The Australian Racing Drivers Club

For members and guests

News

2026 Memberships and Renewals now open!

Our 2026 Membership and Membership renewal window is NOW OPEN!

This means that as of today, you can renew your Membership for 1 or 3 years, and have it run till the end of 2026 or 2028 respectively.

Another advantage of renewing early is securing the 2025 pricing! From January 1 2026, ARDC Membership fees will see a small increase of $5 across the board, after being held steady for the past two years.

How to Renew or Join

Member-get-Member Offer

Share the benefits and get rewarded!

  • Referring Member: $20 ARDC Café voucher
  • New Member: $20 Membership discount

How it works:

  1. Referring Member requests a referral code via phone or email.
  2. Share the code with your friend. They contact ARDC to join and receive the $20 discount.
  3. Referring Member receives their café voucher by mail.

Terms:

  • Valid October 1, 2025 through the renewal window to December 21, 2025 (when the ARDC Office closes for Christmas).
  • New memberships only (not applicable for renewals or lapsed Members)
  • Full Ts & Cs HERE.

Contact us at 9672 1000 or reception@ardc.com.au to get started.

ARDC Member-Get-Member Offer Terms and Conditions

Eligibility

  • This offer is available during the ARDC 2026 Membership Renewal period, beginning 1 October 2025 and finishing December 31 2025.
  • The Referring Member must hold a current, active ARDC Membership at the time of referral.
  • The Referred Member must be a new ARDC Member. Renewals or lapsed memberships are not eligible.

Referral Rewards

  • The Referring Member will receive one $20 ARDC Garage Café voucher for each eligible new Member they refer.
  • The Referred Member will receive $20 off the purchase of their new ARDC Membership.

Redemption Process

  • The Referring Member must contact the ARDC (by phone or email) to request a referral code.
  • The Referring Member provides this code to the Referred Member, who must then contact ARDC directly to have their Membership created manually to receive the discount.
  • Once joined, the Referring Member will receive a $20 Voucher for the ARDC Garage Cafe in the mail. You will need your member card (digital or hard copy) and your voucher to redeem at the counter.
  • Memberships created through the online Salesforce portal are not eligible for the discount. Payment must be processed via EFTPOS.

Conditions of Use

  • The referral discount and voucher cannot be transferred, exchanged for cash, or used in conjunction with any other ARDC Membership offers.
  • The Referring Member’s voucher will be issued once the Referred Member’s Membership has been fully processed and paid.
  • ARDC reserves the right to verify the eligibility of both the Referring and Referred Members before issuing rewards.

Limitations

  • The referral offer is valid only during the 2026 Renewal period unless extended or withdrawn by ARDC.
  • There is no limit on the number of referrals a Member may make, however each referral must meet the eligibility requirements outlined above.
  • ARDC takes no responsibility for lost, delayed, or incorrectly submitted referral codes.

General

  • ARDC reserves the right to vary, suspend, or cancel this promotion at any time without notice.
  • Participation in this offer constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

    Muscle Car Masters Returns to Sydney Motorsport Park in 2026

    One of Australia’s best-known heritage and classic car race meetings, the Australian Muscle Car Masters® (MCM), will return to Sydney Motorsport Park on 29-30 August 2026, after several years away from the calendar.

    The Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC), who started the event in 2006 with Australian Muscle Car Magazine, has received growing interest from categories, competitors, and fans calling for its return and is now ready to relaunch it in 2026.

    “The Muscle Car Masters has always been about the cars, the culture, and the people who shaped Australian motorsport,” said ARDC CEO Glenn Matthews.

    “It was a crowd favourite for years, and the ARDC is thrilled to bring it back in 2026. This will mark the 18th running of MCM, giving long-time fans and a new generation the chance to experience the unique atmosphere and legendary machines that made it such an iconic event.

    “The ARDC is dedicated to making memorable motorsport experiences, and Muscle Car Masters is exactly that.”

    Launched in 2006, Muscle Car Masters has built a strong following among car enthusiasts, competitors, and families, becoming a fixture in the annual motorsport and motoring calendar. The event evolved into the Sydney Masterblast in 2019, but Covid-19 cancellations and economic downturn saw the event retired from the annual calendar in 2023 on its 17th running.

    The 2026 event will continue this tradition and promises to be a landmark celebration of Australian motorsport, under lights, with the passion and heritage of muscle car racing on full display.

    Fans can look forward to thrilling day and night racing across a range of heritage categories, with muscle cars from Australia’s golden era of motorsport taking centre stage. From classic touring cars to iconic race machines, the event will showcase the vehicles and stories that have defined generations of racing, celebrating the heritage of the sport in a way only MCM can deliver.

    MCM Website

    Start Your Two-Wheeled Motorsport Journey

    Events for Every Rider.

    Thinking about getting into motorcycle racing but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. The good news is that two-wheeled motorsport has something for just about everyone—and you don’t need a race bike or years of experience to get started.

    The ARDC is proud to host and support motorcycle events at Sydney Motorsport Park in partnership with Motorcycling Australia (MA) and a wide range of affiliated clubs. MA is the governing body for motorcycle sport in Australia and oversees thousands of events each year, from entry-level ride days through to national championships across road racing, dirt track, motocross, supermoto and more.

    First Steps: Ride Days

    If you’re curious about what it’s like to ride on track, the best starting point is a Ride Day. These are non-competitive, track-based experiences where you can bring your own bike and ride in a controlled, safe environment.

    At Sydney Motorsport Park, our partners like MotoDNA and Motorcycle Events Group Australia (MEGA) run ride days with experienced instructors, many of whom are racers themselves. You’ll learn track etiquette, gain confidence, and build your skills—no racing licence required.

    Come and Try Days

    Once you’ve had a taste of the track, you might want to explore Come and Try Days. These are beginner-friendly, low-pressure events run by motorcycle clubs across the country.

    They’re designed to give you hands-on experience of what a real motorcycle competition environment feels like, with guidance from officials and seasoned riders. You’ll get time on track, learn event procedures, and understand what you need in terms of gear, licences, and bike preparation.

    To find one near you, check the SMSP Calendar or use the Motorcycling Australia Club Finder to connect with clubs that suit your riding style—whether that’s road racing, dirt, or track-based competition.

    Grassroots Motorcycle Events at SMSP

    When you’re ready to take it up a notch, there’s a whole world of grassroots events to try. At Sydney Motorsport Park, we host and support:

    • Road Racing (Club and State Rounds): Competitive racing on the Grand Prix circuit against riders in your class.
    • Track-Based Training & Coaching: Skill-building events where you sharpen racecraft, braking and cornering.
    • Supermoto & Dirt Track (partner clubs): A mix of tarmac and dirt sections for riders who love variety.

    These events typically require at least a Senior National Licence from Motorcycling Australia (or a Junior licence if you’re under 16). The good news is you can apply for these online via MA’s RiderNet system, and clubs can help guide you through the process.

    Licences & Next Steps

    • Ride Days: No licence required beyond your road motorcycle licence.
    • Come and Try / Club-Level Racing: One Event Licence or Junior/Senior Restricted Licence through MA.
    • Road Racing & Higher Levels: Senior National Licence (16+), with Kick Start and Junior National options for younger riders.
    • Licences are easy to apply for online and give you access to thousands of events nationwide.

    Ready to Ride?

    Still got questions? That’s what we’re here for. Whether it’s your first ride on track, your first step into competition, or you’re chasing bigger goals, there’s a place for you in motorcycle sport. And it could all begin right here at Sydney Motorsport Park, the home of the ARDC.

    Start Your Four-wheeled Motorsport Journey

    Events for Every Driver

    Thinking about jumping into motorsport but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. The good news is that motorsport offers something for just about everyone—and you don’t need a race car or years of experience to get going.

    The ARDC is a Motorsport Australia-affiliated club, and the governing body runs over 3,000 events each year, from entry-level try days to national championships on both tarmac and on dirt.

    If you’re curious about what it’s like on track and just want to dip your toe in, the best starting point is a Track Day. Track days or evenings, like our SMSP Track Days, or the Nightshift Track and Social Nights for ARDC Members, are run by our partners Driving Solutions have administrative staff and instructors who are either actively racing, or have raced and know the best ways to begin in the sport.

    After you have a few track days under your belt, you will have more of an idea of the discipline you may want to pursue. You can then start to look at Come and Try Days. These are low-pressure, beginner-friendly events run by car clubs across the country.

    Here at Sydney Motorsport Park, we host and support plenty of these kinds of events for multiple disciplines and many different clubs (not just ours!). They’re designed to introduce you to the sport in a safe and welcoming environment. You’ll get time on track, a feel for how an event runs, and guidance from experienced officials and volunteers.

    To find a Come and Try Day near you, check out the SMSP Calendar and see if a club like ours – or one that is specifically for your discipline or your type of vehicle – is happening soon on a date that may suit you. Reach out to the club – they’ll help you understand what you need to bring, from licences to helmets and any car requirements. A great reference is the Motorsport Australia Club Finder, if you want to contact a specific club.

    Once you’ve had a taste and you’re ready to take it up a notch, there’s a whole world of grassroots events you can try next. Here are a few to consider that Sydney Motorsport Park hosts:

    • Motorkhanas: Tight, twisty courses in a car park or skidpan. Think precision over speed.
    • Supersprints: Timed laps around the real race track. Racing against the clock, not other cars
    • Skidpan/Skid Circuit Drifting: The fun of drifting while learning car control and dynamics

    These all fall under what Motorsport Australia (MA) calls “Speed Events,” and all you need to compete is a Speed Licence, which you can apply for online in a few minutes. Once you have a basic license with MA, you can browse the event calendar within their portal to see what’s coming up.

    Some events may require you to contact the organiser directly, and the club can guide you through those steps. You can also explore Motorsport Australia’s venues list to see where events are being held across the country, including right here at Sydney Motorsport Park, one of the country’s best-equipped venues.

    Still got questions? We’re always happy to help point you in the right direction. Whether it’s your first time in pit lane or you’re looking to step up into regular competition, there’s a place for you in motorsport, and it might just start here at SMSP, the home of the ARDC.

    Motorcycle Racing Licences

    Motorcycle Racing Licence Overview – Motorcycling Australia

    Motorcycling Australia is the national governing body for motorcycle racing in Australia, covering disciplines like road racing, motocross, trials, supercross, dirt track, supermoto, and speedway. It operates under the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) umbrella Wikipedia.

    Below is a breakdown of the available licence types, who they’re for, and what is required.

    How to Apply: RiderNet & Member Portal

    All motorcycle competition licences are managed through RiderNet, MA’s online portal, which connects state governing bodies and streamlines licence applications and renewals. Licences are issued for a 12-month period from the date they’re issued.

    • Junior Riders (under 16)
      • Start with a Junior National Licence. You need ID, Kick Start completion, and a club membership.
    • Adult Riders (16+)
      • Get a Senior National Licence. You’ll need competency proof (road licence or assessment), club membership, ambulance cover (varies by state), and to pass the MA theory test.
    • New to Racing?
      • Try a One Event Licence if on offer at an event to test the waters – this also contributes toward your competency recognition.
    • More Roles & Specialties?
      • MA provides separate Media Licences, High-Performance endorsements, and officials’ licences where needed.

    Motorcycle Racing Licences in Australia

    Junior Riders (Under 16)

    Licence: Junior National / Junior Restricted

    • Age: 12–15
    • Kick Start program required
    • Club membership + proof of age
    • Access to motocross, dirt track, road racing, and more (age-appropriate classes)

    Senior Riders (16+)

    Licence: Senior National / Senior Restricted

    • Age: 16+
    • Must prove riding competency (road licence, past MA licence, or assessment)
    • Ambulance cover (except TAS & QLD)
    • Club membership required
    • Theory test for first-time applicants

    Single Event Licence

    • For newcomers or trial riders
    • Valid for one event only
    • Counts toward competency proof for full licence
    • Quick online application

    Elite & Endorsements

    • High-performance endorsements for premier classes
    • Media licences for non-racing roles
    • Officials’ licences available for support crew

    RiderNet & Member Portal – CLICK HERE