New Racer Frequently Asked Questions



I’ve never been on a track before, how do I start racing?

MV Agusta, Norton Manx, Yamaha TZ. Chances are you’ve dreamed of throwing your leg over a classic machine, heard the growl of the motor and anticipated the drop of the green flag, but never knew where to start. In reality, the process is fairly simple. The USCRA (as well as other racing organizations) are geared towards taking the advanced street rider to the next level of club competition.

The USCRA is an organization of racing enthusiasts who foster a spirit of sportsmanship, competition and who all share a passion for vintage motorcycle racing. Membership into the USCRA itself is easy, just fill out a membership form and include payment. As a member, you’ll receive a rule book, and a membership card. If spectating is more your speed, a membership will keep you up-to-date on the latest news and events of the club, but if you have the need for speed, read on.

 
How do I obtain a racing license?

The USCRA requires that all participants have a current and valid racing license. A racing license may be obtained from the USCRA upon successfully completing a ‘race school’. There are a host of accredited schools who can teach you the basics of safety and speed on the race course. The USCRA Vintage Race School is just one such school. Our race school holds classes at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS). To find out more about the USCRA Vintage Race School, contact Doug Donelan at [email protected] In addition to a USCRA racing license, all participants of USCRA events are required to be members in good standing with the American Motorcycle Association. All USCRA events are AMA sanctioned and membership is available at every event.

 
What kind of bike should I race?

This is really a trick question. Only you really know what bike you’ve always dreamed of racing, but for the purposes of starting out, there are several models that are easy to find, relatively inexpensive to set-up and maintain and are common enough to find parts and have serviced easily. The following is a short list of some popular bikes that many vintage racers have started on: Yamaha RD350, Honda CB350, Ducati 250,and the Triumph 500. Most of these bikes can be found through local classified, Ebay, Craigslist, message boards or from other racers.


How do I get a bike ‘race-ready’?

Race prep of a bike is one of the most important elements to racing and mandatory for safety’s sake. The USCRA rule book outlines the basics for the safe preparation of a machine and also covers permitted modifications and restrictions. At every event, trained technical inspectors will scrutinize every detail of a machine before it’s deemed fit to enter the racetrack. The USCRA prides itself on the camaraderie and club members are always ready to reach out to new members with any questions and help they might need when prepping a race bike. If you’re looking for more help, keep reading.

 
Where can I get help getting started?

Here is contact information for a few folks who can answer questions and/or put you in touch with other members of the club.
 
(Club members who are willing to be advisors to new members/racers and be listed below – please click here to let us know.)


  • From an experienced racer's perspective:  Bob Demetrius (solo and sidecar racer), 413 259 7568 or  click here for email