First things first. Do you know what Grass Track is? Although it shares a lot of similarities with Speedway, don’t confuse the two - or its larger cousin, Long Track. If you are in any doubt, in the first instance, we would suggest you have a look at our page About Grass Track. You may also be able to find other sites on the internet which give a better description of Grass Track than we have provided. Essentially, familiarise yourself with Grass Track and what it is about before considering starting the sport.

As with all disciplines, you will need to belong to a club affiliated to the local centre in which you intend to ride (although there are discrepancies in that statement which will be made clear later). Selecting a club suitable for yourself is important and it is recommended that you read the page on Joining a Club before parting with hard earned money.

You will, of course, need a machine and suitable clothing etc. and it is suggested that you consider purchasing ‘good’ second-hand equipment but make sure that you buy the best new helmet you can afford. A good quality helmet of the appropriate standard for grass track racing is a must - your head is your most valuable commodity. Also, be aware that your machine and helmet will be scrutineered for compliance with regulations before the meeting commences. If your helmet does NOT meet the required specification then you will NOT be permitted to start until it does!

Most people, but not all, will enjoy their first forays into the world of Grass Track racing but if you find it is not for you then by purchasing second-hand equipment, it is possible to cut your losses without incurring too much of a financial loss. However, if you start with new equipment, you will find that the items have lost a considerable part of their value as soon as they ‘leave the box’.

Before you are able to take part in a grass track event you will need to purchase a Competition License and the requisite License Application Form should be available from your club secretary. If not, then they are available from the ACU website or by calling the ACU on 01788 566400. Purchase of this license also includes affiliation to the ACU.

The purchase of a machine not only depends on how much you can afford but may also be related to your age, particularly if the rider is still at school. Please refer to the current ACU Handbook for the machine capacity that you may be permitted to ride. A copy of the current ACU handbook will be sent to you with your license.

As in most aspects of life it is best to know and understand the rules. Rules are not written for others to comply with, they are written for the safety of all concerned (competitors, organisers and spectators), and a desire to ensure ‘fair play’ between competitors. Knowledge of the rules can also give you an edge over your competitors.

Almost certainly, you will find Grass Track to be harder than you had anticipated, both from the physical standpoint as well as mentally. Don’t start the sport expecting to win - that is MOST unlikely! Instead, aim to finish each race, gaining experience with each outing. If you go like a ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ for the first lap and then fall off - what have you learned? You have learned that Mother Earth is pretty hard and unforgiving - but I assume you already know that - but if you finish, then you have a far better challenge for the next race - to beat that rider who just pipped you last time out!

Normally it will be necessary to enter an event before the day in order for a programme of events etc. to be compiled. To do this it is necessary to complete an entry form and send it together with the event entry fee to the Secretary of the Meeting. Most grass track events are of either Centre Restricted/Open to Centre, Regional Restricted or Open, the definitions being in fact quite simple:

• Centre Restricted - the event is open to members of any clubs within the Eastern Centre
• Regional Restricted - the event is open to members of any club belonging to the invited centres defined in the regulations, for our part of the world this would normally be ourselves (the Eastern Centre), the South-Eastern, Southern and/or South-Midland Centres; occasionally the East-Midland Centre may also be invited
• Open - the equivalent to a National but where the permit is issued by the local centre

Entry forms for Eastern Centre events are published in the monthly Eastern Centre Gazette which is normally obtainable from your club. However, if you intend to travel further afield and enter grass track events in other centres, e.g. Regional Restricted, then it may be necessary to purchase The Sporting Motorcyclist which is published in the Southern, South-Eastern and South-Midland Centres. Distribution of The Sporting Motorcyclist is undertaken by Andy Wood.