For those of you that have not heard of autosolo, it is a forward direction only time trial around a coned course. The usual format is to be scrutineered, sign on and then the fun begins. At sign on you will be given a course map similar to the below.
You then get to walk the course to get your bearings and then have 3 timed runs, with the top 2 counting. There are usually 4 different courses during the day, which range from 40 s to 120 s depending on the venue. The Lowest combined time over the whole day wins. The venues are any open space of tarmac, so typically occur at airfields, service stations or race track car parks. The idea is to avoid hitting the cones and scenery, and so is usually non damaging, apart from tyre wear. For every cone you make contact with you incur a 5 second penalty, and if you go the wrong side of a cone you get a wrong test, which results in a time equivalent to the fastest person's time in your class + 20 s.
It is a class based event usually consisting of the below classes
A. Production saloons / estates / 4 seat coupes, up to 1400cc
B. Production saloons / estates / 4 seat coupes, 1401 to 1800cc
C. Production saloons / estates / 4 seat coupes, over 1800cc
D. Production (open and fixed roof) 2 seat sports cars
E. Low volume sports cars, kit cars suitable for road use, and others ineligible for classes A to D
occasionally with the addition of
F. Historic cars (pre 1975), up to 1700cc (Clubmans only)
G. Historic cars (pre 1975), over 1700cc (Clubmans only)
There are some technical regulations that can put you in to class E by default, such as light weight panels and not having the full internal trim, but apart from that all you need is a taxed, tested and insured car in either standard or modified form.
The only safety requirements are that the car is mechanically fit and safe for the event, so good brakes, secure wheels, seat and battery. This means no expensive safety gear, such as FIA approved roll cages, helmets, and fire proof gear, associated with most forms of Motorsport.
So to sum up this is a form of Motorsport, where you can turn up in your every day road car, have the thrill of competition for just £30 for the day and has the benefit of improving your car control skills.
If this sounds like something you would like to have a go at or want to know more check out the below for an event near you and some more info. or post a reply with any questions
http://btrda.com/AutoSolo/
There is also a taster session at Courborough sprint course on the 27 of April, where you can have a go at either autosolo or autotest for just a tenner, or come have a chat and spectate for free!
http://btrda.com/Gen...rticle_1112.php
There are also a variety of car clubs that hold evening or weekend events that are not on the national circuit. You can find your local motor club and see what is going on in your area at
http://www.gomotorsport.net/
