Revolution March 2026 Issue 84 84 | Page 12

FEATURE

Grassroots Contests to Grandstand Spectaculars

The new motorsport season gets going with a whole range of disciplines on offer – at all levels of competition. From grassroots autotesting and sporting trials to the flagships of British Touring Car Championship, British F4 and the British Rally Championship, there is plenty to see, hear and join in with.

British Autotest Championship

The ultimate test of car control, this championship may on first glance look like a collection of cones in a carpark – but it is home to some of the most talented drivers in the country.
What is it?
Running across 12 weekends during the year, it is a series of car control tests that challenge competitors with tight manoeuvres, handbrake turns, and reversing moves, requiring millimetre accuracy to ease through the course as cleanly and quickly as possible. It has been a proving ground for some of the greats – from Jim Clark to Colin McRae – and it is a place where a single cone clip or wrong turn can make or break a run.
Machinery varies from lightly modified road cars to highly optimised specials, and performance is driven by rapid direction change, sharp steering response, strong brakes and a drivetrain that tolerates repeated full-lock transitions. There is plenty of technical skill involved – but it is also an extremely accessible form of motorsport.
Ones to watch
The reigning champion, Peter Grimes, started competing in his teens and last year was his sixth title victory out of seven attempts – achieved 25 years after his previous one. He is, however, still some way behind serial winner Alastair Moffatt, who is a professional stunt driver and has taken the title 10 times.
When and where is it happening?
The season started on 8th March with the Jon Mackenzie Autotest. There are rounds across England, Scotland and Wales, each hosted by a different organising club.
Get involved
Autotesting is a welcoming environment where you can use your everyday road car to compete. The skills can be applied to every motorsport discipline, and juniors as young as 13 can take part. You can get involved through the StreetCar website: https:// streetcarmotorsportuk. com
FIND OUT MORE HERE
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Revolution- March 2026