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How to Get Into Motorsport in Australia: A Beginner’s Guide

Motorsport in Australia is a vibrant, accessible, and exhilarating pursuit open to people of all ages and experience levels. Whether you dream of racing wheel-to-wheel or just want to enjoy the thrill of driving on a track, here’s how you can get started.

1. Join a Motorsport Australia Affiliated Car Club

  • First step: Become a member of a Motorsport Australia affiliated car club. There are over 580 clubs across the country catering to a wide range of interests, from classic cars to modern racers and everything in between.
  • Why join? Clubs are the gateway to motorsport events, offer a supportive community, and provide essential information on getting started as a competitor or volunteer.

2. Try a “Come and Try” Day

  • Beginner-friendly: Motorsport Australia and its clubs regularly host Come and Try Days—relaxed, welcoming events designed for newcomers.
  • No race car needed: You can participate using your everyday road-registered vehicle. These events focus on safety and fun, making them ideal for your first taste of motorsport.
  • How to find one: Use Motorsport Australia’s Event Entry portal or contact your local club to find upcoming dates.

3. Understand the Types of Motorsport Events

Australia offers a wide range of entry-level motorsport disciplines:

Event TypeDescription
MotorkhanaLow-speed precision driving around cones; great for all cars and ages.
KhanacrossOff-road timed events, slightly faster than Motorkhana.
SupersprintTimed laps on a circuit, competing against the clock, not wheel-to-wheel.
HillclimbTimed runs up a hill course, focusing on car control and speed.
  • Motorkhana and Khanacross are especially popular for beginners, requiring minimal modifications to your car.
  • Supersprints are ideal if you want circuit experience without the pressure of door-to-door racing.

4. Get Your Motorsport Australia Licence

  • Speed Licence: Required for most timed events (Motorkhana, Supersprint, etc.). You can apply online via Motorsport Australia. The process is straightforward and affordable, with a basic medical statement required (not a full medical exam).
  • Club Membership: A prerequisite for a competition licence is being a member of an affiliated club.

5. Prepare Your Car and Gear

  • Roadworthy car: Most entry-level events allow standard road cars. Ensure your car is well-maintained, with working brakes, good tyres, and no loose items inside.
  • Safety gear: For most beginner events, you’ll need a helmet, long sleeves, long pants, and closed shoes. Some events may require a fire extinguisher and basic safety stickers (battery, tow points).
  • Servicing: Have your car serviced before your first event and remove all loose items from the cabin.

6. Learn and Improve

  • Instruction days: Many clubs and tracks offer instruction days or driver coaching. These are invaluable for learning track etiquette, safety, and driving techniques.
  • Track days: Regular participation in track days helps build confidence and skill in a safe, controlled environment.

7. Progress at Your Own Pace

  • After your first few events, you can choose to stay at the club level or move into more competitive racing, such as circuit racing or rallying. The motorsport community is supportive, and there are clear pathways for progression.

8. Get Involved as a Volunteer or Official

  • If driving isn’t your only interest, clubs are always looking for volunteers and officials. This is a great way to learn the sport from the inside and contribute to the community.

Key Contacts and Resources

  • Motorsport Australia: The national governing body for four-wheel motorsport, offering licences, event calendars, and club directories.
  • Local Car Clubs: Find one that matches your interests and location for the best support and event access.

Final Tips

  • Don’t be intimidated—motorsport in Australia is welcoming and designed for all levels.
  • Start small, ask questions, and enjoy the camaraderie and excitement that come with every event.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the thrill of motorsport in Australia, whether as a competitor, volunteer, or passionate fan.

GT86/BRZ air filter change guide

Replacing the engine air filter on your Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ is a quick, tool‑free task that takes about 5–10 minutes and involves unclipping the airbox, swapping the old pleated‑paper filter for a new one, and re‑securing the clips. Under normal driving conditions the filter should be replaced every 15,000 km (≈9,000 mi) or 12 months, with inspections at half that interval; in dusty or severe environments inspect as often as every 10,000 km (≈7,000 mi)

Tools & Materials

  • Engine air filter
  • Shop rag (to wipe out any debris in the airbox)

Note: No sockets or wrenches are required—the airbox is held by simple metal clips.

Safety Precautions

  1. Park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and switch off the engine.
  2. Allow the engine bay to cool for at least 15 minutes before working.
  3. Keep hands and tools clear of fan blades and hot components.

Step‑by‑Step Procedure

1. Open the Hood

  • Pull the interior hood‑release lever near the driver’s left foot.
  • Release the secondary latch under the front emblem and prop the hood open.

2. Locate and Unclip the Airbox

  • Find the airbox at the front‑right of the engine bay (a black plastic box with metal clips).
  • Carefully lift each metal clip away from the airbox cover until it pops free (usually four clips).

3. Remove the Old Filter

  • Lift the airbox cover straight up; set it aside.
  • Pull the used filter element out of the lower airbox housing.

4. Clean the Airbox

  • Wipe any leaves, dust, or debris from inside the airbox with a clean rag.

5. Install the New Filter

  • Insert the new filter so the rubber sealing edge seats fully and the orientation tabs align downward.
  • Ensure the pleats face the engine side and that the filter sits flat in the housing.

6. Re‑secure the Airbox

  • Lower the cover back onto the housing, aligning the locating pins.
  • Press each metal clip down until it snaps tightly against the cover.

7. Final Check

  • Close the hood and start the engine; verify there are no unusual hissing sounds.
  • Inspect around the airbox for proper sealing.

Tips & Troubleshooting

  • If clips are stiff, gently pry with a flat‑head screwdriver—avoid bending or breaking them.
  • After reinstalling, listen for air leaks; a loose seal may trigger a “check engine” light.
  • Consider a washable performance filter (e.g., K&N) if you drive on dusty roads, but inspect it more frequently.

By following these steps and adhering to the recommended intervals, you’ll ensure optimal airflow and engine performance for your GT86/BRZ.

Disclaimer

This guide is intended for informational purposes only. Performing vehicle maintenance carries inherent risks, and you assume full responsibility for your actions. The procedures described here are based on general knowledge of the Toyota GT86 and may vary slightly depending on model year, regional differences, or aftermarket modifications.

By following this guide, you agree to the following:

  • You are solely responsible for ensuring the work is performed safely and correctly.
  • You acknowledge that improper maintenance can result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury.
  • You will consult your vehicle’s official owner’s manual and follow all manufacturer guidelines and safety instructions.
  • You understand that this guide does not replace professional automotive advice or service.

Always use caution, and when in doubt, seek assistance from a certified mechanic.

Found any mistakes in our guide? Email [email protected]

Aus Time Attack 2024

Australian Time Attack racing returns for 2024 at the Winton Motor Raceway, only 2 hrs from the Melbourne Airport.