorsport Ireland calendar of events for details.
View Events Calendar
LICENCE REQUIREMENTS AND STARTING AGE
A Clubman Road is the minimum licence requirement to drive in an Endurance Trial. You must also hold a valid Road Traffic Act driving licence. Drivers must also hold IRDS insurance cover which can be applied for through Motorsport Ireland. The minimum age for navigators is 16 years old and a navigator can compete on a Rally “Navigator” or higher-grade licence. Competitors under 18 years of age require written permission from parents or guardians. A first-time licence costs as little as €50 if you are a member of a Motorsport Ireland affiliated Motor Club.
Apply for a Competition Licence
HOW TO GET STARTED
If you are interested in getting started in Endurance Trials, the first step is to contact Motorsport Ireland by phone on 01 677 5628 or email [email protected]. Motorsport Ireland annually publishes a Yearbook containing all the rules and regulations for Irish Motorsport, with Appendix 35 catering for Endurance Trials.
View Yearbook
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Endurance Trial regulations require very little modification to cars. However, the fitting of a sump guard and spot lamps is recommended, and harness type seat-belts must be fitted. Crews are required to carry high visibility vests as some tests can take place in darkness. If you are running either of the Endurance classes, a control tyre must be used on the driven wheels.
SPECIAL CLOTHING
No special clothing is required for Endurance Trials.
Learn about our Navigation & Endurance Trial Championships