The Royal Automobile Club has announced that it will host the world’s first motorsport event for driverless cars on its Woodcote Park estate near London.
Due to be held on 31st October this year, the Autonomous Vehicle Trial will mark the opening of London Motor Week and see a variety of driverless cars take part in classic motoring challenges.
Classic trials are one of the oldest forms of motorsport in the world and date back to the early 20th century, with challenges including completing long road journeys and performing manoeuvres.
Taking place on safe, enclosed tarmac roads, the driverless cars will have to navigate a one kilometre route through a variety of environments while completing hill starts and basic driving exercises.
Classic motoring challenges
Tom Purves, chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, said: “This is all about the evolution of motoring - something the Club has a proud history of supporting.
“Probably the most significant development of automotive technologies in the next decade, the introduction of driverless and autonomous vehicles will require a combined effort and commitment from all areas of the motor industry.
“It is in this spirit, and in line with the Club’s long established commitment to pioneering motoring, that we introduce the Autonomous Vehicle Trial.”
According to the Club, the driverless car event will mirror that of its original 1,000 Mile Trial held back in 1900, an event which helped to endear the concept of the motor car to the British public.
