The second round of the Oakvale Motors Autotest championship 2010 was held at Graig Goch Farm, Newbridge-on-Wye. Another good entry of twelve drivers turned out, some of which hadn't competed at this venue before. This is a very challenging venue with lots of tight turns close to buildings, fast gravel road sections and for some drivers a chance to enjoy a spot of wildlife, namely Huw Jones who had a close shave with a chicken which had to be caught and removed from the track (alive!). Which as it happens isn't as easy as its sounds because them chickens can motor on a bit! With the weather having been very dry for a week or more the dust was kept down by a welcome covering of water from the farm’s water bowser. Aled harries put a nice dent in his Corsa after hitting a large fence post but managed to finish the day, unlike Martin Lasper and Ieuan Offord who had to retire after they blew the gearbox in their Rover. The trophy winners are as follows, in fifth place winning the standard production class was Ade Maggs in the red, white and blue Corsa. In fourth place taking fastest novice was Ryan Davies again in a Corsa. Second fastest overall and taking the rear wheel drive class award was Peter Jones in his Jago Jeep and finally in first place and fastest overall was Huw Jones in his Mirca.
A big thanks to all who helped out on the day including Jonathan and Malcolm Hawkins for marshalling and time keeping and Gary Powell and family once again for getting the venue ready for the event.
Ian Williams

Results:
1. Huw Jones / Micra / 551
2. Peter Jones / Jago Jeep / 558
3. Ian Williams / Rover 216 Gti / 588
4. Ryan Davies / Corsa / 588
5. Ade Maggs / Corsa / 594
6. Phillip Evans / Puma / 598
7. John Hopkins / Rover 416 / 619
8. Aled Harries / Corsa / 635
9. Ben Magg / Corsa / 637
10. Ashley Evans / Puma / 687
- Martin Lasper / Rover 214 / Retired
- Ieuan Offord / Rover 214 / Retired

Photos in the gallery!


I’m sorry for forgetting to enter a report for round one at the Showground in Builth Wells so here’s a brief insight for those of you that didn’t make it there.
It snowed like hell the night before, a good three or more inches, it snowed like hell while we drove, there was a lot of sliding around which we liked, John Hopkins went off and hit a rock and Aled’s engine seized up after he'd knocked the sump out! All in all it was a hell of a good day!
Ian Williams

Results:

1. Ian Williams / Rover 216 / 771
2. Huw Jones / Micra / 805
3. Ryan Davies / Corsa / 862
4. Andrew Maggs / Corsa / 876
5. Ben Maggs / Corsa / 900
6. Ade Maggs / Corsa / 915
7. John Hopkins / Rover 416 / 937
8. Vernon Jones / Sierra / 988
- Aled Harries / Corsa / Retired
- Sam Coley / Corsa / Retired
- Matthew Hughes / Mini / Retired
- Jeff Hope-Davies / Mini / Retired


The next round of the Oakvale Motors Autotest Championship takes place on Sunday 18th April at the excellent venue of Graig Goch Farm, Newbridge-on-Wye. 10.30am start.
Phone Brian Jones, Tel 01591610232, for more details.


The first round of the 2010 Oakvale Motors autotest championship that was due to be held on Sunday 17th January at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells is now postponed and will be held on Sunday 31st January.
Unfortunately due to the weather, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society will not allow the autotest to be held this weekend because of health and safety rules.


The final round of the Oakvale Motors autotest championship 2009 was held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells. As at the previous test at Newbridge on Wye in November the over night and morning rain once again made the going very slippery, but they do say that’s all part of the fun!
The entries have been very good all year with fifteen drivers entering this final test. With all drivers signed in and the course set out we got underway,
A lot of drivers seemed to have caught 'wrong test fever' with drivers taking wrong routes. Although Phil Evans’ wrong tests seem to stick in my mind, not sure why!
The rain kept coming and going and never went away but this didn’t dampen spirits as the drivers just ploughed on until the end, As the light faded Brian read out the results which are as follows. In fifth fastest place overall was Huw Jones from Llandeilo, also winning the standard production class. Well done Huw that is a very good result on only your second autotest with Epynt Motor Club!
Another good result for Peter Jones winning the "very competitive" rear wheel drive category, hopefully next year someone else will enter another rear wheel drive to challenge him! Brian Jones maybe? Never the less it was a very good fourth fastest overall for Peter.
Jeff Hope Davies in the Mini came third fastest overall. Matthew Hughes also driving the mini came second fastest overall and finally first fastest overall was Ian Williams in his Rover GTi.
Thank you to our event sponsors for 2009 Oakvale Motors of Builth Wells for their support and many thanks to the competitors who regularly turn up hot or cold, rain or shine, some of whom travel some distance to compete.
Hope the 2009 autotest championship has been an enjoyable one for all involved and hope to see you all back in 2010.
Thank you and a happy New Year!
Ian Williams

Results: Driver / Car / Penalties
1. Ian Williams / Rover 216 / 652
2. Matthew Hughes / Mini / 658
3. Jeff Hope-Davies / Mini / 685
4. Peter Jones / Jago / 686
5. Huw Jones / Micra / 702
6. Aled Harries / Corsa / 705
7. Adie Maggs / Corsa / 708
8. Andrew Maggs / Corsa / 721
9. Ryan Davies / Corsa / 728
10. Sam Coley / Corsa / 742
11. Ashley Evans / Puma / 744
12. Ben Maggs / Corsa / 773
13. John Hopkins / Rover 418 / 776
14. Phillip Evans / Puma / 794
15. Ieuan Offord / Rover 215 / 805