Motorsport has a special place in Australian culture — from Bathurst to grassroots karting, from club sprint days to drifting, drag racing, rally, and everything in between. For many, the dream of getting behind the wheel and competing feels out of reach, but the truth is: motorsport in Australia is more accessible than most people realise. With the right guidance, passion, and a willingness to learn, anyone can begin their racing journey. Here’s how to get started.
1. Start With the Basics: What Kind of Motorsport Interests You?
Australia offers a huge range of motorsport categories, each with different costs and entry levels. Popular beginner pathways include:
- Karting – The most common starting point for both kids and adults
- Track Days / Sprint Events – Ideal for beginners using their own road car
- Motorkhana / Khanacross – Low speed, low cost, high skill development
- Drag Racing – Test your straight-line speed in a controlled environment
- Rally & Rallycross – A more advanced but highly rewarding pathway
- Circuit Racing (Improved Production, HQ Holden, Hyundai Excel, etc.)
Choosing the right category depends on budget, interest, and how competitive you want to be.
2. Get a Motorsport Australia Licence
To compete in any sanctioned event, you’ll need a Motorsport Australia licence.
Entry-level options include:
- Clubman Licence – Perfect for motorkhana, khanacross, and low-level events
- Speed Licence – Needed for sprint events and regularity
- Racing Licence – Required for full circuit competition
Getting a licence usually involves an online application, a simple medical questionnaire, and sometimes a practical assessment depending on the category.
Visit: motorsport.org.au for full details.
3. Join a Local Car Club
This is one of the most important steps. Clubs provide:
- Access to events
- Mentorship from experienced members
- Technical advice for building or preparing a car
- A supportive community
Clubs across Australia host regular meets, training days, and social events — all great ways to learn and connect with others.
4. Start With What You Have
You don’t need a full-built race car to begin. Many beginners use their daily driver for:
- Track days
- Khanacross
- Motorkhana
- Hill climbs
Basic safety upgrades — good tyres, fresh brakes, and proper servicing — are often enough at beginner levels. As you progress, you can invest more and upgrade your vehicle over time.
5. Explore Budget-Friendly Entry Categories
Australia has several affordable racing classes designed for newcomers, such as:
- Hyundai Excel Series – One of the cheapest ways to get into proper circuit racing
- HQ Holden – Old-school, competitive, and community-driven
- Improved Production – Great for modified street-based cars
- Endurance racing (24hr Lemons / 24hr Events) – Fun, accessible, team-based racing
These categories keep costs under control while offering big fields and great racing.
6. Invest in Driver Training
Before spending big money on car parts, invest in yourself.
Driver training schools and coaching programs help you learn:
- Car control
- Braking technique
- Racing lines
- Track awareness
- Safety fundamentals
Better driving skills = faster lap times and fewer expensive mistakes.
7. Understand the Costs and Commitments
Motorsport doesn’t need to break the bank, but it’s important to budget for:
- Event entry fees
- Tyres and brakes
- Fuel
- Safety gear (helmet, race suit, gloves, HANS device depending on category)
- Maintenance and repairs
Planning ahead helps keep the sport enjoyable and sustainable.
Final Thoughts
Getting into motorsport in Australia is exciting, rewarding, and more achievable than most people think. Start small, join a club, get the right licence, and build your skills gradually. Whether you’re chasing podiums or simply want to experience the thrill of speed in a safe environment, the Australian motorsport community has a place for you.
