If you find yourself reading this, it's not because you can't decide whether you want to race or, it's in your head and nothing is going to stop you (apart from the money, that stops us all!). This guide won't be about helping you chose to race or not, just give you the tools that will allow you to start your journey; it will give you all the information about how to get going in Road Racing. (ACUs term for Short Circuit track racing)
What License Can I apply for? Firstly you need to know what license you're going to apply for. The two available for first timers are: Novice & Intermediate Novice. Below is a extract from the ACU guidelines outlining the requirements for each license.
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| https://members.acu.org.uk/2016-Road-Race-Notes.pdf |
Step 1: Filling out the forms
So now you know which license to apply for, there are two options: Online or Paper Form, the good old paper method is probably the best option for new license applications as there are a number of things you need to do before you can send off the form.
A. Download a copy of the ACU Competition License application form and print out a copy.
2017 ACU Competition Road Race License Application Form
(If you don't have a printer you can call the ACU on 01788566400 and they will post a copy to you)
B. Fill out all the relevant sections (guidance file link)
C. You will need 4 additional items before the ACU will accept your application
i. A nice pretty picture of you - Passport photo is ideal. It'll go on your license so make it a good one!
ii. An eye test - Take page 2 of the form to any optician and they should be able to complete this for you. Most will charge a fee but if you're lucky some are free. They will test you, sign it and stamp the form to say you've passed.
iii. An affiliation code (See Step 2)
iv. CTC & Basic Rider Assessment Course Pass (See Step 3)
D. Complete Steps 2 & 3 and get your License!
Step 2: Join a Club
To get a Road Race License you must join an ACU affiliated club. In this guide I won't cover or suggest clubs to join, that's completely up to you based on what class of bike you have and what championship you want to race in. Joining a club will not tie you to this club permanently it's just a requirement for the application. I myself, joined 1 club and raced with them throughout the year, I felt this was best as you got to know the people and the way that club runs their race weekends. Others feel trying different rounds with different clubs gave them a better understanding of which club they preferred, do what you feel is best for you. There is no limit to the amount of clubs you can join but you will need a membership to enter that specific clubs events. (Ie. A membership to No Limits Racing will not allow you to race with Thundersport)
Most clubs now allow you to apply online, the cost is around £30 and this will allow you to enter all of that clubs events throughout the calendar year.
IMPORTANT: Once you've joined a club, you will get sent a 9 digit ACU affiliation code, make sure you fill this code out in Section 6 of your ACU Application Form (See Step 1 item C. iii) as it is one of the mandatory requirements.
Step 3: Do the Course
This is the final stage of the application process and requires you to complete 2 courses, most if not all providers will do them both in one day:
Competitor Training Course (CTC) - Classroom session where you will be tutored on various aspects of racing, such as flags, safety, etc. At the end of the sessions you will need to answer a multiple choice test, it's nothing to worry about, just make sure you pay attention to to teacher!
Basic Rider Assessment (BRA) - This is an on-track course (so you'll need your bike), it will cover a range of practical exercises that will introduce you to all aspects of on-track race craft. It will assess your competency to ride and give you the chance to experience attending the assembly area > coming onto the grid > the warm-up lap > the lights and the best bit...the start!
You can find a list of 2017 courses here
Finally, the course leader will stamp Section 7 of your application form and in most cases be responsible for sending off your form to the ACU for processing, approval and eventually a brand new shiny Road Race Licence card through the post! It can take a couple of weeks to come through so don't worry if it doesn't arrive before your first race, you can call the ACU and they will give you your license number so the club you race with can cross reference it with their records.
IMPORTANT: Remember to take your application form with you to the CTC/BRA course, ensuring you have attached a photo, passed your eye test and filled out your affiliation code in Section 6 (See Step 2).
That's it, just one of the stages complete towards doing your first race. The next section will cover your bike and how to prepare it for racing. Below are some useful links to the ACU and some major clubs.
Useful Links
ACU (Auto Cycle Union)
2017 ACU Competition Road Race License Application Form
License Form Guidance Notes
ACU CTC/BRA Training Courses 2017
No Limits Racing Race School
Thundersport GB
North Gloucester Road Racing Club (NGRRC)
Great guide IMRRT
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