Guides · Oval & speedway · Checked 10 September 2026
Step by step
- 1
Pick an entry-level formula
Spedeworth's 'Back To Basics' Bangers is a strictly limited-contact formula aimed at novice drivers; applications can be refused if the promoter thinks you are too experienced. Children aged 11–15 can race Junior Bangers.spedeworth.co.uk
- 2
Get a licence or day licence
Apply for a full promoter licence, or for 'Back To Basics' Bangers take a day licence at £32 per meeting (including the ORCi fund) by completing a temporary licence form. Day licences are not allowed in junior formulas.spedeworth.co.uk
- 3
Buy ORCi-compliant safety kit
You need a helmet to an approved standard with the ORCi sticker, goggles or visor, a flame-resistant race suit, gloves and balaclava, and a racing harness in the car. Juniors must also wear a frontal head restraint or full-circle neck brace.orci.co.uk
- 4
Book in and pass scrutineering
Book the meeting with the promoter (Spedeworth charges £20 per licensed driver or £32 per day-licence driver for 'Back To Basics'). On the day, sign in at the pit office and get the car safety-checked before racing.spedeworth.co.uk
- 5
Juniors: take the ORCi assessment
New junior drivers must pass an ORCi assessment covering the rules of racing, vehicle controls and safety equipment before racing. Promoters may run it at a separate practice day.spedeworth.co.uk
- 6
Speedway: start at a training school
Book a training school or experience day on a club track. Scunthorpe's Wayne Carter sessions offer club bikes and all safety equipment, and AMSA runs 2026 sessions at Leicester and Scunthorpe.scunthorpe-speedway.co.uk
The licence
Promoter licence or day licence
Promoter-issued ORCi driver licence (e.g. Spedeworth, Incarace or Mildenhall main licence) or a day licence
Complete the promoter's licence/contract form with photos and payment, including a medical self-declaration; under-18s need a parent or guardian to guarantee the application. Adult drivers in entry formulas can race on a day licence; junior formulas require a full licence and an ORCi competence assessment.
Spedeworth 2026 new licence: £60 for 1600cc and 'Back To Basics' Bangers; £85 for National Bangers, 1300cc Stock Cars and 2.0 Hot Rods (2026 Spedeworth Main Licence form).
Official licence page · spedeworth.co.ukKit you need
- Helmet (oval racing) — To an ORCi-permitted standard (e.g. FIA 8859-2015, Snell SA2020, ECE R22.05/R22.06) and displaying the green 'ORCi 20 Approved' sticker.orci.co.uk
- Goggles or visor — Shatterproof goggles or visor must be worn with the helmet at all times.orci.co.uk
- Race suit — Flame-resistant race suit or overalls made from Proban or a higher-spec material such as Nomex, marked with the relevant standard.orci.co.uk
- Gloves and balaclava — Flame-resistant gloves and a flame-resistant balaclava are both compulsory.orci.co.uk
- Head and neck restraint — Compulsory for all junior formulas (FHR device or full-circle neck brace; horseshoe braces not permitted); permitted for adults subject to formula rules.orci.co.uk
- Harness — Minimum 4-point harness in banger formulas, 5-point in other formulas, with a quick-release buckle.orci.co.uk
- Speedway kit — At Scunthorpe's £99 experience package, club bikes and all safety equipment (including steel shoes) are provided.scunthorpe-speedway.co.uk
What it costs
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Spedeworth new licence – 1600cc / 'Back To Basics' Bangers (2026) | £60 | spedeworth.co.uk |
| Spedeworth new licence – National Bangers, 1300cc Stock Cars, 2.0 Hot Rods (2026) | £85 | spedeworth.co.uk |
| 'Back To Basics' Bangers day licence (2026) | £32 per meeting, including ORCi fund | spedeworth.co.uk |
| 'Back To Basics' Bangers booking fee, licensed driver (2026) | £20 per booking | spedeworth.co.uk |
| Scunthorpe Wayne Carter Speedway Experience (2026–27 sessions) | £99 with club bike and kit; £50 on your own bike | scunthorpe-speedway.co.uk |
| Scunthorpe main-track training school (2026–27 sessions) | £50 own bike; bike hire +£60 (150cc) or +£110 (500cc) | scunthorpe-speedway.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
Coming up: go and watch one first
Stock car racing and speedway: questions people ask
How do I start banger racing in the UK?
Choose an entry-level formula at an ORCi-sanctioned promoter, such as Spedeworth's 'Back To Basics' Bangers, get a licence or day licence, buy ORCi-compliant safety kit and book in for a meeting. Your car must pass scrutineering on the day.
How old do you have to be to race bangers or stock cars?
Junior formulas such as Junior Bangers and ORCi Ministox start at 11 and end before the 16th birthday. The minimum age for all senior ORCi formulas is 16.
Can I race bangers on a day licence?
Adults can at Spedeworth's 'Back To Basics' Bangers, where a day licence costs £32 per meeting in 2026. Day licences are not allowed in junior formulas.
What safety gear do I need for oval racing?
An approved helmet with the ORCi sticker, goggles or visor, a flame-resistant race suit, gloves and balaclava, and a racing harness in the car. Juniors must also wear a head and neck restraint.
How do I become a speedway rider?
Start at a training school or experience day on a club track, where hire bikes and kit are often available. At Scunthorpe, no licence is needed at first because three free day permits are available.
Sources, checked 2026-09-10: spedeworth.co.uk · stockcar-racing.co.uk · spedeworth.co.uk · orci.co.uk · spedeworth.co.uk · scunthorpe-speedway.co.uk · scunthorpe-speedway.co.uk. Rules and fees change; the governing body’s own page is always the final word.