UK Motorcycle Road Racing Clubs

It really depends on what series you want to race in and what circuits you want to visit. And also what bike you have…

We’ve compiled a list of the current clubs, who they are and what they stand for along with the race classes they offer. This list was compiled in 2026, so classes may change. Feel free to update us if we are wrong!

Check out this article to find out how to get started in motorcycle road racing and obtain your ACU licence.

Belfast and District Motor Club

The Belfast and District Motor Club (B&D), founded in 1946 in Northern Ireland, organises "Short Circuit" motorcycle racing at the Kirkistown and Bishopscourt circuits. As a prominent member of the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre), they run a wide range of competitive classes. If you are looking to enter, the club provides "Assessment/Training Days" at Kirkistown specifically for novices to help them transition into these classes.

Modern Solo Classes

• Superbike (Pro & Cup): The premier class featuring 1000cc machines.
• Supersport (Pro & Cup): Highly competitive 600cc racing.
• Supertwin: Specifically tuned twin-cylinder machines (e.g., Kawasaki 650, Aprilia 660).
• Production Twin: Stock-based twin-cylinder bikes, popular for entry-level and budget racing.
• Pre-Injection (600 & 1000): For older sports bikes that use carburetors or early fuel injection systems.
• Lightweight Supersport: Typically features 400cc four-stroke and 250cc two-stroke machines.
• Supersport 300: A feeder class for younger riders or those on smaller-displacement modern bikes.

GP & Prototype Classes

• Moto 3 / 125GP: Purpose-built lightweight racing machinery.
• Moto One: An entry-level class often featuring restricted machinery for beginners and younger competitors.
• 250cc GP: High-performance two-stroke racing.

Classic & Heritage Classes

• Classics (250cc, 350cc, 500cc, & 1000cc): Categorised by engine size and era (such as the Pre-'73 class).
• Classic GP: For vintage Grand Prix machinery.

Other B&D Categories

• Sidecars: B&D events frequently include rounds for the sidecar championships, providing some of the most unique spectacles on the circuit.
• Supermono: Single-cylinder racing machines.

BEMSEE

The British Motorcycle Racing Club, known as BMCRC or 'Bemsee', is the world's oldest motorcycle racing club and one of the UK's largest. They race a wide variety of classes at a decent spread of circuits.

Bemsee Racing Classes

• BMCRC Open 500: A flexible class for 2-stroke (up to 500cc) and 4-stroke (up to 500cc) machines, including classics like TZ250s and modern Junior Sportbikes.
• ACU Thunderbike 500: An exclusive grid for CB500s featuring three rider weight classes (Lightweight, Middleweight, Heavyweight) and a Rookie Championship.
• BMZRC 250 MZ: An ultra-budget, family-friendly class for MZ 250s using any tyre type, running alongside the Ninja series.
• ACU Team Green Junior Cup: A 9-round series for 13–18 year olds racing Kawasaki Ninja 300 or 400 twins on Dunlop controlled tyres.
• Senior Ninja Series: An adult version of the Junior Cup, allowing parents and older riders to race identical Kawasaki Ninja 300/400 packages.
• BMCRC F1 & F2 Sidecars: A three-wheel class catering to both 1000cc long chassis (F1) and 600cc short chassis (F2) machines.
• MRO 600 & Clubman 600: A mixed grid for stock and tuned 600cc bikes (max 130 BHP), including a separate championship for Clubman licence holders.
• MRO Minitwins: The UK's largest dedicated minitwin grid, primarily for Suzuki SV650s, open to riders aged 15+ (National) or 16+ (Novice/Clubman).
• BMCRC SuperTwins: A championship for water-cooled 4-stroke twins up to 800cc, running alongside Thunderbike Sport.
• MRO Powerbikes & MRO Clubman 1000: The premier class for 1000cc stock or tuned bikes, featuring a separate cup for Clubman licence holders.
• MRO Retro 1000: A sub-class within Powerbikes for older, pre-electronic 1000cc machines (e.g., pre-2011 R1s, pre-2016 Fireblades).
• L&W Contractors BMCRC Rookie 600s: A dedicated entry-level class for first-year Novice licence holders on Supersport/Formula 600 machines.
• BMCRC Thunderbike Sport / Extreme / Ultra: The UK's only power-to-weight ratio series, open to singles, twins, triples, and fours across three performance tiers.
• DFDS Seaways Yamaha Past Masters: A budget racing class dedicated to 1980s and 90s Yamaha two-strokes (LC, TZR, YPVS).

Classic Racing Motorcycle Club

The Classic Racing Motorcycle Club (also known as the CRMC) is one of the largest and most respected racing motorcycle clubs dedicated to the preservation and use of post-war racing and sports machines. 

Sidecar Classes

• Class 1a: For sidecar outfits with engines up to 750cc, built before 1973 (or 1968 for 2-strokes).
• Class 1b: For larger sidecar outfits with engines between 750cc and 1000cc.
• Class 1c: The largest sidecar class for machines with engines between 1001cc and 1300cc.

Classic Solo Classes (Machines generally pre-1973)

• Class 3a: Combines Classic solos up to 250cc and Post-Classic Era 1 air-cooled bikes up to 250cc.
• Class 4a: Open to Classic solo motorcycles with engines up to 350cc.
• Class 4b: A sub-class for 350cc Classic solos specifically for riders aged 55 and over.
• Class 4d: A dedicated single-make class for 350cc BSA Goldstars.
• Class 5a: The premier Classic class for motorcycles with engines up to 500cc.
• Class 5b: A sub-class for 500cc Classic solos specifically for riders aged 55 and over.
• Class 5c: A dedicated single-make class for 500cc BSA Goldstars.
• Class 6a (Classic Clubman): For Classic machines 251cc–1300cc, including Formula 750 bikes.

Post-Classic Solo Classes (Machines generally 1972–2002)

• Class 8a (Moto Superbike): For Post-Classic Era 2 Superbikes (1982–1986) between 650cc and 750cc.
• Class 8c (Superbike Originals): Mixes Era 1 Superbikes (501cc–1300cc) and Era 2 Clubman bikes (up to 750cc).
• Class 8d: Dedicated to Post-Classic Era 1 air-cooled machines up to 500cc.
• Class 8e (Production): For street-based production machines from both Classic and Post-Classic eras up to 1300cc.
• Class 8k: For Post-Classic Era 2 Superstock machines up to 750cc.
• Class 8m & 8n: Era 3 (1987–1994) classes for 400cc machines, split into Superstock (8m) and Supersport (8n).
• Class 8p: For Post-Classic Era 3 Superbikes up to 750cc (e.g., early RC30s, GSX-R750s).
• Class 8t: For Post-Classic Era 3 Supersport 600cc machines (e.g., CBR600 F2/F3).
• Class 9a & 9c (Forgotten Racing Club): Dedicated Grand Prix classes for 250cc and 350cc GP machines.
• Class 9d, 9e, 9f, 9h: Various 125cc classes split by era and technology (Piston Port vs standard) covering 1972 through 1994.
• Class 13a (Era 4 CB500): A non-championship class for Honda CB500s from the 1995–2002 era.
• Class 13b (Era 4 Mini Twins): A non-championship class for 1995–2002 Mini Twins (e.g., early SV650s).

ACU National Championships

• Class 10a: The ACU National Championship for Classic 500cc machines.
• Class 10b: The ACU National Championship for Post-Classic 750cc machines.

East Midlands Racing Association

The East Midlands Racing Association (EMRA) is, as the name puts it, focussed on racing in the East Midlands. Well, to be more precise they only race at Mallory Park, aka the 'friendly circuit'. Plenty of classes to choose from, if not tracks.

EMRA Classes

• Open 80cc-450cc: A championship for lightweight machines up to 450cc (and 500cc two-strokes) that shares a grid with the Minitwins.
• Minitwins: For road-based four-stroke minitwin motorcycles, running alongside the 80-450cc class.
• Byron Cup: An open class mixing machines up to 500cc with 650cc road-based Minitwins.
• Classic ERA: A class for larger capacity (501–1300cc) machines manufactured before the year 2000.
• Sport Twins: For modified water-cooled four-stroke supertwins up to 800cc (including Kramer, Aprilia 660, and Yamaha 700), open to riders 16+.
• CB500: A dedicated budget class for Honda CB500 and Kawasaki ER500 machines where slick tyres are strictly prohibited.
• Pre-Electronic Injection: Split into two categories (up to 749cc and 750–1300cc) for older machines running generic/formula specs without modern injection aids.
• Mallory Trophy: The club’s premier open class split into two groups (up to 749cc/Sport Twins and 750–1300cc), exclusively for Clubman and National licence holders.
• Open 600cc: For standard four-cylinder supersport bikes (up to 636cc), plus eligible triples (675–798cc) and twins (890–959cc).
• EMRA Open: An unlimited class for any machine between 597cc and 1300cc, open to all licence holders including Rookies.
• Novice/Rookies 175cc-1300cc: For riders who have held a licence for less than two years (since Jan 2023) and did not finish in the top three of the previous year's championship.
• Formula 750: For pre-1975 British four-stroke twins and triples (650-1000cc) using carburetors, treaded tyres, and no tyre warmers.
• Sidecars 590-1000cc: An open class for four-stroke three-wheeler outfits up to 1000cc (running at April and September events only).

NG Road Racing

Formerly known as the North Gloucestershire Motor Cycle Club, now known as NG Road Racing, is one of the UK’s largest operating clubs, they organise, promote, and run motorcycle race events at most of the major UK circuits.

They host club championships for a wide range of machines, encompassing everything from post-classic bikes to modern Superbikes.

NG Road Racing classes

• Phoenix Open: The premier "fastest rider wins" class open to all machines 600cc and above, where every competitor scores championship points.
• Powerbikes: For large capacity four-stroke machines (700cc+) allowing slick tyres, tuning, and full race setups.
• National 600: The leading 600cc class for four-cylinder (up to 636cc), three-cylinder (675cc), and twin-cylinder (900cc) machines on slicks.
• Clubman 600: Runs alongside the National 600 grid but is strictly for Clubman-grade licence holders (previous champions are not eligible).
• 125 & 250 GP ACU National: The official national championship for proper two-stroke Grand Prix racing motorcycles.
• Formula 400: A popular budget class for production-based 400cc four-strokes and 250cc two-strokes running on treaded tyres.
• Open 500: Open to any solo machine up to 500cc (including prototypes and Moto3), allowing slick tyres.
• Sound of Thunder: Dedicated to four-stroke singles, twins, and triples (675cc to 1300cc), catering to Ducatis, Triumphs, and Aprilias.
• Super Twins: For four-stroke twin-cylinder machines (up to 700cc water-cooled or 820cc air-cooled) with open electronics and slick tyres.
• Mini Twins: A restricted budget class for production-based four-stroke twins up to 650cc (capped at 72bhp), primarily Suzuki SV650s.
• Desmo Due: A one-make series for air-cooled 2-valve Ducatis, split into Class A (620cc fuel injected) and Class B (600cc carburetted).
• Naked Streetbike: For unfaired large-capacity machines (601cc–1300cc), including the BMW F900R Cup.
• Lightweight Naked Streetbike: A budget "commuter" racing class specifically for Suzuki Bandits (600cc) and Honda CB500s.
• Pre-Injection 600: For older 600cc sportbikes (manufactured up to approx. 2002) that use carburetors instead of fuel injection.
• Junior Supersport / UK Junior Series: A youth development class (ages 13–17) for restricted 125cc–250cc single-cylinder four-stroke machines.
• Golden Era Superbike: For pre-2000 era superbikes (750cc–1300cc) that maintain the visual appearance and technology of the period.
• Newcomers: Dedicated races exclusively for riders holding their first-ever race licence, split into Open, Middleweight, and 500cc categories.

Obtaining an ACU Road Racing Licence Checklist

Check out our Guide to obtaining your motorcycle race licence with the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU).

1. Join an ACU affiliated Road Racing Club.
2. Apply to the ACU for your Novice Licence.
• Get your eyes tested by an optician.
• Book and pass your CTC (Classroom) and BRA (Riding) assessments.
• Prepare your bike for scrutineering (lock-wiring, etc.).
3. Enter your first race and wear your orange jacket with pride!

No Limits Racing

No Limits Racing (NLR) is one of the UK's premier motorcycle racing clubs, established in 2014 by Mark Neate and born from the successful No Limits Trackdays (founded 1993). A prominent ACU-accredited club known for hosting a mix of sprint and endurance races that are suitable for diverse skill levels, ranging from newcomers to experienced racers.

No Limits Racing Classes

• Freshman Sport Challenge (Newcomer 600): A dedicated class for first-year Novice and Intermediate Novice licence holders on 600cc machines.
• Pre Injection 600: For older, carburetted 600cc machines manufactured up to 2002 (e.g., early R6s, CBR600s, Thundercats).
• NL500 (CB500): A budget single-make series for Honda CB500s (1993–2003 drum and disc brake models).
• Next-Gen Sportbike: A modern middleweight class for machines like the Yamaha R7, Aprilia RS660, and Suzuki GSX-8R.
• Stock Twin Trophy: For standard specification water-cooled twins (up to 650cc) and air-cooled twins (up to 820cc).
• SuperTwin Trophy: Open to highly tuned water-cooled twins (up to 700cc) and single-cylinder machines (up to 800cc/78bhp).
• Club Sport Cup (Cup 600): A competitive 600cc class restricted to Novice, Intermediate Novice, and Clubman licence holders only.
• Club Sport Cup (Cup 1000): A litre-bike class restricted to Intermediate Novice and Clubman licence holders (no National riders).
• Fortis F900R Cup: A single-make championship for the BMW F900R, running identical specs from 2023–2026 models.
• Streetbike Cup: For naked or street-style middleweight machines up to 900cc (running alongside the F900R Cup).
• Premier Sport Cup: A new 600cc class for 2026 open to Clubman and National licence holders.
• Premier Power Cup (Premier 1000): A 1000cc class designed for Clubman and National riders, sitting below the Super Series.
• Super Series Sport Trophy (Super Series 600): The premier 600cc championship for the fastest Clubman and National licence holders.
• Super Series Power Trophy (Super Series 1000): The premier 1000cc championship for the fastest Clubman and National licence holders.
• Old School 1 K Trophy: For older 1000cc superbikes, including pre-2011 R1s, pre-2016 Fireblades, and pre-2010 ZX-10s.
• No Limits Endurance (Club): Long-distance team racing split into 600cc, 1000cc, and Twin classes for Novice/Clubman riders.
• ACU National Endurance: The premier National endurance category open to all licence holders (including National), split into 600cc and 1000cc classes.

Preston & District Motorcycle Club

Founded in the early 1900s, the Preston & District Motorcycle Club (PDMCC) is a historic racing organisation that hosts road race meetings at the Three Sisters circuit for amateur riders of all skill levels. The club prides itself on a friendly atmosphere and a long history of nurturing future world-class talent, having served as a starting point for renowned riders like Carl Fogarty, James Toseland, and Casey Stoner.

PDMCC Classes

• 50cc Classic: This class is for small-displacement machines styled after the classic 50cc Grand Prix motorcycles used up until the era ended in 1983.
• Post Classics: This category features production-based road engines up to 500cc in road or race-based frames manufactured between 1973 and 1981.
• Classics: These machines are divided by displacement (up to and over 250cc) and must be two-strokes from before 1968 or four-strokes from before 1973.
• Forgotten Era: This class is for production machines manufactured up to 1990 and is split into two championships: up to 500cc and 501cc-unlimited.
• Open Twins: Designed for four-stroke motorcycles with up to two cylinders and a 700cc capacity, this class allows for significant performance modifications.
• Stock Twins: This budget-friendly class is for road-legal twin-cylinder bikes up to 700cc and permits very few deviations from standard specifications.
• Streetstock 125cc: This competition is for production-based 125cc two-stroke motorcycles and similar small-capacity commuter machines.
• Evo-Tech: This specialized class is for modern 50cc two-stroke and 125cc four-stroke bikes, allowing for tuning and the use of slick racing tyres.
• Up To 500cc: Also known as Open 500, this flexible class welcomes any bike up to 500cc, including purpose-built 125cc and 250cc GP racers.
• CB500: This is a one-make series strictly for the standard Honda CB500 parallel-twin to ensure level and affordable competition.
• F2 Sidecar: This class features short-chassis three-wheeled machines typically powered by 600cc four-cylinder motorcycle engines.
• Formula 400: This production-based class is primarily for 400cc four-stroke and 250cc two-stroke sportbikes.
• Formula 600: Also referred to as Supersport 600, this class is for 600cc four-cylinder and 675cc three-cylinder production motorcycles.
• Single Cylinder: As the name suggests, this class is open to any machine with a single-cylinder engine, including supermotos and GP-style racers.
• Pre Injection: This class is specifically for older 600cc or 1000cc sports bikes that use carburettors rather than modern fuel injection systems.
• Steel Frame: Named the Ian Hosker championship, this is for older 600cc machines that utilize steel frames rather than modern aluminium chassis.