|
Complete your licence application form and send it off to the ACU. Before sending it you'll have to get it countersigned by an optician. It used to be the case that you had to have a medical examination and the form signed by your doctor but nowadays they just need confirmation that you can see where your going. Your race licence will cost you £22. To begin with you'll have a novice licence. Details on how to achieve licence upgrades are detailed in the ACU Handbook which will be sent to you.
On the subject of the ACU Handbook do read this when you get it as it contains the rules and regulations governing the sport. This ranges from what the marshals flag signals mean and riders expected conduct to machine specifications and preparation requirements. It also specifies that all transport vehicles must be equipped with a dry powder fire extinguisher so get  hold of one of those as well. Failure to have one could result in a fine.
The next most important purchase after the bike is your riding kit. You'll need a type A approved ACU Gold stamped helmet, a good set of one piece leathers and decent gloves and boots. Don't be tempted to go for the cheapest you can get your hands on as at some point they will get put to the test so go for good quality gear. You'll also need a dog tag engraved with your name, date of birth and preferably blood group.
Now you've got everything you require for your first race meeting. When you joined your chosen club they will probably have provided you with a set of supplementary regulations or entry forms. You will need to get these in by the specified closing date for the meeting you want to race at. This is commonly two weeks to 10 days prior to the event. Entry fees will vary slightly depending on the club and circuit your competing at, how many races you want to enter and whether it's a one or two day meeting. As an average reckon on between £60 to £80 for a one day meeting. Once your entry has been accepted you will receive your paddock passes, allocated race number and possibly a scrutineering card.
Come race day make sure you arrive at the circuit early, or go the previous evening if the circuits some distance, to allow yourself plenty of time for scrutineering and signing on. You will not be allowed out on the track until your bike and clothing have been  inspected both for safety reasons and compliance with regulations. The scrutineers will put a sticker on the bike to show that it has been checked and the holding bay marshals will be looking out for these stickers. Once inspected and your scrutineering card has been signed you will then need to "sign on". Take your race licence with you as they will want to see it. At signing on you will be given a race programme and any final instructions. You may also be provided with practice passes.
Right, your now ready for practice so sit and chew your finger nails to your knuckles until your summoned to the holding bay over the paddock P.A. It's worth keeping an eye on who's out when, as some P.A systems are bearly audible above the noise of the bikes on the circuit and generators running in the paddock powering tyre warmers, so you can easily end up missing your allocated practice session. On your first time out remember that this is just practice and not the race so concentrate on learning the circuit, lines and braking points rather than trying to keep up with the reigning club champion.
With practice out of the way you'll now have some idea of what it's like out on the track with your fellow competitors and hopefully be ready for a good days racing. The races will follow a similar procedure to practice with you being called to the holding bay when your due on track and allocated your grid position. From this point I'll leave you to your own fate but remember above all your there to enjoy it.
I hope this introductory guide to racing, although not exhaustive, will provide a useful insight for anybody who has ever thought of taking up the sport. If your a MAG member, and if not you should be, do put a couple of MAG stickers on the fairing and let us know how you get on.
If you don't fancy racing but would like to be involved in the sport then why not become a Marshal. Race meetings can't run without this voluntary help and Marshal's are always needed so any club is sure to welcome you.
|
