Compete
Want to get behind the wheel? Motorsport ranges from circuit racing and hillclimbs to accessible grassroots disciplines, some of which can even be entered using an everyday road car.
Starting Out in Motorsport
New to motorsport? Start here.
You don’t need to have grown up around racing, own a competition car or know everything about motorsport to become part of it. Motorsport brings together thousands of people with different skills, interests and levels of experience. Some compete behind the wheel, while others volunteer trackside, work in race control, help ensure cars comply with regulations or support the many different roles needed to make an event happen.
How can I get involved in motorsport?
There’s no single route into motorsport. The right starting point depends on what interests you.
Marshal
Want to get closer to the action without competing? Volunteer marshals are essential to motorsport events, carrying out roles trackside, in pit lanes, assembly areas and elsewhere around a venue.
Become an Official
Motorsport also relies on trained officials working behind the scenes. From scrutineering and timekeeping to clerking and stewarding, there are opportunities to develop specialist skills and play an important role in delivering events.
Experience Motorsport
You don't have to commit immediately. Attending a BARC event can be a great way to experience motorsport, see what happens behind the scenes and understand which part of the sport interests you.
Motorsport UK
The British Automobile Racing Club is a Motorsport UK-registered motor club and works closely with the governing body for four-wheel motorsport in the UK.
Motorsport UK's Get Started resources provide further guidance on the different motorsport disciplines, competition licences, marshalling, officiating and other ways to become involved in the sport.
EXPLORE MOTORSPORT UK GET STARTED GUIDE
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily.
Some grassroots motorsport disciplines can be entered using road-going cars with relatively few modifications, while circuit racing also includes teams and preparers offering arrive-and-drive packages.
If competing isn't for you, marshalling and officiating provide ways to become actively involved without owning a competition car at all.
It can be, but it doesn't have to be.
The cost of competing varies considerably depending on the discipline, car and level at which you want to participate. Grassroots disciplines can provide much more accessible starting points than people often associate with motorsport.
Marshalling and many official roles provide another route into the sport without the costs associated with owning and running a competition car.
That depends on the route you choose.
Competitors may need appropriate BARC membership and a Motorsport UK competition licence, depending on the discipline and event. Motorsport UK confirms that competition licences are required for competitive participation, while volunteers do not need a competition licence.
No.
Many routes into motorsport are designed for people starting from scratch. Training and guidance are available for marshals and officials, while competitors can start at a level appropriate to their experience, ambitions and budget.
You also don't need to know someone already involved in motorsport. BARC and the wider motorsport community can help point you in the right direction.
Opportunities are available for different ages across motorsport, but age requirements vary depending on the discipline or role. Young people can get involved through competing, marshalling and other areas of the sport, subject to the relevant age requirements.
That's okay. You don't need to know exactly where you fit before getting involved. Attending an event or speaking to the BARC team can help you understand the different opportunities available and find a route that interests you.