HANDY GUIDE TO GOING RACING

For those who haven't done it before, from people who have!

Step One

Getting Your Racing License

Much like learning to drive on the road, you have to undertake a theory and practical test to get out on track too – this is the ARDS Test. The Association of Racing Drivers Schools provides a three part examination for potential racers to take; two parts theory, one part practical. Usually you can book in your ARDS Test with your local motor racing circuit.

Once booked in you will receive your revision pack from Motorsport UK, which includes a USB Drive with revision material that will help you pass your theory examination; the rules and flags in UK motorsport will be explained in great detail, ensuring you are ready to get out on track.

The practical part of the examination will come after you have passed your theory; you will head out on track in a circuit or school owned car with an examiner, who will be on the lookout for your ability to control a car at speed – they’re not signing up for talent-spotting the next Lewis Hamilton. Once you have been granted your Motorsport UK Competition License, you are on your way to your first race weekend.

Step Two

Buying Your Race Gear

After your license, the most important thing you’ll need is your race gear. As a fan of motorsport you will recognise most of the gear; helmet, race suit, fireproofs… etc, but did you know it must be of a certain standard?

To compete in official motorsport events, the safety gear that you will be using is regulated and checked at every meeting to make sure it complies with Motorsport UK standard.

Standard race gear includes Helmet, Frontal Head Restraint (FHR), Race Suit, Race Gloves, Race Boots, and mandatory from 2026, fireproof underclothing.

All race gear must be maintained to a good standard, and if damaged, replaced. There are many reputable brands and retailers for race gear, check out just a few linked below!

Step Three

Choosing Your Club and Series

Once you have got your license and gear, you can now enter race events. There are several clubs, series and championships to enter, all at varying costs and performance levels – you can spend as much money as you want to in motorsport, however, we at the OT Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires think that if you can spend less whilst still having great racing, why not?

If you choose to come and race with us, you will need to purchase a British Automobile Racing Club membership and a registration to race in the OT Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires. This is the same for any Series / Championship, with varying costs. If you do not want to compete in every round, you can pay for round-by-round registration and membership.

To view the British Automobile Racing Club's website and find out more about the club and how to get involved, click here!

Step Four

How Do You Want To Race?

So now you’re ready to go racing; but you need one more very important thing – a car to drive! Thankfully the OT Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires can help with that. There are a few options when it comes to going racing, the first of which being Arrive & Drive. If you do not want to commit to owning a race car and all the stuff that comes with that, you can opt to rent a car for a race event or a season – we have a number of teams offering Arrive & Drive packages including Exit13, DCS Motorsport, Willowsport and Cursley Motorsport.

The second option is buying the car yourself, but getting a team to run it for you. We call this Race Support. This can come in two forms; the team can store the car and bring it to circuits for you, which is handy if you don’t have space at your residence for a trailer and a load of tools. They can also run the car on race weekends with repairs and fuel included.

The third option is going it alone; buying the car yourself, getting a suitable trailer and towing vehicle, and running the car throughout the weekend yourself. Excluding the cost of the initial purchase, this is the cheapest on-going option, but does require you get stuck in to the repairs and maintenance yourself.

Whichever way you plan on going racing, there will be a grid slot open for you! So come chat to us and our teams with the links below.