Last updated 19:50, Thursday, 21 August 2008

WEST Cumbria Motorsport Club’s annual car show was held this week to help launch its latest – and cheapest – form of motor racing.

Members brought their cars, karts and bikes to the Sheep and Wool Centre, near Cockermouth, on Monday and, despite the rain, organisers said it was the best turnout yet for the show.

The club is gearing up for West Cumbria’s first autosolo event, which will take place next month, and organisers say it is the only form of motorsport that can be done in a road legal car.

Club member Ryan Winthrop said: “Motorsport is expensive - specially prepared cars, crash helmets, flameproof overalls and competition licences all push the price beyond a lot of people’s means.

“Autosolo is a low-cost alternative and equally enjoyable for novices and experienced competitors. We know this event will be the first in West Cumbria and we think it is the first in the county.”

The autosolo event will take place on Sunday, September 14 at Eddie Stobart’s premises at Lillyhall, near Workington.

It will involve a series of timed runs over a hard surface course, completed in forward gears.

The test, marked out by cones, does not involve specialised techniques, is longer than traditional autotests and can involve a little more speed through the corners.

Organisers hope there will be at least three different courses.

Competing cars must be taxed, insured, have an MOT certificate if their age requires, and be driven to the event.

Under Motor Sport Association rules, competitors do not need competition licences, just a club membership card.

West Cumbria Motorsport Club is offering a special 2008 membership rate of £5, and the entry fee for the autsolo is £10.

For more information or to enter, call Andy Barnard on 01900 823308.