The Motorcycle Sportsmen of Qld Inc - How to go racing - Home of Road Racing and Supermotard in Queensland Australia

To commence road racing you first need to decide what type of machine you wish to race. Refer to the Classes of Competition page.

Secondly, you will need to hold a Motorcycling Australia (MA) competition licence. There are three (3) different types of licences that you may race with, these are;

Senior National Licence, that allows you to compete at any MA event throughout Australia and is valid for one year
Senior Club Licence, that allows you to compete at club level events only and is valid for one year
One Event Licence, that is issued at club level events only and is valid for that event only

There are prerequisites to obtaining your race licence;

you must join a Motorcycling Australia affiliated club, such as the Motorcycle Sportsmen of Qld
you must undertake a competency test, both theory and practical, to ensure that you can safely and competently manage a motorcycle and will not be a danger to yourself or others

Once you have a motorcycle to road race you will need to obtain all the correct safely gear including;

full face helmet with the Australian Standard 1698 sticker in place
leather gloves
leathers, either one or two piece, however two piece leathers must zip or button together
leather boots that provide ankle and calf protection
back protector

All safety gear must be in good condition. Helmets must have the outer surface intact (ie no marks or scratches that break through the outer layer of resin), and leathers must be padded with a double layer of leather, armour or plastic foam of at least 8mm thick at the shoulders, hips and knees.

Once you have joined the club you will receive Supplementary Regulations and Entry Forms approximately 6 weeks prior to an event. The Supplementary Regulations will outline the specific rules for that event. You will be required to return the entry form along with payment by the specified closing date to ensure that your entry is accepted. Final instructions, whcih contains important last minute information, will be posted on this website approximately 4 days prior to the event for you to download.

The club will always attempt to have a new competitor mentored by a seasoned racer to provide advice on race day in regard to procedures and expectations insofar as the way things work on race day. For example, where scrutineering is, who to see about a problem, where to get results, etc.

All new competitiors are provided with an indepth briefing on race morning. This briefing will explain a number of things including where and when to enter the track, how to exit the track during and after a race, rules of riding in the pit area, a further briefing on the use of the marshalling flags and what to do in the event of an accident. We aim to make each new competitor feel as comfortable as possible and ensure that they know they can approach any official onsite for assistance or advice. After all, everyone has had a 'first race' and knows what you will be going through.

How to Start Supermotard Racing

What type of motorcycle can I race?

You can race supermotard with an enduro / motorcross style motorcycle or with a factory supermotard.

A traditional supermotard has 17 inch wheels to enable the use of stickier road racing tyres, however you can also race with the standard motorcross wheels fitted with road tyres.

So it doesn’t matter if you have the fancy supermotard wheels or standard wheels, or your motorcycle is last week’s model or last century’s model of motorcycle, supermotard racing is all about getting out there and having a go!

OK, so I’ve got the motorcycle and I want to go racing?

First off you need to have the right safety gear, this includes:

Helmet (road or motocross type)
Leather gloves
Boots (road or motocross type)
Leathers (1 or 2 piece)
Back protector

For your safety dirt bike nylons and armour are not permitted.

Secondly, you will need a race licence.

Motorcycling Australia issues one event and yearly licences. Please contact The Motorcycle Sportsmen of Qld or Motorcycling Australia Queensland for further details on how to get your race licence.

Before getting your MA licence you need to be a member of a MA affiliated club, such as The Motorcycle Sportsmen of Qld. Licences last for one year and usually take 2 weeks to process, please ensure you allow enough time for this. One day MA licences are available at some club events, these licences are issued at the track on race day by the club organising the event. Please check with the club before the event to see if these licences will be available.

What classes can I race in?

Refer to the Classes of Competition page.

Note: Knobbie type tyres are not permitted in any class.

How do I get my motorcycle ready to race?

All road gear, such as mirrors, indicators, horn, headlight, taillight and number plate must be removed.

Some parts such as sump plug and oil filler and filter (only on 4 strokes), and radiator cap and water pump bleeder (only on water cooled motorcycles) must be lock wired to prevent fluid spillage. Lock wiring means fixing moveable parts to fixed parts of the bike with thin wire.

On water cooled motorcycles you also need to replace engine coolant with water and fit a radiator overflow bottle.

Handlebar ends must be plugged (barkbusters can be used)

Of course your motorcycle must be in good working order including fully working brakes, effective throttle return and have no loose fitments or sharp or protruding edges. With all that in mind it doesn’t matter what your motorcycle looks like, as long as it is safe to race.

Like all forms of sport, supermotard racing is governed by specific rules to ensure your safety when racing. If you require further details please check with the Motorcycling Australia GCRs (General Competition Rules) or contact The Motorcycle Sportsmen of Qld.

What do I have to do before race day?

Contact The Motorcycle Sportsmen of Qld or visit their website to get a copy of the Supp-regs (Supplementary Regulations) for the event you wish to enter, an entry form is included in the supp-regs.

Read the Supp-regs and get your entry in before the closing date, which is usually about 10 days before the race meeting. Unlike some motorcross events entries are not accepted on race day.

You will receive your final instructions in the mail a few days before the event, these include your scrutineering card, entry passes and any important last minute information.

What do I need to bring on race day?

Final instructions (including scrutineering card, pit passes)
MA licence
If you are getting a one event licence, you will get this at the track on race day.
Your race ready motorcycle
All your safety gear

It is also a good idea to bring along other things you will need for a day of fun out in the sun, such as sunscreen, drinks and shade.

What do I need to do on race day?

Get to the track with enough time to:
Unload and setup
Take your motorcycle and riding gear to scrutineering (don’t forget your MA licence and scrutineering card)
Familiarise yourself with the track by taking a walk around it
Attend the compulsory riders briefing

Ensure you check the race programme so you know when your races are on.

THEN ENJOY YOUR RACE DAY!