Step 1 - the paperwork

To go racing in the UK you need 3 things:

1. ACU Race Licence (currently £43)

To get an ACU licence you need to fill in the forms (which you can get of the internet). Most people won't need a medical unless you have a pre-existing condition. But EVERYONE needs an eye test.

2. Membership to a race club (£30 for BMCRC)

Which ever club you join they will endorse your licence application for you. There are many good clubs in the UK and I suspect most people will chose a club based primarily on its reputation and on the circuits it races on, i.e. I chose the BMCRC (Bemsee) as it is based ion the South East.

3. Competence to Compete Test

This is a short course with a test at the end, nothing to be too scared off but all new riders must complete the course before they will be issued with an ACU Licence.

Fortunately for those joining Bemsee the club holds an open day every December where they will help you complete all the forms, do your eye test and book you in for the CTC course (normally held in February in conjunction with the Race School).

If you hold a valid full UK Bike licence then this is all you need to do however if you do not hold a licence you will have to complete a Race School to prove your ability to ride a bike before you can be issued an ACU licence.

 

Step 2 - choosing the class

Depending on the race club you've joined you will have a wide selection of classes of racing to choose from. Below I have listed some of the most popular in order of cheapest to most expensive (in broad terms only).

• CB500 Cup - originally designed for Honda CB500s only but now expended to include other 500cc twin cylinder motorbike. Tuning and modifications are limited to race exhausts and aftermarket suspension.
• Minitwins - generally Suzuki SV650s but also with a sprinkling of ER6s, Cagiva Raptors and the occasional Ducati. Again Tuning and Modifications is limited to exhausts and aftermarket suspension with road legal tyres compulsory (except for racing wets) thus making for close competitive racing based more on skill than money.
• Yamaha Past Master - classic RD350 LCs and YPVS with a terrific 2-stroke smell.
• Triumph Triple Challenge - one make manufacturer supported series for the gorgeous Triumph 675.
• Supersport 600s /1000s - these are the most expensive but also the most prestigious classes where competition is extremely tight and bikes are highly tuned race bikes running on slicks.
• Thunderbikes - open class for big triple and twins.

 

Step 3 - getting the kit

 

If you're lucky you may have some kit but otherwise you will need the following equipment as a minimum.ost expensive (in broad terms only).

• Race Bike - most will come with some spares and Wets on Wheels (WOWs)
• Paddock Stands - front and rear
• Tyre Warmers
• Transponder - most clubs will use the AMB Transx 260
• Generator
• Tools
• Dog Tags - engraved with your name and date of birth
• 1 Piece Race leathers
• Race gloves
• Race boots
• Crash Helmet - with Gold ACU sticker on. It is also advisable to have a spare helmet.
• Transportation - a van is the best solution as you will end up needing to take a lot of gear.
• Accomodation - i am making do with sleeping in the van but many people use caravans.