With passing time, the curiosity of fast motorcycles has been taking over the minds of Indians very well. People are finding it more interesting and spotting one or few fast bikes on daily basis is a no big deal. Also, more manufacturers are entering the Indian market with fast and ‘cheap’ motorcycles, thus making performance biking segment very attractive. All this, with time, has definitely led to interest in racing these fast bikes on circuits among masses and many a people are trying to shape it professionally. So, how to get into professional motorcycle racing? What are the requirements? How to start? Read below…
PREPARING YOURSELF
Racing requires a mind of an artist combined with a technical mastermind with a physical strength to endure everything. This means the first thing you need to improve is yourself and your basics.
You can start even at an age of 13 years as no license is not a must to have to start racing. But be prepared for all the things you would be facing. Falling, crashes, wounds, broken bones & pain is all part of it; so be prepared.
Racing requires very intensive dedication and passion and if you lack any of it, sit and think again about it. Also, racing involves a lot of money, risk and glamour that means you would have to deal with all of it.
OFFICIAL REQUIREMENTS
It’s not a necessary thing to be 18 years old, but, you can start at the age of 13 years by applying for a ‘Competition License’ to the Federation Motorsport Club of India (FMSCI).
The legal process involves:
> A ‘Competition Licence’ issued by the FMSCI (forms available on www.fmsci.in)
> A medical certificate as prescribed along with the form from an authorized medical practitioner along with his/her stamp, registration number and signature.
> A copy of the driving licence (for those who don’t have a licence, an undertaking from guardians is necessary)
> An indemnity, duly signed by the applicant, understanding all the rules and regulations along with the hazards of racing. In case of a minor, it should be signed by the guardian.
> Entry form for the class/es that you wish to ride in should be duly filled in.
Also, the license is issued for maximum 12 months period and any case expires on 31st December of the year.
CATEGORIES
This includes choosing in which of the racing class you want to enter. Basically there are various classes of motorcycles including 110 cc single-cylinder to 1,000 cc inline, 4-cylinders for experts. The best idea is to start with the one-make series. This includes motorcycles of one make hosted by highly reputed brands like Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, TVS. Since all bikes are the same, rider skills are best highlighted in such events.
The categories offered by each one of these are as follows:
Honda
Group B Honda CBF Stunner – Open
Group B Honda CBR 150R – Open
Group B Honda CBR 250R – Open
Group D Honda CB Twister – Novice
The point to be noted here is that the Honda CB Twister race would not be a part of the championship and no points will be awarded to the top finishers. The organizers have started this class to attract more and more new comers. Therefore, if you fit into the Novice class age-group and are looking at the first step, this is the class you had better start with.
Yamaha
Group B YZF-R15 v2.0 – Novice
Group B YZF-R15 v2.0 – Open
TVS
Group B TVS Apache RTR 180 – Novice
Group B TVS Apache RTR 180 – Open
The organizers charge nominal fees that includes the participant’s motorcycle, fuel and other expenses.
RIDING FAST & SAFE
As racing is in itself a risk to life and requires high speed action, safety is the first priority for every participant. The FMSCI has a set of rules and regulations which demand the following riding gear as a must:
> One-piece motorcycle racing/riding leather suit
> Full-face, ISI-approved helmet
> Full-length motorcycle riding gloves
> Full-length motorcycle riding boots with ankle protection