Thursday saw the start of the Winter Evening Autotest series, or at least that’s what it felt like.

26 competitors (and 4 even braver marshals) withstood the near-freezing wind howling across the field and tackled the tests with enthusiasm, in some cases a little too much, and an increasing awareness that long grass when it’s flattened provides precious little grip.

It’s always nice to renew acquaintances with last year’s competitors, and equally good to see several ‘new’ faces. Amongst them, brand new member Edward Oldaker taking a fine third in Class A with his Nova which he allegedly bought for less than the value of the wheels and tyres!

Tim Bowdler was also in Class A, co driving a very smart Suzuki Ignis with Jason Carter and I believe competing in his first autotest.

Shane Keilthy, sharing Matt Endean’s Mondeo enjoyed a new experience and Chris Wise shared his Peugeot with Jessica Taylor, the latter tackling a steep learning curve with great aplomb.

FTD was taken by Daren Hall in his Nova with some ridiculously quick times which pulled him no less than 23 seconds ahead of Jim Bowie, who isn’t slow!

Jim and his pursuers Mick Rose and young Edward, were covered by less than 2 seconds.

Class B was even closer with 0.57 being the margin separating eventual Class winner Chris Scudder, second placed Chris Penfold and M&MKCC member Russell Eccleston!

Class E saw the continuing battle between John Kemp and Hales Vaughn in the latter’s Sprite, and this time the owner triumphed to take the award.

Battle continued at the 2^nd Round on May 26^th and a sunny evening, as promised, brought out 32 competitors to play in the newly cut field at Farningham – apologies to hay-fever sufferers, but it was either that, or taller cones!

Daren Hall took FTD, but only by about 5 seconds from recent 7Oaks rejoiner Steve Stringer in his Golf, shared with Andy Elcomb.

Jim Bowie took 1^st in Class A, ahead of Mick Rose’s “beginning to look rather smart” Mini. These two did not have it all their own way however, with new member Edward Oldaker, Richard Olsen and the flying reporter Jason Carter all posting some very quick times – dark horses perhaps?

Class B was Steve Stringer’s, but only just, from M&MKCC member Russell Eccleston with Andy in hot pursuit.

Spare a thought for Colin Shipway whose Astra decided to blow a core plug after just one attempt at test 1 – I can’t repeat his rather graphic description, but it appears that water was exiting considerably faster than it was being inputted!

Class D/E was an interesting tussle between Lee Busbridge’s Marina and the 4wd Sierra of eventual winner Robert Dillon of Chelmsford MC – but Lee kept him honest, as well as beating the second driver, who initially appeared faster than both of them?

Thanks as always to the marshals, especially young Mr Evans who turned up to assist and ended up running a test all on his own – well done that man, thank you.

The series continues on June 9, what will happen then………..? Come and find out for yourselves! There is still plenty of time to enter.