Junior Autotesting - A new path into Irish Motorsport
Autotesting is Ireland's most accessible and affordable motorsport, and it has just become even easier to take part! For 2026, new rules have been approved by the MI Autotest Commission, lowering the minimum age for new competitors.
The sport, a trial of control and agility against the clock, has long been a proving ground for drivers and is now becoming an official part of the ladder into rallying and the J1000 series. Future entrants to J1000 must now take part in at least 3 autotests to hone their skills before taking to the stages.
Drivers from the age of 12 can now get behind the wheel in autotests using FWD cars up to 1350cc. These can be standard roadgoing cars or lightened saloons with open differentials. For safety reasons, junior competitors must also carry an adult passenger alongside them.
January's opening round of the Motorsport Ireland National Autotesting Championship, held by Carrick-on-Suir Motor Club, was the first to take place since the changes and saw some new faces join the sport. Oran Giles and Jack Johnston became the youngest competitors ever to take part in an Irish autotest event!
Both drivers come from families with serious motorsport pedigrees. Jack's father Sam was overall winner of the Border Rally Championship and former frontrunner in the National Autotesting Championship. Oran has become a third-generation autotester, following in the wheel tracks of his father Don and late grandfather Norman. The lads were immediately trading times, with Oran in his lightweight 998cc Mini Saloon and Jack in a heavier, but more powerful, 1.3L Toyota Yaris. At the end of the day Jack came out on top by just under 16 seconds in what is expected to be the first of many battles to come between junior competitors!
Round 2 of the National Championship takes place this Sunday just outside Roscommon town and will be ran by Midland Motor Club, and entries are still available!
You can see full details about the upcoming event, the sport in general, and all the info you need to get started yourself via the new IrishAutotesting.com website. We look forward to seeing more new (and young) faces joining the sport in the near future!
