Motorsport is arguably the most exciting hobby you can pursue - and with around 30,000 competition licence holders in the UK, you'll be in good company!
The good news is you don't need a blank cheque to get started. Club racing offers superb competition, on a range of the UK's most-loved circuits, with a plethora of categories to choose from. MSVR's championships and series cover the whole spectrum from humble hatchbacks to state-of-the-art single seater racing cars, so take a look at the list and don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
As MotorSport Vision's in-house trackdays department, MSV Trackdays (MSVT) can provide you with everything you need to get onto the grid. They can help you each step of the way - from your first trackday right up to going racing. This can also include developing your track driving and racing skills with their driver training packages before you sit your ARDS (the Association of Racing Drivers Schools) test to obtain a race licence.
The steps you need to take to get a licence and then go racing are outlined below:
- Driver Coaching - learn from highly experienced current and ex-racer ARDS instructors
This pack, produced by the Motor Sports Association, contains everything you need to apply for your race licence:
- Race licence application form (the cost of your first licence is even included in the pack price)
- Medical form: This must be completed by your GP, and if you are over 18 years old you will need to take a medical check. Your licence application must be made within three months of your medical. You might be able to take the medical on the same day as your ARDS test - check with the organisers to see if this is something they offer
- DVD: This contains a whole host of useful information about your ARDS test, and also an electronic copy of the MSA Yearbook
- Information booklet: Outlines the application process. Make sure you read this thoroughly and watch the DVD a number of times to prepare yourself for test day.
Your ARDS test day will involve a number of stages, to prepare and assess you for racing.
- Briefing: You will be welcomed and the day's format will be explained. You may also receive some advice about your first race meeting
- DVD: As mentioned above, the DVD in your Go Racing pack is key to your ARDS test success, so the instructors will likely run through this with you again on the day
- Written test: You will sit a 30 minute written test under classroom conditions. The test covers your knowledge of Section Q (Circuit Racing) of the MSA Yearbook, plus your understanding of the flag signals used on circuit. You will need to score 100% on that section to pass.
- On-track test: On circuit with an examiner in the passenger seat, your ablity to safely lap the circuit and your use of the racing line will be assessed. You don't need to set a lap record; competence is key!
- Debrief: Providing you have passed, your examiner will stamp and sign your licence application form, which you must then return to the MSA to receive your licence.
You will need to purchase some essential safety equipment before you join the grid - as a minimum this could include fire-proof overalls, gloves, boots and crash helmet, and it is your responsibility to ensure these all meet the required safety standards. If they don't pass scrutineering, you won't be racing after all! It is worth bearing in mind that from 2016, all competitors will be required to use a Frontal Head Restraint (like a HANS device) - you can find some guidance from the MSA on this via the link at the bottom of this page.
In partnership with MSVR, MSVT run a race series designed specifically for novice racing drivers, the MSVT Trackday Trophy, but a number of our series are suitable for novice drivers.
- Regulations and race formats are simple and designed to keep costs down
- Plenty of track time
- The UK's premier circuits
- Helpful support and a great atmosphere
Don't forget, until you have taken part in six races, you will be required to carry the black and yellow novice cross on the back of your car.
To upgrade your licence from National B (where you'll start) to National A and beyond, you will need to collect signatures from the Clerk of the Course for each race you complete. The card for this ("Upgrade Card for Competition Licence") can be found here.