How to Participate in Motorsport

To be eligible to compete in any motorsport, you will need to be a member of a Motorsport Australia affiliated car club. Membership of Grafton Sporting Car Club is available to anyone who is interested in motorsport.

You will also need a Motorsport Australia Speed licence. There are no driving tests or medical examinations required to obtain your licence.

To apply for your Speed licence:

1) Download the application from the Motorsport Australia website

2) Complete it and send it to Motorsport Australia, along with a passport-sized photo and the appropriate fee (all details are listed on the application).

A Speed Licence allows you the opportunity to learn how to drive on a racetrack while competing – it is not an indication of a person’s ability to drive at speed.

Please allow at least 4 weeks for your licence to be issued. You will need to present it at each event in which you compete.

A single event (Day Licence) may also be available for non-competitive events such as the club’s annual Come & Try Day.

The Supplementary Regulations which are attached to the entry forms for each event will advise the MINIMUM requirements for driver apparel.

This will include:

1) A helmet that complies with AS1698 or better (as per Schedule D. current Motorsport Australia Manual of Motorsport) and carries marking to that effect or is otherwise specifically approved by Motorsport Australia.

2) Non-flammable clothing, including cover from throat to wrists and ankles (apparel of nylon or similar material is forbidden). Flame retardant overalls, or better, are not essential but highly recommended.

3) Suitable flame-retardant footwear.

4) Goggles or a visor with a lens material other than glass (to AS1609) and leather or Nomex gloves are required in all open cars.

There are separate classes for most vehicles which range from Unmodified Road Cars, through to Improved Production, Sports Sedan, Formula Libre and Open Wheel Race Cars.

The following is the minimum standard for road registered vehicles:

1) Currently road registered and able to pass a scrutineering safety check.

2) Proof of Registration must be shown.

Additionally:

3) All cars in a Motorsport event must be fitted with at least a 900g fire extinguisher less than 3 years old.

4) Two methods of securing the bonnet. For Road Registered cars, the under-dash bonnet release and the front safety catch are sufficient.

5) A blue triangle sticker on the car body to indicate the position of the battery.

6) 230mm high Race Numbers must be placed on both sides of the car – on either the rear side door panel or window. Also a 150mm high number must be placed on the top driver’s left of the windscreen.

7) Mark the location of your front and rear tow points with an arrow made from tape in a contrasting colour to your car.

8) Roll cages, race harnesses, and window nets are significant safety improvements.