There are three disciplines of motorsport: ClubSport, Race and Rally. Each discipline contains their own set of event formats and regulations.

ClubSport: Perfect for beginners and seasoned professionals, ClubSport has the widest variety of event formats in motorsport. From the precision and agility required for a Motorkhana or Autocross to the heights and thrill of hill climbs and drifting – there’s lots of challenges to master.

ClubSport Basic events, such as a Motorkhana are low-risk and low-cost. This means you can often use your daily driver with without any modifications or investment in safety equipment.

Click here to learn more about ClubSport events

Race: Often the most fierce and thrilling discipline of motorsport, Race events are all about competing directly against your rivals on the track over a set duration or distance. There are seven licensed race circuits in New Zealand that hold race events almost every weekend.

The variety of race classes around the country means there is something for every budget, every vehicle and every ability. From Clubman’s series OK Cup and RS Cup to historic and classic classes to endurance racing to single make series and everything in between – you can bet you find a Race class that suits you.

At a higher level of Race, MotorSport New Zealand has 16 accredited race series and eight national race championships.

Click here to find out more about the Race events

Rally: Famous for airborne photos of cars, Rally is the ultimate test machine and ability. Contested over a series of “Special Stages” rallies are contest on public and private roads, both sealed and gravel. The aim is for the driver and co-driver to complete each stage in the fastest possible time.

There are rally events all over the country with classes to suit new competitors, right up to the highest level of the New Zealand Rally Championship.

Click here to find out more about Rally events

MotorSport New Zealand enforces strong safety regulations at all levels of the sport. Modern motorsport safety standards are incredibly high and are subject to millions of dollars of investment annually around the world.

MotorSport New Zealand’s event, vehicle, and competitor safety regulations have been continuously improved over our 75+ year history and are heavily derived from the overarching regulations set by motorsport’s global governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Depending on the event type, competitors are required to wear approved personal safety apparel and equipment such as fire-proof clothing, helmets and frontal head restraints. Vehicles are also required to be fitted with certain safety features at different events such as roll cages, side intrusion protection and safety harnesses.

All motorsport events are also run with safety in mind, from the planning stages to the chequered flag. Event organisers must comply with our event safety regulations which often involves creating bespoke safety plans, venue assessments, and having trained volunteers.

Complying with safety regulations should not be seen as a barrier to competing in motorsport. We want all our competitors and volunteers to enjoy a life-time of motorsport and will work tirelessly to ensure this. Safety equipment can vary in price, but there’s always a solution for everyone’s budget.

Our Technical Department are always available to help you discuss the best safety options for you and your vehicle. You can contact them on 04 815 8015 (Opt. 2) or technical@motorsport.org.nz.

As long as it has wheels and an engine (or electric motor), you’re probably able to use it for motorsport. For some, motorsport is about going fast. For others, it’s about tinkering, building, perfecting and then testing their pride and joy.

At a basic level, most road going-vehicles with a current Warrant of Fitness will be eligible to be used in some motorsport events without any modifications, this means you can give motorsport a go without having to make any further investment on top of what you most likely already have – we’ve even seen ‘people mover’ races!

Some will choose to convert cars into full-on motorsport machines. This can include adding in a safety cage, modifying or swapping the engine, gearbox and suspension, and removing weight such as interior trim and rear seats.

Purpose built motorsport vehicles can also be purchased from bespoke manufacturers as “turn key” vehicles, ready to compete.

Of course, Kiwi ingenuity plays a huge role in motorsport and if modifying a vehicle isn’t enough of a challenge, you can build your own vehicle to compete in from scratch.

It’s not all entirely free rein when it comes to motorsport vehicles though. All vehicles, whether they’re home built, bought, modifying or road-going, must comply with our vehicle safety regulations. Schedule A of the MotorSport Manual outlines the vehicle safety standards required for different types of motorsport events.

Trained Scrutineers then enforce these standards at events by way of safety audits, which are required at every third event the vehicle competes in.

Our Technical Department are always available to help you discuss any questions you may have about motorsport vehicles. You can contact them on 04 815 8015 (Opt. 2) or technical@motorsport.org.nz.

Motorsport is often perceived to be an expensive sport. Whilst it can certainly become expensive the further you progress, competing at a grassroots level can be reasonably affordable.

ClubSport Basic events offer the best value for money, with relatively low entry fees and sometimes no additional safety requirements. You can often use your daily driver to compete, meaning your investment to give motorsport a go is minimal.

The cheapest MotorSport New Zealand Competition Licence is an M-Grade licence which allows you to compete in ClubSport events. You’ll also need a membership with a Member Club, the cost varies from club to club.

There’s also the cost of event entries and vehicle preparation and running costs to consider. These vary depending on how much you’re willing to spend.

The key thing to remember when it comes to understanding the costs for motorsport, it’s up to you to find what best suits your budget. Competitors often try to chase speed by spending money, when speed can also be found in other, most cost effective ways such as driver training.

Most people over the age of 12 can compete in motorsport. No matter your experience, background, ability, gender or race – we all compete as equals. MotorSport New Zealand has a proud history in ensuring motorsport is accessible to everyone.

With just a few extra steps, our Junior Licence system allows children between 12 and 16 to compete with appropriate safety limitations. Click here to find our more.

We also welcome members of our disabled community to compete in motorsport. Provided you can demonstrate your ability to control a vehicle in a safe manner and still meet our safety requirements such as extrication times – you’re able to get in the driver’s seat.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to discuss starting your motorsport journey. Alternatively, reach out to your local car club – they’re always keen to hear from people interested in getting involved with the sport.

For those aged under 12, please visit KartSport NZ for competitive karting information.

It’s time to choose what motorsport discipline suits you best. There are three main disciplines of motorsport; ClubSport, Race and Rally – each have their own licence type.

ClubSport events are often the best way to begin competing in motorsport as they have lower vehicle and equipment requirements as well as simpler event formats.

To gain a MotorSport New Zealand Competition Licence, you’ll need a membership with of one our of Member Clubs. These organisations are often responsible for organising motorsport events, and there’s likely a club local to you!

Member Clubs are also a great way to meet like-minded people and learn about competing in motorsport. There are countless years of experience that you can tap into and accelerate your learning as a new motorsport competitor.

Once you’ve chosen the motorsport discipline you want to compete in and joined a Member Club, you can apply for your MotorSport New Zealand Competition Licence.

You can find out more about each licence type on our Licences page.

Simply create an account with MotorSport Online and follow these steps:

1. Add your Club Membership details and wait for the club to approve you
2. Under the “Licences” tab, select “Add Licence”
3. Choose “MSNZ Competition Licence” and click “Add”
4. Complete the licence application form, medical declaration and complete the payment
5. Sit your licence exam
6. Wait for your licence to be approved

TUTORIAL: Applying for your Competition Licence

It’s time to prepare your vehicle for your first motorsport event.

Some events, such as some ClubSport Basic events have minimal vehicle requirements that enable you to simply use your daily driver to compete.

Other events, such as Race and Rally events, require your car to have some safety modifications to ensure your are protect in the event of an incident. You can find out the vehicle requirements for your event type under Schedule A of the MotorSport Manual.

If you’re unsure about MotorSport New Zealand’s Technical Regulations, you can reach out to our Technical Department on 04 815 8015 (Opt. 2) or technical@motorsport.org.nz and they will be happy to give you advice and guidance.

Now it’s time to find and enter your first event. You can find out what events are happening in your area and all over the country on your MotorSport Online profile.

Head to the event’s tab, find an event that interests you and submit your entry! Before you enter the event, it’s best to read up on the event’s Supplementary Regulations to ensure you know the event details, format and rules.

Note: entries may not be open for some events, in this case you will be able to submit an “expression of interest” the let the organiser know you’re keen to compete.

TUTORIAL: Entering an event