Motorsport Ireland National Autotest Championship - Round 1 Recap
Round 1 of the IrishAutotesting.com Motorsport Ireland National Autotest Championship got underway on January 18th, hosted by the Carrick-on-Suir Motor Club at Suir Shipping Limited. Despite chilly January conditions, the event drew 24 competitors. The entry list was well-balanced: eight drivers competed in the Lightweight Championship, six in the newly introduced Roadgoing Championship, and nine in the Challenge category.
The Lightweight Championship saw reigning champion Peter Grimes begin his title defence in style, clinching the fastest time of the day (FTD) in his Mini Special. Peter Falvey secured second place in his Westfield and also took the class win. Chris Grimes Jnr. finished third, sharing the Mini Special with Peter Grimes and claiming his own class victory. Jack Lowry, running third after the opening two tests in his Mini Saloon, was forced to retire after a mechanical failure on the first run of test three.
John Nolan took a commanding win in the Roadgoing Championship in his Toyota Starlet. Garrett Kennedy returned in his Mazda MX5, securing second place and the class win. Austin Quille came third in his Starlet and also won his class. John McAssey looked set for second after two tests, but two unlucky runs in test three left him fourth overall.
The Challenge division mixed newcomers and veterans. Twelve-year-olds Jack Johnston (Toyota Yaris) and Oran Giles (Mini 1000) made debuts thanks to a new age rule. Liam Cashman clocked the fastest time in his Vauxhall Nova, with Liam Croston (Starlet) and Anthony Freeney (Westfield) rounding out the top three.
Club member Seamus Anderson was the fastest Novice of the day, followed by the two junior competitors, Jack Johnston and Oran Giles.
Thanks to Carrick-on-Suir Motor Club, officials, and marshals for a fantastic event and to Suir Shipping Limited for a great venue. There is still plenty of time to get involved! There are eight rounds this year, with six counting towards the championship results. The next round will be hosted by Midland Motor Club and takes place in Roscommon on 8th February 2026.