Posted on behalf of John Davison, ACOC Secretary and MSA Timekeeper:
If you are a regular competitor the cost of the equipment needed, amortised over several seasons of events, is reasonable value. But if you only want to give motor sport a try to see if you like it, the investment in helmet, overalls, safety equipment, licence etc is off putting. Add to that the risk of damaging the car and many who might enjoy the hobby never get to the start line.
AutoSolo allows drivers to compete, using normal road cars and without the associated costs. It can be fairly leisurely if you wish or and it can be fiercely contested in some classes. The main criteria are that the car is road legal, insured and MOTd if applicable, that it is driven (not trailered) to the event, and that it meets basic scrutineering standards for safety. To dispense with the need for helmets, roll cages, multi-point safety harnesses etc., risks are minimised by setting up the course on open areas of tarmac such as an empty car park or a parade ground, marked out with cones so there is nothing hard to hit, and distances between turning points are set to limits prescribed by the MSA to control top speeds. Unlike a driving test event all driving is in forward gear, so there should be little risk to transmissions. AutoSolo is run individually against the clock, like a small scale sprint, with time penalties for hitting cones or missing sections, and the course is intended to be simple to follow in a defined sequence to test driving ability rather than ability to memorise the course.
I have arranged with Farnborough District Motor Club, which is one of the main clubs running AutoSolos, that ACOC receive an invitation for a class of ACs at two of their events later this year. Events are planned for 9 July and 17 September. All ACOC members in compliant ACs are welcome but if there is an excessive demand preference will be given to those who have not previously competed.
The day is quite sociable, normally with the competitors divided into 3 groups, one observing and scoring penalties, one preparing to compete next, and one driving. The rota ensures everyone has a go at everything and minimises costs of marshalling etc.
For more details refer to the Farnborough District Motor Club Web Site, click on Types of Event, then on Autosolo where you will find a description and videos. The general regulations are in the MSA Blue Book Page 213 and the following Appendix (available on-line), and will be supplemented by specific rules issued by the event organisers.
If you want any more information, or if you want to register your interest, please email me john.davison517@btinternet.com .
The venue has been confirmed as Buller Barracks, Aldershot, which is conveniently reached from M3, A31 and A331. Keep an eye on the Farnborough District Motor Club web site for entry details, and there should be an AC Class.
http://www.farnboroughdmc.org.uk/
