Large entry at Birr & District Motor Club's Summer Autotest

BIRR & District Motor Club's annual Summer Autotest drew a large entry of drivers from all over the country to gather at Garahy's Garage, Birr.

For the first time, the Club was hosting a round of the National Autotest Series. To account for the National Series, the tests were to be split for Championship & Challenge Classes - pylons in the same place, but more complex tests for the Championship competitors.

There would be two Overall winners, one from the Championship Classes and the other from the Challenge Classes. On the day, from the Challenge classes there would be a further overall award presented to the highest-placed Special.

Clerk of the Course, Stephen Carway and his team had a great day planned. The event had an emphasis on fun alongside the hospitality of the Garahy family, which was second-to-none.

At the drivers' briefing, Clerk of the Course Stephen welcomed all to Garahy's Garage, especially the National competitors who were competing at Birr for the first time and welcomed the Motorsport Ireland Steward, Louise Moffitt. He thanked the Garahy Family for the use of their venue and Ethna Garahy for her fantastic food. He explained how the event would run and wished everyone a great day and that they would have the fun that the Summer Autotest is known for.

The drivers, ranging from beginners to experts, then set out to tackle the three tests set by Guy Foster to be repeated four times. A wide array of cars took part from lightweight Specials to Saloons. From the off, there was plenty of competition, but in between tests the drivers were enjoying the social side of the event, chatting with fellow competitors, spectators and enjoying Ethna's spread of food. It was great to see everyone enjoying the event on and off the tests.

With the large entry, it was a busy day for the marshalls, timekeepers and observers, but apart from some mechanical gremlins, the day ran very smoothly and in short order the results were finalised.

To open the prizegiving, Birr & District Motor Club Chairman David Forde thanked everyone for coming and supporting the event. He thanked the Garahys, the marshalls and the timekeepers for all their hard work.

As Clerk of the Course, Stephen Carway noted it was the first time a National Autotesting event was running alongside the Club event. He had put a plan together to accommodate the challenges catering for the different classes and the whole team worked together to ensure the events success, all while keeping the event fun. He thanked Kieran and Ethna Garahy for their amazing hospitality, the marshalls and all the help that was put in to run the event.

The award presentations began with the Championship Classes. In Class 1, Guy Foster finished ahead of Adam Lowry. Class 2 winner was Darren Quille and in Class 3, Jack Lowry took the win ahead of Damien Doran.

In the Challenge Classes, Class L was won by Becky Hollinshead from Laoise Shiel. Diarmuid Healy won Class K. Class F2 had James Mansfield take the win from Daniel O'Donohoe followed closely by Danny O'Donohoe, Padraic Shiel and Ciaran Shiel. In the F1 Class, John Nolan finished ahead of Austin Quille, with Dermot Hade, David Forde and Ciaran Dwyer close behind. In Class D, Damien Phillips had the win and in Class C, Anthony Freeney took the top spot. In Class B1, Susan Smyth edged out Scott Sheehan for the win.

The Birr & District Motor Club Class, saw Kieran Garahy emerge as the victor ahead of Patrick O'Leary from Eoin Longworth.

It was then time to present the Overall Awards, where Peter Grimes clinched the overall victory in the Championship Classes by 7.6 seconds. On being presented his prize, he spoke to thank the Club, the marshalls, the fantastic facilities and excellent tests. He said, "You couldn't ask for more".

From the Challenge Classes, Brian Kingston emerged as the Overall winner by 10 seconds and on addressing the crowd, gave a massive thank you to the Club, the marshalls and to the Garahy Family for the great venue. He noted it was a great job by the Autotest Committee, there were great events this year so far. He summed up the Summer Autotest by saying, "Well done everyone, good craic and great competition".

A further Overall award was presented to the fastest Special from the Challenge Classes, where Rob Fenlon topped the timesheet. Unfortunately, Rob was unable to stay for the prizegiving, however, on being presented his award at a later date, Rob said, "A big thanks to Stephen, Eoin and all the team for a great day. Thanks also to all at Garahy's Garage for their hospitality".

To sum up the day, the Club Chairman David Forde again thanked everyone and asked those present to acknowledge the hard work of the Clerk of the Course Stephen Carway, as the event wouldn't have been the success it was without him, to a huge round of applause. Stephen thanked everyone and said he was part of a big team and everyone worked really hard for this event.

Up next for Birr & District Motor Club is the ever popular Tom O'Reilly Memorial Car Treasure Hunt, running as part of the Birr Vintage & Arts Festival (August 2nd-10th). The Treasure Hunt takes place on Monday, August 5th with registration from 5.30pm at Dooly's Hotel, Birr. Entry is €15 per car. It's fun for all the family, finding and solving clues - all are welcome! For further information, check out the Club website, www.birrmotorclub.com and the Club social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and X).