THE first round of the National RAC Autotest Championship is being held in Bolton this weekend.

There are only six rounds in the UK's premier series this year and Bolton le Moors CC is to host the only one in the North West, at the British Aerospace car park, Lostock, on Sunday starting at 10.30am.

The event will include the RAC, MSA, British Autotest Championship, The BTRDA National Autotest Championship, The Association of Northern Car Clubs Championship and the Association of North Western Car Clubs Championship.

Among those competing will be seven drivers from Ireland including Ken Irwin of Castlederg, Co Tyrone, who won the event in 1992.

Drivers have to test their skills against the clock around a pre-determined course.

The driver has to finish the course in the fastest time using the car's power, hand brake skills and four wheel drift.

There are many courses throughout the day to compete on, and the winner is decided on the lowest aggregate time over the whole event.

There are several different classes of car taking part from ordinary saloons to "specials", built with manoeuvrability in mind.

Steve Cawley of Bolton le Moors CC said it was an unusual honour for Bolton to be allowed to stage the opening round of the prestigious championship.

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