Autocross is the perfect motorsport discipline for seasoned enthusiasts and eager newcomers keen to explore a world of off-road racing.

Events are usually held in a grass or stubble field on a short course marked out with cones. The aim is to compete against the clock to set the best possible time.

Often held on farmer’s fields after harvest, types of car that can be used in Autocross vary wildly from standard road cars (with some safety additions such as a fire extinguisher and mud flaps) through to rally cars and Autocross specials, which are specifically prepared for this type of event.

Motorsport UK TV featured the discipline with an introduction to it available below:

From 23-24 August, Manor Farm in Bicester will host Witney Motor Club’s Autocross with a bumper field expected.

Witney Motor Club Chair, Jimmy Milligan, commented, “The Witney Autocross has the reputation for having one of the longest and fastest courses in the 1st Choice Finishes ASWMC Autocross Championship.

“Organising an Autocross starts months earlier, finding a friendly farmer with a suitable field, securing the main Officials, Scrutineer, Rescue and Paramedic, Timekeeper. Permits and track map has to be applied for and approved.”

The event is easily accessible from the A34, A43 and M40 Junction 10 and from Thursday, Manor Farm comes alive as the track is laid out with catering and toilets all arriving.

“On Thursday and Friday before the event the track will be laid out with penalty markers put in place and Marshals posts secured with large straw bales. Rope barriers put up to designate paddock and viewing area. Safety signs erected,” Jimmy continued.

“Friday afternoon the competitors start to arrive to pitch up for the weekend and to me it’s like greeting old friends, the Autocross group is as friendly as you can find anywhere but fiercely competitive on track.”

When the competitors have arrived, it’s almost straight to business.

“Scrutineering is carried out Saturday morning followed by 3 compulsory practice and sighting laps,” explained Jimmy.

“Racing starts afterwards with three runs of four laps during the day with the best time achieved going towards results.

“Cars are mostly started in a two plus two arrangement so no more than four cars are on track at any time and each car is individually timed.

“Juniors and road going Rally Cars run individually for safety and damage limitations.

“Sunday is a rerun of the day before apart from the practice and sighting laps unless the course has been significantly altered.”

The club is also welcoming more marshals to get involved, with free food and drink, and will be pairing new ones with experienced marshals to understand how everything runs and to get close to the action.

Find out more about Witney Motor Club and register for the event at: https://witneymotorclub.co.uk/.