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Beginner's guide · Autograss

How to get into
autograss

Autograss is run by NASA through affiliated clubs: join your local club as a racing member, take out a NASA licence through the club, and you can race at any NASA meeting in a car built to the National Construction Rules. Class 1 (near-standard small saloons such as 1000cc Minis) is the usual entry point; one club says the basic classes can be started for under £500.

Find an autograss eventAutograss calendar and results

Minimum age

10 years

Licence

NASA Competition Licence

First step

Watch a local meeting

Governed by

NASA

Guides · Autograss · Checked 10 September 2026

Step by step

  1. 1

    Watch a local meeting

    NASA recommends visiting a local race meeting first. Up to eight cars start side by side on a straight-line grid and race over 4–10 laps.national-autograss.com

  2. 2

    Join a NASA-affiliated club

    Find your nearest club on the NASA clubs page and join as a racing member. A NASA licence is only issued to paid-up members of an affiliated club.national-autograss.com

  3. 3

    Apply for your licence through the club

    Racing licences for men, ladies and juniors are available through your club. Once licensed, you can race at any NASA meeting with a car that meets the National Construction Rules.national-autograss.com

  4. 4

    Choose a class and build to the rules

    There are 13 classes, from near-standard 1000cc Minis to spaceframe single-seaters. Download the 2026 rulebook for your class before buying or building a car.national-autograss.com

  5. 5

    Kit up

    You need a full-face helmet to an approved standard with goggles or visor, overalls covering all limbs, gloves, suitable footwear, a 5-point harness and NASA-approved arm protection.national-autograss.com

  6. 6

    Sign on, pass scrutineering and race

    Sign on and get the car scrutineered before racing. Junior drivers must first pass the Juniors' Driving Test, with a parent accompanying the examiner.national-autograss.com

The licence

NASA Competition Licence

NASA Competition Licence (Men's, Ladies' or Juniors' classes)

Become a paid-up member of a NASA-affiliated club and apply for your licence through that club. Licences run until the following 31 January; the application includes a medical declaration, and under-18s need parental consent. Junior drivers must pass a Juniors' Driving Test before their first race meeting.

Official licence page · national-autograss.com

Kit you need

  • Helmet — Marked to ECE 22.05, ECE 22.06, FIA 8860-2010 (valid to end of 2028), FIA 8859-2015, FIA 8860-2018, Snell SA2015 (valid to end of 2026) or Snell SA2020. Open-face helmets are prohibited from 2026.national-autograss.com
  • Goggles or visor — Motorcycle goggles or a visor must be worn and in position on the start line.national-autograss.com
  • Overalls — Protective overalls covering all limbs; flame-retardant overalls strongly recommended; nylon overalls, waterproofs and gloves prohibited.national-autograss.com
  • Gloves and footwear — Gloves are mandatory and must be fit for purpose; appropriate footwear must be worn.national-autograss.com
  • Harness — Minimum 5-point full harness to BSI standards with one quick-release buckle.national-autograss.com
  • Neck brace or FHR — Mandatory for junior drivers; strongly recommended for adults.national-autograss.com
  • Arm protection — A NASA-permitted method of arm restraint (e.g. arm restraints or window nets).national-autograss.com

What it costs

ItemFigureSource
Initial outlay to race Class 1 (Cwmdu Car Club estimate, year not stated)Under £500cwmducarclub.co.uk

Published figures from the sources shown, checked on the date above. Prices change; confirm with the organiser before you book.

Your first event

Your local NASA club meeting ↗Directory of autograss clubs across the UK and Ireland with venues and links to club sites.NASA fixtures ↗2026 fixture list and race hub to find the next meeting near you.

Coming up: go and watch one first

12SatDown Autograss Club – open meeting weekendDown Autograss Club · Sat 12 – Sun 13 Sept13SunSouthern Autograss League – league & club points meetingBearley Raceway · Sun 13 Sept13SunCentral Scotland Autograss – club meetingBabbithill Raceway, Avonbridge · Sun 13 Sept13SunEvesham Autograss – club meetingJohn Wilkin Raceway, Evesham · Sun 13 Sept13SunKent Autograss – club meetingIvychurch Raceway · Sun 13 Sept13SunNorth Shropshire Autograss – club meetingMoortown Airfield, High Ercall · Sun 13 Sept

Autograss: questions people ask

How do I get into autograss?

Watch a local meeting, join a NASA-affiliated club as a racing member and apply for a NASA licence through the club. You then need a car built to the rules for your chosen class.

How old do you have to be to race autograss?

Juniors can hold a NASA Junior Competition Licence from 10, racing in junior-only classes until 16. No one under 10 can be licensed.

Do I need a licence for autograss?

Yes, a NASA licence issued through an affiliated club. Day licences are available on race day for people awaiting their licence or trying racing in an existing licence holder's car.

What car do I need to start autograss?

Most newcomers start in Class 1, which covers near-standard small saloons such as 1000cc Minis. Check the 2026 NASA class rulebook before buying a car.

What safety kit do I need for autograss?

A full-face helmet to an approved standard with goggles or visor, overalls covering all limbs, gloves and suitable footwear. Juniors must also wear a neck brace or frontal head restraint.

Sources, checked 2026-09-10: national-autograss.com · national-autograss.com · national-autograss.com · national-autograss.com · cwmducarclub.co.uk. Rules and fees change; the governing body’s own page is always the final word.