Beginners Guide

Getting into any form of motor sport for the first time is a daunting prospect and it is a step up from track days with regards to regulations and safety equipment. This guide should help you get onto the grid for the first time.

Contact Your Single Service Association

First and foremost you should contact your service motor sport association. They will be able to help you towards getting onto the grid. If you’ve not raced before there are a number of hurdles that you need to get through and there maybe some funding or help that can be provided that can get you on the way. Additionally they may be able to loan you some equipment or provide a drive in one of their association cars if a seat is available.

For Veterans, please also contact your previous service’s motorsport association as they will be able to help.

If you are a member of the UK Emergency Services we’ll be please to assist as well. Please contact us directly using the contact form.

Next Steps

Get a Go Racing Pack

You need to have passed an ARDS test which must be taken at a MSA approved track and with a formal instructor. There is a fixed route to passing the ARDS test and starts with a Motorsport Racing Starter Pack (at a cost of £110). Further details on obtaining your MSA licence can be found at the Get Started section on Motorsport UK website.

Get A Medical

Medical requirements for initial and licence renewals have now changed – the latest direction from Motorsport UK is linked here. Service personnel should check with their individual associations and unit Med Centres for completing this element.

Pass The ARDS Test

The fee for the ARDS Test changes depending upon which track you use but they are roughly £270-350 (depending on circuit) for a half day course. Full details are covered in the Go Racing Pack, along with an approved list of ARDS training centres. Service personnel again talk to your associations about any funding that may be available.

Once you pass this and have completed your medical (which should be done before the ARDS), you are able to apply to Motorsport UK for a Race Club Licence.

Safety Equipment

You will be required to have the correct safety clothing (overalls, gloves, FHR, helmet) once you start racing (you won’t need these for the ARDS test). The standards required are reviewed each year, so please make sure you are buying equipment that will meet the current and future requirement. Section K of the Motorsport UK Year Book (commonly referred to as the Blue Book) details the regulations.

Your Car

Perhaps you already have a track day car that you have gradually converted to race specification, but if not there are two main options. You could either build a car to regulations from scratch or alternatively, there are always plenty of race cars available for sale second hand. Have a look on Pistonheads, Paddock42.com, Race Demand, Race Cars Direct, Motorsport Ads and even eBay.co.uk.

You will then need to ensure that it conforms to the AFRC Regulations.

More Information

Series Regulations

2024 AFRC Regulations

Other Information

MSA Yearbook (Blue Book)

Race Licence Information

MSA Starter Pack

ARDS Schools

Costs 2024

MSUK Racing Starter Pack (includes cost of first licence) – £110

ARDS course (approx) – £270-350

MSUK Race Club Licence (Renewal) – £110

750 Motor Club Membership – £95

AFRC Registration – £100

Race entry fees – c.£375