Sports Then and Now

Racing is one of the most exciting pastimes in the world, pitting drivers against each other at high speeds as they fight for first place. It gets even more exciting — and more dangerous — when you remove the roll-cage and put your drivers on motorcycles instead of in race cars. Motorcycle racing is an adrenaline junkie’s dream, but it’s not something to take lightly. What do you need to know to get started in motorcycle racing?

Put Safety First

Before you start following any of the other steps on this list, you need to ensure you’ve got everything you need on hand to stay safe. The exact details may vary depending on your track’s requirements, but whenever you’re riding a motorcycle — on the track or off — you should keep safety in mind at all times. 

Invest in a Department of Transportation (DOT)-certified helmet that will protect your head in the event of an accident. Be sure to always wear appropriate clothing and eye protection if your helmet doesn’t feature a face shield. Not all states require helmets for adult motorcycle riders, but we recommend wearing one regardless of your state’s requirements. 

Find a Track

Next, you’ll want to find a track. Racing motorcycles may be street legal, but it’s illegal to race on public streets. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a racetrack nearby, but depending on where you’re located, you may find you have to travel quite a ways to get on the track. The time spent commuting is worth it to race in a safe and controlled environment without putting yourself or others at risk. 

Motorcycle racetracks often offer classes and courses so even beginners can start enjoying their time on the track. 

Get Your Motorcycle Endorsement

This is a necessity even if you’re not planning to race. You need to go through the necessary steps to obtain your motorcycle endorsement. The exact details will vary from state to state, but generally, you’ll either need to complete a motorcycle safety course or prove your competency when driving one. Either way, make sure you’ve got that motorcycle endorsement before you even think about heading to the track.

Get Your Race License

Next, you’ll need to earn your race license. Check with the track you’ve chosen. Many offer classes and programs, such as new racer school, to teach you the basics and help you earn that license. It’s not that much different from getting your driver’s license — take a class, pass a written test and participate in a mock race without crashing your bike. 

There you go — you’ve got your race license and you’re ready to move on to the next step. 

Practice, Practice, Practice

Finally, you need to get on the track and practice as much as possible. Motorcycle racing is just like any other skill. You start as a beginner, and the more you practice, the better you’ll get. Practice does more than just increase your chances of winning on the track. It also makes it easier to stay safe, protecting both you and other racers as you speed toward the finish line. 

Have Fun and Stay Safe

Whether you’re racing motorcycles with the goal of turning pro or just because you like the thrill of screaming around those curves at top speed, preparation is essential. Make sure you have all the equipment you need, and take your time as you learn to navigate those curves.