Becoming a Scooter Racer – you’re kidding, right?

Every racer eventually experiences a fall, no exceptions!

Becoming a scooter racer might be some of the most fun you’ve ever had, without the incredible risks and costs involved racing street bikes or motocross.  If you can’t imagine, check it out right from the handlebars!  (Be sure to open your browser full screen, the bigger the screen the better!)

Okay, how’s our adrenaline?  It sure looks like fun, doesn’t it.

Becoming a scooter racer is a lot of fun.  While that’s the idea, and it doesn’t have the heart-stopping, breath-sucking 350+ km/h (220+ mph) speed of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, it still requires lots of skill.  In other words, you still need to know what you’re doing.

The world of scooter racing, which has become a worldwide sport, may have some of the least scary crashes you will every see in any kind of motor-sport, but even still, organized scooter racing is very safety conscious and has rules that you must be familiar with.

What are the rules?

While some race organizers only require that the rules be respected and a registration fee payable on the day of the race. The majority of racing organizations are more structured, some require a racing license and medical exam.

Rules are established by local organizations such as the Auto Cycle Union (ACU), which is the number 1 organization in the UK for all forms of motorcycle racing.  Many organizations are also affiliated with the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), which covers 6 continents.

First of all, you need to join the organization you plan to race with, in the British Isles it would be the British Scooter Sport Organisation (BSSO).  The BSSO regulates what racers are allowed to do to their scooter.  Pick the group you want to race in, and build according to the specs for that group.

You might need to get a racing license. You can’t race in the UK without an ACU license, which requires a course and eye exam.

For more information, check with your country’s Motorsport Association or Federation.

What protection do I need?

You will need to protect the rider, the track and the scooter. Most tracks can provide you with a copy of their policy, which will include the minimum standards required.

• You must have protective equipment.  Injuries are still possible, so you are required to have a one piece leather or Kevlar suit, an approved crash helmet, leather gloves, leather boots over the ankle, and a dog tag around your neck with your name and birth date.
• To protect the surface of the race track from gouging and slicks, race scooters must be prepared so they have no sharp corners or bolts sticking out. To eliminate leaking fluids, catch bottles must be installed on all the scooter’s overflows.
• Installing sliders on all the contact points helps to protect the scooter’s paint and bodywork. For the engine use only the best synthetic lubricants and high octane fuel as you will be riding your scooter hard.

Start racing!

Practice!  Track racing isn’t the same as moseying along a quiet street.  Most race circuits have track testing days where you can go round and round as often as you like to familiarize yourself with your bike and with opening it up on a real track.

Sign up for a race!  This is the goal of becoming a scooter racer.  Then go for the ultimate goal, the cup!