Rain, Rivalry, and Resilience: 2025 Motorsport Ireland National Autotest Championship Kicks Off
The Motorsport Ireland National Autotest Championship and Challenge swung into action on February 16th as Midland Motor Club hosted the first round of the 2025 season. The venue, kindly made available by McNulty Wholesale Furniture, is known for its high grip levels. The dry concrete surface was a tough test for car and driver in the past, so there were mixed feelings when the clouds burst and drivers were presented with unfriendly weather but a slightly more friendly surface to contend with...!
With rain pouring down, visibility became more difficult and that was even in Challenge cars with a roof and wipers - such luxuries are not present on Championship lightweight Mini Specials and Westfields! Before the event even started we got a great example of what the sport is all about... Eric Conlon broke a CV joint on his Toyota Starlet when warming up and, in the true spirit of autotesting, Philip O’Reilly loaned him a spare driveshaft and he and many more helpful hands jumped into action to help out with the car to see it on the start line shortly afterwards!
Peter Grimes emerged as overall winner of the Championship classes after putting on a faultless performance in his Vauxhall powered Special and showing why he is the reigning National Champion. RWD Sportscar class driver Andy Blair finished a worthy 2nd while Adam Lowry rounded out the podium. Midland MC member Sam Johnston, a top competitor from the 90s and 00s driving a borrowed Mini Saloon, made an excellent comeback to the top level to finish 1st in Class 2 and 4th overall!
In the Challenge classes, the Munster Maestro Liam Cashman took overall top honours with a dominant performance in his lightweight Vauxhall Nova, followed by a close battle between John Nolan and Philip O’Reilly in their roadgoing Toyota Starlets and John eventually coming out on top as the first roadgoing FWD car. 2024 RWD roadgoing champion James Mansfield started off his season in style, once again taking class victory. Finally, Eric Conlon survived his pre-event mechanical woes to finish as top Novice driver overall reminding us that determination, resourcefulness and camaraderie really are at the heart of Irish Autotesting!
Details for Round 2 of the series are now online - the Laois Rallysport Club event will take place on the 9th of March, once again at Hylands Transport, Rosenallis. For more information, or to enter now, see StopAstride.com.
Words: Brian Kingston / Guy Foster
Photos: Trevor Foster