Wanted: Anyone in NE Scotland who thinks they're quick....

Stonehaven and District Motor Club ( www.sdmc.org.uk ) are currently on the hunt for competitors for our 2006 events. As well as being involved with Autotesting, Sprinting/Hillclimbs and Navigational/Stage Rallying, we are making a special effort this year to boost entries for our Autocross/Clubcross events. These are open to virtually any driver/car combination, so whether you?re an old hand with an ex-works rally car tucked away in your garage, or a newcomer looking to try some competition with a standard road hatchback, this could be worth a look! Minimum age limit for Autocross is 16 years and Clubcross is 14 years. Many top-level motorsport champions including former BTCC Vectra pilot John Cleland started out doing Autocross so who knows where it could lead?.

For those of you new to the scene, Autocross and Clubcross is an off-road Speed formula, i.e. cars compete against the clock, leaving the line at staggered intervals, the winner being the driver to complete the required amount of laps in the quickest time. Events will generally be held on grass or stubble fields. And although there is the chance of cars meeting on the track, Autocross is a non-contact formula so no stock car antics please!

Any type of car can be entered in Autocross events with minimal modifications. Fire extinguisher and mudflaps are mandatory, with a rollcage, harness and racing seat being recommended although not required. Classes will be divided according to engine size and transmission type. Most engine, suspension and bodywork modifications are unrestricted so modified road cars can be entered if you wish. Clubcross is similar although 4 wheel drive, forced induction and engines over 2000cc are usually prohibited, as are non-road legal tyres. Full technical regulations can be found in section G of the MSA Competitors handbook (which you will receive when you apply for a competition licence).

So take any old road car, tear the interior out, fit a 1.75L handheld extinguisher and a set of cheap off-road tyres and you?re ready to do some Autocrossing! It?s common to drive to an event in the car you?re competing in but most will prefer to trailer their cars. You will also require a club membership and MSA Competition Licence (?15 and ?33 per year). A flameproof suit and helmet are required but welder?s overalls and a bike helmet with correct BSI numbers will suffice.

The provisional dates for the 2006 events are as follows. Venues and MSA Permit etc are TBC but if there is sufficient demand the events will go ahead. The first one is not until June so even if you?re preparing a car from scratch you will have plenty of time! Events will be counters in the SDMC Speed Championship, the SDMC Club Championship and the SDMC Fiesta Challenge. Recent events have been held at Netherley near Stonehaven, about ten miles south of Aberdeen but new venues are being considered.


June 4th ? Clubcross
August 6th ? Autocross
September 3rd ? Autocross


So if you think charging round a field sideways in a stripped out motor sounds like a good laugh, this is probably for you! For more information please send PM or email creationracing@hotmail.com

Thanks for reading,

Roy Kemp.

I have been autocrossing a mk1 for a good few years. And support everything said above, Great fun and good crack. Get out there....