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How to Start Racing Motocross
Racing motocross is one of the most enjoyable and accessible motorsports, and in Australia, it's actually a pretty straightforward process in getting your licence and lining up behind the gates.
We cover the ins and outs of getting licences and going racing in this guide, including everything else you'll need to consider.
Eligibility:
The minimum age to obtain a national competition licence in Australia is seven years of age. The junior ranks consist of ages seven through to 16, while seniors is for riders ages 16 and older.
Choosing a bike:
Choosing which motocross bike to use ultimately comes down to your age and size, especially as a junior racer. Your bike will also need to be homologated by Motorcycling Australia, so any of the major brands, such as KTM, Suzuki, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, Yamaha and more are accepted, however, Chinese pit bikes are not.
We've compiled a list of age categories for each size of dirt bike below.
Juniors
4-7 years of ages - 50cc
7-11 years of ages - 65cc
9-12 years of age - 85cc small wheel
12-15 years of age - 85cc big wheel
12 years plus - 125cc/250cc four-stroke
Seniors
16 years plus - 125cc/250cc two-stroke, 250cc/450cc four-stroke
Equipping yourself with the right gear:
Any time you step on a dirt bike, you should be wearing the correct protective equipment. If you're racing motocross, there are a number of items that are mandatory.
When it comes to buying gear for motocross racing, we always recommend investing most of your budget in a helmet and boots, while directing the remainder of your budget to riding and protective gear. You can learn more in gear guide here: The Ultimate Guide to Motocross Gear
Mandatory motocross gear:
- Full-face, ECE or Australian Standards certified motocross helmet
- Motocross boots
- Motocross goggles
- Motocross riding gear (long sleeve jersey, pants and gloves)
- Chest protector (mandatory for juniors only)
Getting licenced:
Getting a Motorcycling Australia licence is a simple process, but there different steps for juniors and seniors.
Regardless if you're a junior or senior rider, you'll need a National Competition Licence - this is the licence that allows you to race in any type of Motorcycling Australia affiliated event. You can start the signing up process online via Motorcycling Australia's Ridernet platform.
National Competition Licence process (Junior):
Step 1: Contact your State Controlling Body (Motorcycling Victoria, Motorcycling Queensland, Motorcycling WA etc.)
Step 2: Join a Motorcycling Australia affiliated motocross club
Step 3: Join the Kickstart program, complete 5 hours of coaching by an accredited coach. Must pass a riding test.
Step 3: Complete and pass theory test.
Step 4: Submit Kick Start paperwork and appropriate documentation to your SCB.
Step 5: Get your licence and go racing!
It's worth noting that each time a junior rider steps up the next size bike (eg. 65cc to 85cc), the rider will need to complete 5 hours of coaching on that bike and be signed off as competent by an accredited riding coach.
National Competition Licence process (Senior):
Step 1: Contact your State Controlling Body (Motorcycling Victoria, Motorcycling Queensland, Motorcycling WA etc.)
Step 2: Join a Motorcycling Australia affiliated motocross club
Step 3: Complete and pass rider competency test and theory test (if you have a road bike licence, you won't need to undertake the rider competency test)
Step 4: Submit appropriate documentation to your SCB.
Step 5: Get your licence and go racing!
Going racing:
There are many different types of motocross races in Australia, ranging from club events, state rounds and national competitions.
Your National Competition Licence will allow you to race in all three, but always keep in mind your ability before throwing yourself into a serious race meeting.
We recommended getting some club days under your belt, especially in your first races, as there are often less riders at these events and they are fairly low-key race days. From there, you can progress to open and state round events. Refer to your State Controlling Body for upcoming events in your state.
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