THE fifth round of the Plymouth Motor Club Autotest Championship took place at the Bedford Car Park, Tavistock, on Sunday. This was also a round of the ASWMC Autotest Championship, attracting competition from as far as Bristol, Bath and Southampton. Local interest in the Plymouth competition was provided by Peter Kelsey, 16, in his first year of autotesting, Mike Vosper, Wayne Grimshaw in the DML Nova, and Tony Carver, Peter and Tony were supported by Tavistock Tyre and Exhaust Services. Autotesting is a technical form of motorsport. Tests are devised using a series of bollards strategically placed to allow competitors to drive around a set route against the clock, testing their control of the car. Autotests can be performed on either grass or tarmac. The Tavistock event attracted a quality field, the mini drivers being among the front-runners. At halfway the local competitors were leading with Wayne on 494 seconds, Tony 503 seconds, Peter 549 seconds and Mike 614 seconds.. Competition was fierce with the minis battling well and by the end of the event Tony finished overall first, 3 seconds ahead of Wayne. Peter gained a first in class and Mike a second. Earlier in the season Peter took a fastest time of the day in only his second event, which augers well for the future. Special thanks go to Simon Allen, Tavistock Tyre and Exhaust Services. for his sponsorship of the event and to Cathy Aubertin, from West Devon Borough Council, for her hard work in making the car park available for the club.
