Age is no barrier to participating in motorsport, with many disciplines open to teenagers and several more allowing children as young as two to start their journey of discovery in the sport.
The summer holidays is the perfect time to discover your child’s new favourite hobby and its one that could turn into a career – or teach valuable life skills. Here’s what is possible: there’s a motorsport for almost every under-18!
2 years
Did you know that children as young as two can join the fun on a cross country TYRO, car trial or road rally as a rear-seat passenger? It’s a great way to involve all the family on a competitive event and increase the fun.
6-8 years
Getting behind the wheel starts here. Bambino karting is not just for future Formula 1 stars, it’s a varied discipline with many pathways covering all budgets and you don’t have to travel the length and breadth of the country to compete. Head here to see how to get started. The next level starts at 8, the same age in which kids can compete in drag racing’s junior classes.
11-12 years
Pre-teens can now join in the fun, with 12-year-olds able to experience autotests, car trials and cross country TYRO events as front-seat passengers. It’s a great way to prepare them for competing in these grassroots events by seeing how its done. Alternatively, children can become cadet marshals from the age of 11. It’s another good way to get them excited about the sport whether they continue volunteering at a higher level or feel inspired to compete.
13 years
Grassroots competition now begins, with autotests and cross country TYRO events accepting drivers at this age. Aspiring circuit racers can enter Esports if karting is not their thing or the virtual competitive racing world has more appeal.
14-15 years
At 14 years the world of competition grows substantially. A range of junior categories start at this age, including circuit racing, autocross, rallycross, sprint, hill climb and rally. Front seat car trial passengers can now move across to the driving seat too. At 15 years, the single-seater racing ladder begins, including the Wera Tools F4 British Championship and GB4.
16-17 years
At 16, navigation is now possible on all stage rally events. One year later, the age when a driving licence can be obtained, the categories also open up to include classic and cross country trials, road and stage rallies plus safaris and hill rallies.
Head here for our guide to minimum ages to participate in motorsport.