So you want to Road Race?

Welcome to the exciting introduction to roadracing. For the rare few of us, nothing can replace the exhilaration and challenge roadracing can provide. Roadracing is one of those rare sports that can humble the “fastest street rider” in no time. As well, experience through track time is more important than having the fastest motorcycle, so before you start creating the fastest least reliable motorcycle you can dream up, get your feet wet and sample the classes you would like to run.

Before we begin, the MRA Rulebook is the authority on all things associated with the MRA. It will give you an idea of what needs to be safety wired, what is legal on a “Supersport” motorcycle, and everything else related to our wonderful world of motorcycle roadracing. If you have not read it, you really should (there are funny parts).  It will save you lots of grief in the long run.

To get an MRA race license, all novice riders must take a Race School with the MRA, or through an accredited local race instructor.

The 2025 MRA Race School

  • Friday, April 4th, 7:00pm – Classroom Session (Online via Zoom)
  • Saturday, April 12th – On-Track Session (at High Plains Raceway)
  • Cost: $279 (if the school sells out, preference will be given to students who commit to buying a race license for an additional $199)

School includes an evening classroom session (mandatory) and the on-track session.
Note: the dates are subject to change due to weather / track conditions.  If it needs to be postponed, the MRA will make every effort to contact you, but you should check back on the MotorsportReg event before before leaving home.

To take part in the MRA Race Schools, you must have full protective leather gear. This includes a high quality helmet (in good, undamaged condition, and preferably less than 5 years old from the date of manufacture), leather jacket & zip together pants, and high quality gloves and boots. Protective gear (except for a helmet) can be rented from Track Addicts Sportbike Rentals. Roadracing is a serious sport and you should always make safety your first concern.

For the race school, your current bike should be in good working order. Road racing puts MUCH more stress on your motorcycle compared to canyon carving – and you should make sure your bike is good shape with good tires, tight steering head bearings, etc. For the school, you are not required to safety wire any parts, but are required to tape up your lights and mirrors.

Quick Pre-School CheckList:

Bike:

  • Mirrors and lights taped up
  • Drain all glycol-based anti-freeze/coolant, flush the cooling system with water, and fill with distilled water (adding Red Line “Water Wetter” or Royal Purple “Purple Ice” to the distilled water is optional)
  • Functional steering damper (required to race, recommended for the school)
  • Gasoline
  • Tires in good to new condition
  • Tire air pressure gauge

Rider:

  • Full-face helmet (in good, undamaged condition, and preferably less than 5 years old from the date of manufacture)
  • Leathers (1-piece, or 2-piece that zips all the way around)*
  • Back protector*
  • Leather Gloves*
  • Boots*
  • Water or Gatorade
  • Lunch/snack
  • Pens/paper
  • Shade from the sun

* Protective gear (except for a helmet) can be rented from Track Addicts Sportbike Rentals.

There are a great many details that must be covered when it comes time to set up your motorcycle to race with the MRA outside a school such as a steering damper, case guards, belly pan, and other such items. These items MUST be done before you will be allowed to race with the MRA, and each and every race morning the MRA “tech’s” each motorcycle to ensure your safety.

The expert racers of the MRA are generally willing to answer questions.  It’s easy to get in touch – either through the MRA Facebook Group, the New Racers’ Forum, or directly to people such as the MRA New Rider Director or any of the Rider Reps listed on the Contact Page.

Registration

MRA Race School registration is done through MotorsportReg.  To get signed up, follow the Registration Checklist process and search for MRA Race School in MotorsportReg.