GETTING STARTED AT MIKE HATCHER JUNIOR MOTORCYCLE CLUB
Getting started in junior motorcycle racing is an exciting journey, but it requires the right preparation. From understanding club memberships to mastering the essential safety protocols, you will find everything you need to know right here.
Mike Hatcher Junior Motorcycle Club is dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment for the next generation of champions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The best way to get started at the Club is to attend one of our Ride Park Australia (RPA) days.
An RPA Day is a day where riders can ride at the club without holding a licence or obtaining a club membership. This is the best way to get a feel for what the club has to offer prior to committing to a membership.
You need to have turned 4 already.
To ride on an RPA day, you must have a Ridernet profile. To obtain a Ridernet profile click the link below:
Register | Motorcycling Australia
Note: To register a Junior, you must first register a parent/carer.
Once you obtain a Ridernet profile, you will also need to enter the event on Ridernet when the event has been created by the club.
Entries are generally open a week prior to the event, and this information will be shared on our Facebook page.
Click here to view Facebook
Online entries for an RPA day are strongly encouraged prior to the event.
If you have any questions please reach our prior to the day.
By entering this event online you are acknowledging acceptance of the waivers provided to you during your entry.
It is the parents responsibility to ensure all waivers are signed and ensure emergency contact details are current.
Before leaving home check:
- Throttle snaps closed freely
- Front and rear brakes functioning correctly
- Chain correctly tensioned
- Chain guard fitted
- No fuel, oil or coolant leaks
- Footpegs secure
- Handlebar grips secure
- Kill switch operational
- Wheel bearing tight
- Tyres suitable for dirt track
Riders will not be allowed on track without:
- Full-face helmet (AS/NZS approved) Helmet must not be damaged or out of date
- Goggles
- Long sleeve jersey
- Long pants (MS or leather recommended)
- Motorcross boots
- Gloves
- Long socks
Strongly Recommended
- Chest protector
- Neck brace
- Knee braces
While specific classes may vary, common dirt track junior capacities:
- 50cc
- 65cc
- 85cc (2-stroke)
- 150cc (4-stroke)
- 125cc (2-stroke)
- 250cc (2-stroke)
If You Fall and are UNINJURED
- Move yourself off racing line immediately
- Lift bike safely if possible
- Re-enter only when safe and clear
If You Fall and are INJURED
- Stay down
- Wait for officials/medical
- Never remount into oncoming traffic.
If you see a fallen rider, do not stop. This can create a bigger hazard. If safe to do so, pass, and follow instructions from officials.
ON THE DAY
Please present to the sign on shed to confirm:
- Your entry
- Where to set up for the day
Riding starts at 9am and riders briefing is around 8.45am.
We do not scrutineer (check your bikes or gear) on the day.
It’s your responsibility to ensure your bike is safe to ride and that you have the correct gear.
You will not be allowed to ride without correct gear.
MANDITORY RIDER BRIEFING
THIS IS COMPULSORY AS IT COVERS:
Track direction
Entry and exit points
Flag signals
Passing rules
Session groupings (by and/ability)
Emergency procedures
Behaviour expectations
If a rider misses the briefing, they may not be permitted to ride.
ON TRACK RULES (strictly enforced)
Track entry procedure
Enter only at designated entry gate
Wait for official signal if required
Merge safely without disrupting other riders
FLAG RULES (Critical Knowledge)
🟢 Green – Track clear
🟡 Yellow – Hazard ahead, slow down, NO passing
🔴 Red – Stop immediately and safely
+ White with Red cross – Ambulance is required
⚫ Black – Rider penalty, exit track immediately
🏁 Chequered – Session finished, complete lap and exit
Failure to obey flag signals may result in removal from track.
RPA Days we generally don’t have flaggies out on the track. Riders are to follow rules / signals given by the official at the start line. Riders are sent out one by one (no start gates) and official will provide a hand gesture with 1 singer to signal 1 lap remaining. Red flag will be held up by the official to signal riders back into pits as riding has finished.
PROHIBITED BEHAVIOUR
Intentional contact
Aggressive riding
Practicing race starts
Riding in pit area
Ignoring officials
Coaching from trackside without approval
RPA days are for all levels of riding, not racing
SESSION STRUCTURE
Riders are typically grouped by:
Age
Bike capacity
Skill level
Sessions usually run 3 – 5 minutes.
Riders must exit the track immediately when the session ends.
PIT AREA RULES
STRICTLY ENFORCED
- No riding in pits.
- When you return from your ride, stop your bike at the STOP sign and walk it back to your pit bay.
- No open footwear, This includes Crocs.
- Engine off when refuelling
- No alcohol during riding hours. If you are a responsible parent who has signed on a rider you may not drink alcohol until riding/racing has finished.
- Children supervised at all times
- Refuelling must be done carefully with adult supervision.
Please remember Mike Hatcher Junior Motorcycle Club is a junior club run by volunteers. Without volunteers none of this would be possible. Events that are put together take hours of preparation.
Please be kind and respectful to all our volunteers, we are all doing our best to provide a place for our junior riders to enjoy a sport they all love.
How Can We Help?
Please let us know how we can help.