Get Started in Motorsport

It's easier than you might imagine to get involved in motorsport. Anyone can have a go at karting or an autosolo or become a marshal. There are opportunities to compete from the age of eight and clubs all around the country which you can join.

In addition, The British Women Racing Drivers Club was formed in 1962 with the aim of promoting and supporting women in all forms of motorsport.

We are an MSA registered club with our own championships and awards. As a member you can claim points towards the BWRDC championships for the events you take part in during the year.

Get started in motorsport

What is Motorsport?
Motorsport is one of the most successful and popular sports in Britain. There are around 750 registered motor clubs, (including the BWRDC) which organise over 4,300 events a year in 22 different disciplines. There are at least 100,000 competitors, of which some 30,000 individuals hold MSA Competition licences. A1though it is often perceived as a male dominated sport, there are many more successful female participants than you might imagine.

Who can compete?
Anyone over the age of 8, male or female, can drive competitively. As for cars, many forms of motorsport can be tackled with completely standard road cars, while others permit only very limited modifications. Some require each car to carry a passenger, often as an active participant, so you don't necessarily even need a car to be a competitor.

What if I don't want to compete?
You don't have to be a competitor to become actively involved. A great many rewarding and enjoyable opportunities exist in all areas of the sport, from the organisation of events to marshalling. You can even seek permanent employment. Great Britain is the centre of motorsport, with over 50,000 men and women employed as truck drivers, secretaries, event organisers, championship co-ordinators, mechanics or salespeople, and in PR, administration and planning.

How do I find out more?
The first step is to contact the Motor Sports Association (MSA) for further information. They are the governing body for motorsport in the UK and run a scheme called Go Motorsport which will tell you all you need to know about getting involved. The second step is to join a club like the BWRDC or your local MSA registered club which you can find on the Go Motorsport website. There are lots of benefits from joining a club, including regular meetings where you will get to know other competitors, marshals and officials. Most clubs publish a magazine to keep you up to date with events and news and have their own club awards which are normally presented at their annual dinner and dance. You will find that you build up a network of friends you can call on to help with any motor racing problem you may have!

Get your Licence
To compete in the vast majority of motorsport events, you need a competition licence. You can purchase these from the MSA but you may have to take some driving proficiency tests - for example you need an ARDS test for a race licence or a BARS test for a rally licence. The ARDS and BARS tests are available at good race and rally schools who will teach you everything you need to know and usually hire a car to you if you don't have one yet. Details of these schools are available on the MSA website.

Your Car
The biggest and most important piece of equipment you will need is a car! Talk to people in your club who already compete in the discipline you want to try to find out what car you could compete in. There are some disciplines where you can even compete in your road car - for example Autosolo events. There will probably be an owner's club or website forum for the car you have chosen. To make sure your car is eligible, check the the championship rules on your club or association's wbsite. For general rules, the MSA Competitor and Officials Year Book (the ''Blue Book') is the bible which you will get with your licence. For further details see the specific event or championship rules.

Additional Equipment
Other than a car, additional safety equipment is usually required. For safety reasons you will probably have to wear a crash helmet, fireproof overalls and carry a fire extinguisher which must all comply with MSA regulations. You may also wear fire proof gloves and racing boots. Several companies sell these items; ask other drivers and see what they recommend!

Costs to consider
Club Membership
MSA Licence
Crash Helmet
Overalls
Gloves
Racing boots
Harness
Fire Extinguisher
Car!

A HANS device may also be required if you are planning to do international events. Remember you will also have to pay entry fees for any championships and events you would like to enter - these vary depending on the event - check the regulations for details. Don't forget travel costs to and from the venues as well as tyres and fuel!!