Getting Started - 8 Step Program


To get started you will need to do the following steps:

  1. Become a Member of a Motorsport Australia affiliated car club (Shepparton and District Car Club is an affiliated car club).

    • You can sign-up to become a member by attending one of our events or meetings which can be found in our Event Calendar.

  2. Obtain a Motorsport Australia Licence

  3. Get a Car

    1. Find a “Raceworthy” Car.

    2. Our Club does have Club Cars available for use. Club cars come with a small hire fee to cover fuel, running costs. The Club Cars are there to be used to help you get started in racing. The Club Cars can be used as long as you need however once the competitor gets more confident and pushes the car harder we ask that you get your own car so as to not wear out our cars. The Club Cars can also be used at the Clerk Of Courses discretion if a competitors breaks during an event and they wish to complete the event in a Club Car

  4. Check the Calendar for the next event.

  5. Get your Entry in to compete

  6. Prepare you and your car

    • Look over your car for the following:

      • Vehicle General Condition

        • Steering System Throttle Return Spring

        • Brakes Signage (Tow Points, Battery, etc.)

        • Fluid Levels/Leaks Fuel System (tank, lines, etc.)

        • Battery Secure/Covered

        • Exhaust System (condition/noise)

      • Vehicle General Safety

        • Fire Extinguisher and mounting

        • Safety Cage and Padding

        • Safety Harness (seatbelt) and Mounting

        • Seat and Mounting

        • Interior – condition/no loose items etc.

        • Firewall/bulkhead

      • Apparel

        • Helmet

        • Overalls/Outerwear

        • Footwear

        • Goggles/Visor

        • Current Motorsport Australia Licence for the Event Type

        • Current Club Membership

  7. Race

    • Check the event Supp Regs for when gates open and the event start times

    • Have your car unloaded and ready for scrutineering at the specified time as per the Supp Regs

    • Check-in, Bring Documentation (MA Licence, Club Membership, Entry Fee), You will need to complete the Check-In with the Event Secretary on the day before you begin racing.

    • Attend the Drivers Briefing at the specified time as per the Supp Regs

    • Have Fun (This is not a optional requirement). You will find many other competitors and officials to talk and socialise, we are a “grass-roots” motorsport club and are there to help all member to create family friendly environment

  8. Repeat Step 4 - 7

Frequently Asked Questions - Driver and Vehicle Requirements


What clothing and equipment are drivers required to wear?

Drivers must wear snug-fitting fire-resistant clothing covering the body from neck to wrists and ankles.

  • Solid, covered-in fire-resistant footwear (preferably not sneakers) must be worn.

  • An approved helmet is required for all events.

  • Drivers of open-roof vehicles (e.g., Buggies, Clubman, Specials) must wear approved eye protection.

Are drivers allowed to participate under the influence of alcohol or drugs?

• No, drivers are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol or drugs at any time during the event.

• Alcohol and drugs are banned.

What type of competition license is required for drivers?

What type of competition license is required for drivers?

  • Motorkhana & Khanacross events: Level 2 Non-Speed – Juniors (12 years and older).

  • Autocross & Sprint events: Level 2 Speed – Juniors (14 years and older).

  • Adults (18 years and older) require an adult competition license for either of the above categories.

What are the vehicle requirements for events?

Vehicles must comply with the general requirements set out in Section 6, Schedules A and B of the 2021 MA Manual.

What are some of the specific vehicle requirements?

  • Bonnet: Vehicles with a front-opening bonnet must have an additional securing method (e.g., strap or bonnet pins).

  • Fire Extinguisher: A fire extinguisher of at least 900g is required, with a metal mounting bracket required, securely fastened with a minimum of 2 x 6mm bolts.

  • Throttle Return Spring: Vehicles fitted with carburettors must be fitted with a secondary return spring to ensure the throttle closes in the event of failure.

  • Fuel Tank: Must be sealed off from the passenger compartment, including any holes in body panels/flooring.

  • Batteries: Batteries in the passenger compartment must be in a sealed container vented to the outside, unless a sealed battery.

  • Windows: The driver's side window must be "up" during practice and competition, or fitted with sufficient window nets.

  • Seat Belts: Must be in good working condition (free from cuts or damage). If a roll bar is fitted, an approved racing harness is required.

  • Rollover Protection: Not mandatory but strongly recommended.

  • Catch Can: Required for vehicles competing in bitumen events.

  • Muffler: Vehicles must have an effective muffler to keep noise levels below 95 dba.

  • Loose Objects: All loose objects must be removed from the vehicle.

  • Tail-shaft Hoop: Required for rear-wheel drive vehicles with a single piece tail shaft, recommended to be located towards the front of the vehicle to prevent the tail-shaft from penetrating the vehicle floor and entering the drivers compartment.

To achieve a Bronze level in a specific role (e.g., Event Command, Steward, Scrutineer), you must:

• Work at three events in a supervised or assistant capacity.

• Complete the relevant MA training module (either online or in-person).

• After fulfilling these requirements, submit the “Officials Licence Up-Grade Form” to receive your Bronze level accreditation.

Are there specific tyre restrictions?

  • Rally or Mud & Snow tyres are not permitted at SDCC events at the Mooroopna Autocross Track unless specified by event regulations.

What specific requirements apply to vehicles with forced induction (Turbo) or rotary engines?

  • Turbocharged Vehicles: The engine capacity is calculated by multiplying the swept displacement by a factor of 1.7 for classing purposes.

  • Rotary (Wankel-type) Engines: The engine capacity is calculated by multiplying the swept displacement by a factor of 1.8.

  • Turbo & Rotary Engines: The engine capacity is calculated by multiplying the swept displacement by a factor of 3.06 (1.8 x 1.7).

What are the vehicle classes used in SDCC competitions?

  • P Class: Standard vehicles (2WD).

  • C Class: Modified vehicles (2WD) up to 1600cc.

  • D Class: Modified vehicles (2WD) between 1601cc and 2000cc.

  • E Class: Modified vehicles (2WD) 2001cc and over.

  • L Class: Ladies.

  • J Class: Juniors (12-14 years old to under 18 years old).

  • S Class: Specials & Buggies.

  • W Class: Production 4WDs (no engine capacity limit).

Are there restrictions for vehicles in P Classes?

  • P Class (Standard Vehicles): Vehicles must be in raceworthy condition and adhere to original manufacturer specifications, including body, trim, and glass (except for floor carpet which can be removed for fire safety).

  • Engine Modifications: Over-boring by a maximum of 1mm is permitted. If this exceeds the class limit, the vehicle must compete in a higher class.

  • Air Filter: The air filtration system is free.

  • Exhaust System: Free, but must include an effective muffler to meet noise limits.

  • Brake System: Must be standard, but the friction material is free.

  • Wheels & Tyres: Free, but hand-cut, rally tyres, and "R Spec" tyres are not allowed on bitumen events.

Can Ladies and Juniors compete in open classes?

  • Yes, Ladies and Juniors may elect to compete in the open class appropriate to their vehicle.

 

This FAQ addresses the general requirements for both drivers and vehicles. For additional specific requirements, please refer to the 2021 MA Manual.