Irish Autotesting Goes International
This weekend, get ready for the most anticipated event of the autotest calendar - the Ken Wharton International Autotest!
Autotesting is a competition of driving agility, drivers complete routes known as ‘tests’ from memory using both forwards and reverse gears (and liberal use of the handbrake!). The driver is required to cross all lines marked on the ground with the car's leading wheels, park in ‘garages’, perform ‘nose throws’ (J-turns) and ‘forward throws’ (handbrake turns).
"The Wharton" is a prestigious competition dating back over 60 years, and brings together national teams from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland to determine which country boasts the fastest precision drivers. The drivers have spent their seasons earning their spots on their teams by competing in their respective championships. They will compete in a test of driving skill, precision, and speed against the clock on the longest and most complex tests seen in the sport, a step above those seen on club and national level competitions, designed to challenge the best the discipline has to offer. The stakes are high, and the competition will be fierce!
The Republic of Ireland team has a rich history of success, with multiple overall wins across the event's long history, and this year they're sending a very strong team to contend for their first victory in over a decade. Reigning British and Irish Champion Peter Grimes will drive his trusty Vauxhall-powered special, and his brother Chris, a multiple Irish small saloon class champion, will be at the wheel of his Classic Mini. Current Irish Autotest Championship leader Darren Quille will be the sports car class driver with his Westfield 7, and former UK, Irish, and NI large saloon champion David Thompson returns to competition in his highly modified Vauxhall Nova. The team is being kindly supported by the Trial Drivers Club and Thompson's Garage and Tyre Centre.
The venue for this epic battle will be the picturesque Peartree Inn & Country Hotel in Worcestershire, with the event taking place this Saturday, 10th October. Don't miss out on the excitement, you can follow the action via the livestream on www.hillclimb.tv, with live timing available via www.stopastride.live