Fine finish for Longford’s Jack Johnston at competitive autotest event in Roxborough

Midland Motor Club (MMC) ran its first event of the year in Roxborough, Roscommon on Sunday, February 8 last, it was the second round of the National Autotest championship. 

For those unfamiliar with autotests they are the ultimate test of a driver’s pure car handling abilities. 

By navigating a vehicle through an intricate series of markers, the driver must demonstrate a high degree of spatial awareness and car control at the same time. 

Cars are often modified for maximum visibility of the wheels to give the driver the best opportunity to make it through tight gaps. 

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The competitors must complete three tests four times with the lowest aggregate score taking the win. 

There are different categories which include Novice and Juniors classes with juniors eligible to compete at the age of 12 years.  Patrick Brides from Donamon, Roscommon was clerk of the course for the day. 

Peter Grimes from Dublin continued his Lightweight Championship title defence, taking his second win of the season and finishing 20 seconds ahead of the competition, despite losing a chunk of time with brake issues on his final run of test three. 

Westfield drivers Peter Falvey and Darren Quille had a close battle, with Peter powering back after early penalties to take the RWD class win, and second place overall, by just 1.9 seconds. 

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In the novice category Adam Farrelly took the top Novice award this time out, followed home by the two Junior drivers Jack Johnston from Longford (Toyota Yaris) and Oran Giles (Mini 1000) who finished second and third respectively. 

Jessy Ward returned after his Championship debut at the TDC event last year, improving throughout the day and rounding out the novice standings. 

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Full results can be viewed on Stopastride. Updated championship standings are available at Irish autotesting.com. 

Midland Motor club wish to thank Mark Gannon (Image Furnishings) and Gerry McNulty (McNulty Furniture) for the venue and use of their premises, Caseys Londis, Roscommon for sponsoring the event, Guy and Amy Foster for all their assistance on the day and all the officials and marshals that helped out on the day.