Five tips to get into motorbike racing

Motorcycle racing is an addictive sport but unlike regular sports like football and rugby, it can be hard to know how to participate on a competitive level. First, you will need to get a Road Race Licence, which will allow you to race on all-tarmac surfaces and street circuits. Below are five tips to get into motorbike racing.

1. Join a club

First and foremost, you will need to join a motorcycle club that is affiliated to the Auto-Cycle Union, you cannot get a racing licence unless you are a member. Search for motorcycle clubs in your region and you should be able to find one that is close to you. Then it is just a case of applying for membership at which point you can then apply for your racing licence.

2. ACU licence

Getting your ACU licence is the first step on your way to competitive motorbike racing. The benefit of having an ACU licence is that the organisation oversees all the motorbike racing in the UK and will provide you with the opportunity for you to be able to compete regardless of your skill level or ability.

3. Training

To gain your ACU licence you first must complete a Competitor Training Course (CTC), which is classroom-based, and an ACU Basic Rider Assessment, a practical assessment of rider ability. This is to assess your ability and you will then receive a novice or intermediate novice licence.

4. Types of licence

The ACU licence has a number of options starting with the novice level, this does not require a motorbike licence, but it does mean you are only able to ride bikes up to 600cc and you must wear an orange bib.

The intermediate novice licence means that you are qualified to ride any capacity motorbike. There is also the clubman licence but for this, you need to have completed ten races at three or more circuits. Finally, there is the national licence which is a lot more difficult to gain.

5. Pick a class

Lastly, you will need to pick a class to race at. If you are a seasoned rider then you will know that there are a lot of different classes and engine sizes starting from 125cc right up to 1200cc. Take time to consider your ability and skill level before picking your class.

Motorbike racing is an adrenaline rush that offers a great way to make new friends and compete in a safe and well-organised environment.

Read about getting into Motorcycling here