How to Start Motorcycle Racing in Canada: A Beginner’s Guide

Motorcycle racing in Canada offers an exciting blend of speed, skill, and adrenaline. Whether you dream of competing in national competitions or just want to get a taste of track racing, there are clear steps to follow. Here’s everything you need to know about how to start your journey into motorcycle racing in Canada.

1. Get the Right Motorcycle and Motorcycle Racing Gear

Before hitting the track, you’ll need to invest in the right motorcycle and gear. The bike you choose is crucial to your success on the track, as well as your safety.

Choosing Your Motorcycle

For beginners, many riders opt for smaller-displacement bikes, as they are easier to handle and allow you to focus on improving your riding skills. Bikes like the Yamaha R3, Kawasaki Ninja 400, KTM RC 390 and Honda CBR500R are popular choices for newcomers to the sport. They offer a good balance of power and control, making them perfect for the learning curve of track racing.

Essential Racing Gear

Safety is paramount in motorcycle racing, so investing in high-quality gear is a must. At a minimum, you will need:

Full-face helmet: Make sure it’s DOT/Snell/ECE approved.
Racing suit: A one-piece or two-piece leather suit with full zippers is essential for safety.
Racing gloves: Go for gauntlet-style gloves that offer better protection in the event of a fall.
Racing boots: These should go above the ankle to provide protection in a crash.
Back protector: This will help shield your spine during high-speed races.

Having the right motorcycle and gear will ensure you’re well-equipped to handle the rigors of racing and reduce the risk of injury.

2. Take a Racing School

Before you can race, you’ll need to learn the basics of track riding, safety procedures, and racing etiquette. Racing schools are the best place to get started, and they’re a requirement for most racing organizations in Canada.

Westwood Motorcycle Racing Club – New Racer School (NRS)

One of the most popular options is the New Racer School (NRS), hosted by the Westwood Motorcycle Racing Club (WMRC) at Mission Raceway Park in British Columbia. This comprehensive program teaches track safety, flag signals, passing rules, and essential racing techniques. Completing a racing school like this will not only help you gain a solid foundation but will also allow you to apply for your Novice Racing License.

Other Racing Schools

Other options for schools include the SOAR Racing School in Ontario, and the Atlantic Roadracing League’s High-Performance Riding School. Each school provides a mix of classroom instruction and on-track training so that you can learn both the theory and practical aspects of racing.

3. Obtain Your Racing License

You can apply for your racing license once you’ve completed a racing school. Most racing clubs require this to ensure you can participate in races. Canada has various racing organizations, each offering licenses based on your experience and skills.

WMRC (Westwood Motorcycle Racing Club) in BC
SOAR (Southern Ontario Association of Racing)
ARL (Atlantic Roadracing League) in Nova Scotia

The cost of a racing license typically ranges from $100–$250 per year, depending on the club and the level of racing.

4. Prepare Your Motorcycle for Racing

Once you have your license, you must prepare your bike for the track. Racing motorcycles need to meet specific safety and technical requirements:

Safety Wiring: Key bolts (e.g., oil drain plug, brake callipers) should be safety-wired to prevent them from loosening during a race.
Tires: Some clubs require specific tires designed for track racing.
Fluid Containment: Ensure your bike has a catch can to collect fluids leaking during a race.
Remove or Tape Lights: Street-legal features like mirrors and headlights must be removed or taped over to prevent damage during a fall.

Many racers choose to buy used race-prepped bikes, which are already modified for the track.

5. Enter Your First Race

With everything in place, it’s time to enter your first race. Most racing clubs host Novice classes for new riders, so you’ll start off in a beginner group. Races typically involve practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the final race. Entry fees range from $100–$200 per race weekend, depending on the club and event.

You’ll have the chance to compete against others in your skill group and gain valuable experience. Don’t worry if you don’t win your first race — the goal at this stage is to improve your riding skills, learn the track, and have fun.

6. Move Up the Ranks

As you gain experience and confidence, you’ll be able to move up the racing ranks. Start in the Novice class, and as you accumulate points and experience, you’ll have the opportunity to race in Amateur or even Expert classes. If you’re really serious, you can eventually compete in the CSBK (Canadian Superbike Championship) — the highest level of racing in the country.

Bonus: Track Days and Other Opportunities

Not ready to race yet? Start with track days to familiarize yourself with the track and practice your riding techniques. Many clubs also host MiniGP races, which involve smaller bikes and are more affordable for beginners.

If racing isn’t in your immediate plans, consider volunteering at races to learn the sport from the ground up.