STARTING RACING WITH THE EARLYSTOCKS RACE CLUB




As well as the obvious requirement to have a suitable motorcycle there are a number of other requirements that you must comply with.


THESE ARE SOME OF THE MORE COMMON QUESTIONS:

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO FIRST?

To race a motorcycle at authorised race meetings you have to hold a Road Race Licence issued by the Auto Cycle Union (ACU), which is the governing body of motorcycle road racing in England and Wales. Therefore the first thing to do is to obtain a race licence.

GETTING A RACE LICENSE, WHAT DOES THAT INVOLVE?

In addition to being able to provide proof of your ability to control a motorcycle, e.g. holding a DVLA licence, there is now a requirement to attend a Pre Licence Qualification Course (ACU-T) before a new Road Race licence can be issued. This is a classroom-based course, organised by the ACU, designed to ensure that everyone understands the basic safety and organisational requirements to participate in road racing. Courses generally start at 11am and conclude at 3pm. The cost of this course is £50 (2011 cost). Courses are available at various venues and dates throughout the year. You must pass this course before you can actually apply for your licence. Application forms for this course are available from the ACU at ACU House Wood Street Rugby CV12 2YX. Tel no: 01788 566400. www.acu.org.uk . As are of course the actual road race licence application packs.

A race licence will cost you £43 (2011 cost) and is valid from 1st January until 31st December each year. In most circumstances provided you are reasonably fit there is no need for a medical, but an eyesight examination is required.

When you have complied with the above requirements and completed the licence application form, there is one further thing to do. That is joining the Earlystocks race club (which will cost £17) which is affiliated to the ACU as a licence can only be issued to someone who is a member of an ACU affiliated club. In practice most people send the ACU licence application form, with a stamped addressed envelope addressed to the ACU, to the Earlystocks Racing Club along with the Earlystocks membership form. The club secretary will then countersign your licence application form and forward it direct to the ACU.

WHAT CAN I RACE?

All bikes must comply with the eligibility rules, which are very basically twin shock air-cooled production machines available pre 1990, with the addition of certain water-cooled period machines and also monoshock production models pre 1987. There are however a few restrictions that apply to anyone below the age of 18yrs as to what class of bike you can race.
Full details of the current restrictions can be found on the ACU website.

I'VE OBTAINED MY RACE LICENCE AND WANT TO ENTER A RACE.

After joining the Earlystocks race club you will be advised once race dates for the current season are confirmed of what other race organising clubs you will need to join. On joining these clubs they will forward to you the race entry forms etc. You can participate in as many or as few events as you wish.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ENTER A RACE?

The costs vary and are very much dependant on what club you are running with and at what circuit. To give you some idea of entry costs for the 2011 season the fees were Mallory park £125, Darley Moor £110, Cadwell Park £125, Snetterton £125 and Anglesey £125. At most events your entry fee includes morning practice and then usually 2 and occasionally 3 Earlystocks races.

WHAT CIRCUITS DO YOU RUN AT?

For 2012 we will be running at Mallory Park (approx 5 meetings at this track) and hope to run at a number of other circuits from the following including Snetterton, Cadwell Park, Anglesey, Donington or Oulton Park although this is not a complete list of circuits we aim to run at.

Please note these details are meant for guidance only and relate to Earlystocks eligible machines only. If in any doubt about any of the information given please contact either the Earlystocks race club or the ACU.