BSSO Beginner’s Race Guide

So if you’ve read the last two editions you should know how to choose the best class for you, and will have found out some of the things you’re going to be needing. Now it’s time to look at the paperwork side of things – to help get you out on the track.

Paul Green continues his series on getting started in scooter racing.

Scooter racing in the UK falls under the remit of the governing body for motorcycle racing: the Auto-Cycle Union, or ACU as it is better known. The ACU in turn effectively delegates the organisation of scooter racing to the British Scooter Sport Organisation – the BSSO. The BSSO races alongside ‘host clubs’ to form a British Scooter Championship, which is generally held over eight/nine rounds at circuits all around the UK, racing at events with everything from vintage motorcycles through to the latest motorcycles, as well as high-performance cars.

Join the BSSO

This is the first thing you will need to do. The membership costs £40 per year and allows you to get the necessary membership codes to obtain your ACU racing licence along with the allimportant BSSO membership card. BSSO membership costs £40 per year and entitles you to a member’s T-shirt, and importantly the right to vote at the AGM on any matters affecting racing. You can download the membership forms direct from the BSSO website.

Join BHR racing

This is not absolutely essential but definitely recommended if you are intending to race more than once! British Historic Racing – BHR – is the main host club that the BSSO races with. Being a member of BHR gives you a race fee 20% lower than non-members so saves you around £40 a weekend. There are generally six or so races available with BHR so it’s well worth joining. Forms available from BSSO or BHR websites.

Apply for an ACU race licence

This is where the fun (!) starts. Your ACU licence is an essential requirement, and you cannot race without it. Everyone who races a two or three-wheeled vehicle needs a race licence from the ACU. Whether you are Fred Bloggs or Guy Martin you still need to go through this process.

A scooter race licence will cost you £48 per year. The first time you apply you need to take your membership form to an optician to undertake a specific eye test. Your optician needs to complete the appropriate section of the form, be aware that it’s a more involved test than a normal eye test so some opticians may make an extra charge. Every three years you will need to have an updated eye test.

The ACU form also may require a medical questionnaire to be completed by a doctor if you are over 55 or have certain medical conditions. The membership form can be downloaded from either the BSSO website or the ACU site to get your first Scooter Clubman licence. Once you have completed it then you can get a specific membership code from the BSSO membership secretary which will allow the ACU to process your application.

Road race course and assessment

The next stage in getting your first race licence is to attend a classroom and on-track assessment. This covers basic riding skills as well as essential knowledge such as flag signals, track etiquette, and safety matters. This stage is seen by many as a real hassle but it is a very important thing to do. Once you are on track you will be going (possibly) the fastest you will ever go on two wheels and all in very close quarters to almost 40 other riders who are likely to be of a range of skills and speeds.

Scooters are tuned to go ever faster and however fast you think you are on the road – the track is an entirely different world, so safety is absolutely essential and the risk of life-changing injury is very real. New riders need to treat this course with the seriousness it deserves. You can find all the information you will need to book your course at the ACU website.

Once you have satisfactorily completed your course and the assessment you can get your membership form stamped to confirm that you know roughly what you are doing. The next task is simply to send away a passport picture of yourself and then eagerly await your ACU photo licence arriving along with a record card to get signed for your first 12 races to prove that you can ride safely at a sensible speed.

The process of getting the physical licence is generally quite quick but its best to get your application sent off in good time and not last minute, when delays may occur due to high demand.

Get a dog tag

In addition to the riding gear, we covered last month you will need a dog tag which is inspected at each race. In the event of an accident and injury, this is essential for medical officials. It’s recommended that you show your blood group alongside essential identity information. Your dog tag should be fixed on a good quality strong chain.

Hi-viz vest

Even as a novice you will be on track with the UK’s fastest riders. All newcomer Clubmen must wear an orange vest so experienced riders can give you the space and courtesy needed. Once you have completed a set number of races and proved you are safe and fast enough then you can upgrade to a national licence and remove the vest.

Transponders

The transponder is an electrical device that is essential to provide timing information and your race placings. Most clubs that the BSSO races with will have a provision to hire a transponder but it’s worth buying your own if you are taking racing seriously. All ACU approved circuits have an electrical circuit buried under the start line which triggers as the transponder passes over it. Each unit has a unique ID number which is logged to you so the officials can provide your race results. Your transponder should be solidly mounted to your machine, generally at the front. If you have a close race and pass over the finish line side by side you don’t want your transponder behind your seat if your rival has his on the front mudguard!

Race entry forms

These are made available on the BSSO or the host club’s website. Each race has a closing date so it’s best to get your entries downloaded and sent off as early as possible. If you miss the printed closing dates then you may have a surcharge so being organised pays off. There is also the possibility of over-subscription at some events so early entry is always advisable. It also allows the BSSO and host clubs the chance to possibly change race orders and class races and try to avoid anyone not being able to race.

Scrutineering cards and final race instructions

Once you have entered you will receive a scrutineering card, paddock passes and final race instructions a week or so before the race. You need to get a signature on the card once your machine and clothing has been inspected by technical officials.

You then take the card along with your ACU licence and BSSO membership card to race control where you will sign on and sign race disclaimers. Then you are in! From this point on it’s a case of watching and listening to paddock announcements for your first practice. Then once everyone has practiced and had the chance to get familiar with the track – it’s race time. And then the fun really starts and all this form filling and administration will have been worth it.

Help is at hand

Starting racing is a daunting process but BSSO riders and officials will help you through and are very keen to get more people on track – so you will get all the help you need. Just ask in person or via the race forum if there’s any help you need or things you don’t understand.

Racing can be expensive, dangerous, scary, fun and stressful in equal measure. Take it seriously and get your initial race licence and you could enjoy years of fun riding very fast circuits on some of the country’s premier racetracks. Have fun! Words: Paul Green

Photographs: Neil Kirby & Paul Green