2023 Andy Wilson Memorial Autotest Report

2023 Andy Wilson Memorial Autotest Report

2023 Andy Wilson Memorial Autotest

After the postponement of the 750MC event the Andy Wilson Memorial Autotest run by Glenrothes Motor Sport Club would be the first round of the 2023 RALLYSCORE Scottish Autotest Championship. The event was held at Knockhill Racing Circuit on Sun. 09^th April, there were 9 entries for the Autotest and 5 for the Production Car Autotest.

Although there was a lower entry than in previous years, there was still a good quality of entrants, there were 3 flowing but technical tests which they all seemed to enjoy. It was encouraging to see some Juniors competing and we also had 5 double entered father / son combinations.

James Morrison opened up an early lead in his recently rebuilt Mini Special, which he extended to win by 40 seconds. The Micra Special of Charlie Brown expired in the pits with fuel pump issues, he completed the rest of the vent using the GMSC club Ka.

The battle of the MX5s was very close all day and Oly McCollum emerged the winner after a very impressive drive, Martin Gillespie narrowly beat his dad after Ronnie hit a pylon. Gary Clark did not have the best of days suffering with tyre problems.

The Metro of Jim / James Wilson developed a gearbox problem and to finish the event they had to stop it jumping out of gear by jamming the gearstick against their leg. Ian Forgan entered his first Autotest since last year and had a great time in his Mini 1000.

The PCA was won by Sam Hunter closely followed by his son Lauchlan, Michael Babb competing in his first ever Autotest did well to beat his son Thomas.

This was the 21^st year we have been supporting the British Heart Foundation and this year the BHF had a major presence at the event, including a CPR demonstration, this year between the event, donations and collections £731.63 has been raised for the charity.

The Highland Car Club round of the 2023 RALLYSCORE Scottish Autotest Championship due to run on 21/05/23 has been cancelled due to circumstances outside their control. When we get an alternative event I will let you know, in the meantime the next round will be the Stonhaven event on Sunday 11th June, Regs. will be available shortly.

Results –   Autotest

1^st – James Morrison – Mini Special – 7.06.0

2^nd – Oly McCollum – Mazda MX5 –  7.46.5

3^rd – Martin Gillespie – Mazda MX5 – 7.53.2

4^th – Charlie Brown –   Micra / Ka      – 7.56.9

5^th – Ronnie Gillespie – Mazda MX5 – 7.58.7

6^th – James Wilson –      Metro –            7.59.6

7^th – Gary Clark –           Mazda MX5 –  8.04.6

8^th – Jim Wilson –          Metro –             8.06.3

9^th – Ian Forgan –           Mini –               8.43.8

PCA

1^st – Sam Hunter – Toyota Yaris –          6.41.6

2^nd – Lauchlan Hunter – Toyota Yaris – 7.07.5

3^rd – Michael Babb – Renault Clio –      7.19.6

4^th – Thomas Babb – Renault Clio –       8.40.5