How to Start Rallying
The Junior 1000 Rally championship is the only championship in the UK for drivers aged 14-17. If you want to get involved in the series, there are just a few things you need to do in order to get your licence and enter your first event. We’ll go into more detail below.
- Be aged between 14 and 17.
- Complete the Motorsport UK BARS test.
- Have had at least one hour of tuition at a Motorsport UK approved rally school.
Driver Requirements
To compete in the Junior 1000 Rally Championship, drivers must be a minimum of 14 years old. Drivers may compete until December 31st on the year of their 17th Birthday. In addition to this, there is a minimum height restriction of 1.40m (for safety reasons).
Completing the BARS Examination
In order to obtain a competition licence, all drivers must complete and pass their BARS (British Association of Rally Schools) Test at a Motorsport UK registered rally school.
There are two parts to the assessment: a theory section comprising multiple choice questions; plus a drive assessment, where an instructor will sit alongside you and evaluate your driving.
To book a BARS test, you first need to order a Motorsport UK Rallying Starter Pack which contains a licence application form amongst other things. Once you have received this, you will be able to book a test with your chosen rally school.
The examiners will be required to fill out the relevant section of the current Motorsport UK Licence Application form showing successful completion of the BARS course.
More information on BARS
Motorsport UK Rallying Starter Pack
Further tuition
As well as passing the BARS course, drivers will need to prove they have had at least one hour of instruction/assessment carried out at a Motorsport UK approved rally school by a BARS registered instructor. We recommend doing this at the same time as your BARS test.
The proof of this must be sent to the Formula 1000 Club’s licence co-ordinator.
Applying for your licence
Once you have completed the above, send your licence application form and supporting documents to the licence co-ordinator who will then forward the application to Motorsport UK.
Drivers will not hold their own licence, instead licences will be held by the Junior 1000 Rally Championship Co-ordinator.
Regulations
Forms
Useful Videos
This new video filmed at Chris Birkbeck Rallyschool gives our young drivers a brilliant insight into what is involved when taking your BARDS course, the first stage of starting out to compete in our championship.
Part 2 of Tony’s interview for Positive Motorsport Pod Cast with Kev Furber covering the Championship Technical Regulation and what’s needed to start out in our championship for new teams and drivers.
