How to Start Racing

Roadmap: how to get into Circuit Racing in NSW

At RaceAway Track Time, the number one question we get asked is "How do I start racing?"

If you’ve ever dreamed about lining up on a starting grid and chasing that chequered flag, you’re not alone. Motorsport can seem overwhelming at first — but with the right team behind you, it’s far more accessible than you might think.

Whether you’re a total beginner or track day hero, here’s our proven formula for getting into motorsport.

Step 1: Get Comfortable on Track

The very first step is simple: get yourself on a racetrack.

You don't need a fancy race car. You can start with your road car at one of our Track Days at Pheasant Wood Circuit. These days are designed to help you get familiar with driving at speed, safely, in a supportive environment.

There’s a reason we love training at Pheasant Wood Circuit. This tight, technical circuit constantly challenges you to think ahead and link your corners together — a crucial skill for any future racer. The track layout is ideal for developing precision and consistency, and its excellent viewing points & open pit lane make coaching even more effective.

Every event includes:

• Morning Track Walk - led by experienced coaches

• Open pit lane format – drive as much as you like

• Group workshop

• Live Natsoft timing - track your lap times

Don’t own a racecar? We highly recommend checking out our Arrive ‘n’ Drive packages available at Pheasant Wood Circuit or One Raceway. These packages give you a day on track in your chosen vehicle (Subaru BRZ, Toyota ‘86, Mazda MX5) with one-on-one coaching and track day entry included. Even better - there are plenty of opportunities for Arrive ‘n’ Drive with midweek and weekend dates available.

Arrive ‘n’ Drive racecar hire at Pheasant Wood Circuit or One Raceway. Raceaway Track Time BRZ racecar hire.

Step 2: DRIVER Coaching to Fast-Track Your Progress

Speed isn't just about mashing the throttle — it’s about race craft.

That's where coaching makes all the difference.
Our professional driver coaches teach you everything you need to know to drive smarter, not harder:

• Race lines and braking techniques

• Overtaking and defending positions

• Traffic management

• Wet weather skills

• Mindset and consistency under pressure

Whether it’s your first time on track or you're aiming to be race-ready, our coaching helps you skip the trial-and-error phase and get faster, safer, and more confident — quicker.

Step 3: Get a Taste for Racing – The Deputy 4 Hour

Once you’re comfortable at speed and have a handle on your car control, it’s time to get a real taste of racing.

Enter the Pheasant Wood Circuit - Deputy 4 Hour Enduro.

This is grassroots endurance racing at its absolute best — affordable, friendly, and adrenaline-fuelled. It’s a 4-hour race held at Pheasant Wood Circuit, designed for beginner and budget-conscious racers. Race the RaceAway Mazda MX5 Racecar with everything included. Your own pro driver coach, professional pit crew, strategy manager & a practice day all included. READ MORE about Deputy 4 Hour.

It’s the perfect way to:

• Experience race starts, pit stops, and strategy

• Practice racing under pressure

• Work as part of a team

• experience the mental & physical endurance needed for motorsport

Many of our drivers use the Deputy 4 Hour as their first step into proper competition — and they keep coming back for more!

RaceAway Mazda MX5 at R2 of the Deputy 4 Hour endurance race, Pheasant Wood Circuit.

Step 4: Join the Big Dogs – Get Your Motorsport Australia License

If you’re serious about racing, you’ll need to hold a Motorsport Australia Circuit License.
Here’s how you get it:

1. Apply for a Motorsport Australia License

• Head to the Motorsport Australia website and apply for a Circuit License.

• You'll also need a Motorsport Australia Medical Examination Form completed by a doctor.

2. Complete an Online Theory Module

• Motorsport Australia requires you to complete an online theory component covering race regulations, safety protocols, flags, and driver responsibilities.

3. Book and Complete an Observed Licence Test (OLT)

• Your final step is the Observed Licence Test (OLT) — and this is a genuine test you must be adequately prepared to pass. You can complete your OLT with us at any upcoming track day & certain events.

  
  During the OLT, Motorsport Australia officials assess your:

  • Car control at speed

  • Track awareness and positioning

  • Correct use of flag signals

  • Pit entry and exit procedures

  • Overall attitude to safety

Important:
If you are not adequately prepared, you can fail your OLT. That’s why we strongly recommend gaining track day experience and professional coaching beforehand to boost your chances of success.

Step 5: Step into Club, State, or National Level Racing

Once you've got your Motorsport Australia License and tasted competition, the next step is planning a racing calendar that suits your goals, experience, and budget.

At RaceAway Track Time, we work closely with drivers to tailor a path forward.

Here’s how it usually looks:

Club and State Level Racing

If you're looking to build experience without massive travel or costs, we'll often recommend starting with a familiar track like Sydney Motorsport Park or One Raceway.

You might race in:

• NSW Production Touring Car Championship — in one of our proven Mazda SP25s

• MX5 Cup Series — using the same MX5 racecar you would have driven in the Deputy 4 Hour

• APRA (Australian Pulsar Racing Association) Series - Highly competitive one make series

These are an excellent starting point, growing your skills in highly competitive yet welcoming environments.

National Level racing the Class E Winners, RaceAway Track Time at the 2025 Bathurst 6 Hour, Mount Panorama.

National Level Racing

Got your sights set on Bathurst or Phillip Island?
Then you’ll need a National Motorsport Australia License — which requires completing three National-level Motorsport Australia race meetings.

In this case, we may recommend entering:

• Australian Production Cars Championship — in the Mazda SP25

• RX8 Cup Series — a highly popular and cost-effective national series

• NSW Production Touring — where certain rounds are eligible as National events

Completing these will qualify you to compete in iconic races like the Bathurst 6 Hour or Challenge Bathurst, where we also offer full Arrive 'n' Drive packages.

Ready to Get Started?

At RaceAway Track Time, we make starting your racing journey simple.
We’ve built a clear path for anyone who’s passionate about motorsport — from your very first track day to racing at major endurance events like the Bathurst 6 Hour.

👉 View our upcoming events here
👉 Explore race car hire options here

Still got questions?
We love helping new racers find their way to the grid.

📞 0472 535 354
📩 info@raceawaytracktime.com.au

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Is Buget Racing Possible? Why Smart Racers Rent, Not Own

Budget Racing with Arrive 'n' Drive: The Smart Racer’s Path to the Podium

When it comes to motorsport, the thrill of competition is unmatched. But let’s be honest—owning a race car isn't for the faint-hearted. The financial drain, time commitment, and sheer hassle of maintaining a high-performance machine can make it seem out of reach for most people. Enter Arrive 'n' Drive packages by RaceAway Track Time—the ultimate solution for racers who want to compete without the overhead of vehicle ownership. This service is designed by racers, for racers, to cut out the logistics and let you focus on what matters—driving fast and winning.

Arrive ‘n’ Drive at NSW Production Touring, Sydney Motorsport Park. Endurance round with Ronin Lindenmayer (#35), John Connolly and Phil Alexander (#53).

What is Arrive 'n' Drive?

At its core, Arrive 'n' Drive is a turnkey racing solution that gets you on the grid without the usual barriers. All you need is your race suit, helmet, and passion—the team at RaceAway handles the rest. From track-ready cars and expert coaching to full pit support, these packages are designed to let you show up and race.

This service caters to everything from entry level racing such as Deputy 4 Hour Enduro, to serious competition in events like Bathurst 6 Hour. With Phil Alexander—a racing legend with over 40 years of experience—leading the coaching, RaceAway ensures every driver is ready to hit the apex and chase the checkered flag.

The Benefits of Race Car Hire: Why Savvy Racers Choose to Rent

1. Skip Maintenance, Transport and Storage Headaches
   Maintaining and transporting a race car is no small feat, requiring mechanical know-how, sourcing rare parts, and constant upkeep between events. For those renting or living in units, the lack of garage space adds even more complexity. Add in the hassle of trailering the car to and from the track, and many drivers feel exhausted before they even arrive. RaceAway’s Arrive 'n' Drive service eliminates all these burdens—handling repairs, upgrades, storage, and transport—so you can simply show up and race, with a fully-prepped car waiting for you on the grid.

2. Access to Multiple Racing Categories and Cars
   Why lock yourself into one racing category when you can switch between multiple cars and series? One weekend, you could be tearing up the track in an RX8, and the next, competing in a Mazda MX5 endurance race. Whether it’s club racing, endurance events, or a national meet, race car hire gives you flexibility that owning a single vehicle can’t. This diversity ensures you can experiment with different types of cars to find the right fit for your driving style and goals.

3. Expert Guidance and VIP Access to Competitive Racing
   If you’re serious about leveling up, it helps to have someone with insider knowledge. RaceAway’s team, led by Phil Alexander, opens doors to national-level events and helps you navigate the world of licenses, rules, and strategies. Having someone “on the inside” breaks down the barriers to high-level motorsport, giving you access to the same tools and knowledge as seasoned professionals.

4. All-Inclusive Support: From Pit Crews to Strategy
   A major advantage of race car hire is that you’re not just renting a car—you’re getting a full racing team. From pit crew mechanics managing quick repairs to strategists mapping out the ideal race strategy, your team ensures you’re race-ready from the moment you hit the track. This service allows you to focus entirely on performance, giving you the edge over competitors trying to juggle logistics themselves.

5. No Surprise Costs
   Running a race car independently means dealing with unexpected expenses—blown tires, failed brakes, or engine repairs. With a hire package, everything is pre-budgeted. Tires, fuel, maintenance, and even spare parts are included, letting you know exactly what your racing weekend will cost. This predictability is crucial for racers looking to compete regularly without breaking the bank.

6. Low Commitment, High Reward
   If you’re not ready to invest in a full-time racing career, renting a race car gives you the perfect entry point. You can test the waters in multiple categories, refine your skills with professional coaching, and gradually build experience—all without the risk of committing to car ownership. This approach ensures you only invest more when you’re confident you’re ready to step up.

7. Freedom to Focus on Driving
   Motorsport should be about perfecting your lap times, overtaking competitors, and making it to the podium—not stressing over logistics. With RaceAway’s Arrive 'n' Drive service, the technical and logistical elements are handled for you, allowing you to concentrate entirely on driving and performance

RaceAway team practicing at Pheasant Wood Circuit for the Deputy 4 Hour Endurance Race

Budget Racing Exists! Deputy 4 Hour Enduro

The Deputy 4 Hour Enduro is one of the highlights of RaceAway’s racing calendar. Held at the Pheasant Wood Circuit, this endurance race embodies door-to-door grassroots racing. It’s the ideal event for those looking to transition from track days to competitive racing, offering a taste of what it takes to succeed in endurance formats.

For $2,650 (ex GST), RaceAway’s Arrive 'n' Drive package covers everything you need— race-prepped car hire, entry fees, fuel, pit crew support, and driver coaching. The Mazda MX5 and Nissan Pulsar are reliable, beginner-friendly cars, making them perfect for those new to racing. With easy licensing requirements and coaching provided throughout, this event ensures newcomers feel confident and race-ready.

The all-inclusive nature of the package makes it ideal for budget-conscious racers—you show up and race without worrying about hidden costs, maintenance, or logistics. Pit crew members handle car preparation and strategy, allowing you to focus entirely on improving your performance. The Deputy 4 Hour provides real door-to-door competition with full support, creating the perfect entry point into endurance racing for those looking to make the leap from casual track days.

READ MORE ABOUT DEPUTY 4 HOUR

Arrive 'n' Drive: A Smarter Way to Race

Arrive 'n' Drive is designed to remove the stress from motorsport. With RaceAway handling the logistics, drivers can focus solely on sharpening their skills and enjoying the ride. Whether you’re dreaming of Bathurst or simply want to spend a day tearing up the tarmac at Pheasant Wood Circuit or One Raceway, these packages make racing accessible to anyone with a competitive spirit.

For anyone serious about getting into motorsport without the baggage of car ownership, Arrive 'n' Drive with RaceAway Track Time is the way forward. The combination of expert coaching, prifessionally built race cars, and mechanical support means you’ll have everything you need to focus on winning. With the added benefit of participating in events like the Deputy 4 Hour Enduro, you’ll be honing your skills while enjoying real competition.

Motorsport should be about driving, not worrying about logistics—and that’s exactly what RaceAway Track Time delivers. Why waste time storing, repairing, and transporting cars when you can arrive, drive, and take the checkered flag?

CHECK OUT THESE ARRIVE ‘N’ DRIVE PACKAGES ⤵️