A Sporting Trial or “Mudplug” is a non-speed competition which involves advancing a specially built trials car over rugged, hilly, and often muddy terrain, as far as is physically possible, without striking laid out markers defining the route of the course.
It is very much a competitive, fun, family-type sport, with many regular competitors. Sporting Trials is an economical sport to be involved in and double driving is permitted, thereby helping to share running/repair costs.
TYPES OF VEHICLES
The vehicles used are generally home built to fixed specifications which minimises outlay on components. The common conversion is based on the humble VW Beetle although in recent years more custom cars with motorbike engines and commercially available inexpensive all terrain type tyres are used. Overall exact specifications are published in Appendix 88 of the Motorsport Ireland Yearbook.
WHERE AND WHEN
Sporting Trials are generally held on farmland in the Dublin / Wicklow area and events take place during the Autumn and Winter months, between September and April.
View Events Calendar
LICENCE REQUIREMENTS AND STARTING AGE
A clubman category "Junior" or "National B" grade licence is required. The minimum age is 10 years. Competitors under 18 years of age require written permission from parents or guardians. A Road Traffic Act licence and a doctor’s certificate are not required. 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 Sporting Trials the first step is to contact Motorsport Ireland by phone on (+353) 0 1 677 5628 or email [email protected]. Motorsport Ireland annually publishes a Yearbook containing all the rules and regulations for Irish Motorsport with Appendix 88 catering for Sporting Trials. The full Yearbook is available to view on this website as is the calendar of events. To apply for a licence, please click here. For further information on Sporting Trials, please visit www.sportingcartrials.info.
View Yearbook
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Competition cars must have a roll-bar, fire extinguisher, and a rope.
SPECIAL CLOTHING
No special safety gear is required for Sporting Trials. However, the following is recommended; Warm, tear proof, all weather outdoor clothing, and a good sturdy pair of wellingtons or waterproof boots.