BSSO Scooter Racing 2008

The BSSO are a Non Territorial Club within the Auto Cycle Union (ACU). The ACU are the appointed body to run two wheeled motorised sport in the UK. Under the ACU the BSSO looks after the scooter sport side of the business. The BSSO currently run classes for almost any scooter produced. The classes start from 50cc and run up to 650cc. These cover both Solo and Sidecar classes. The race meetings take place at different venues throughout the season and the 2002 Calendar is currently shown at this site.

Riders as young as 11 and up can enter events and ride in the National Championships. Older riders are also encouraged, however certain regulations cover both young and older riders. Membership to the BSSO, £10 allows you to be a member. Once you have joined the BSSO you can then apply for an ACU race licence. This is strictly controlled by the ACU who issue the licences. Currently the price for an ACU licence is £27. This then allows you to race your scooter.

To join the BSSO - Complete the Enquiry Form at this web site

Clothing and other related items are vital for safety. An ACU certified Helmet is obligatory. The dealer will assist you but be sure to get a helmet with a 2002 ACU Gold sticker, without that it would not be suitable for racing. One-piece leathers are also obligatory as are Calf length Boots and Gloves. The other obligatory item is a “Dog Tag”, a circular disc that must be fitted round your neck on a metal chain and have your Name and Religion engraved on it. Also add your Blood Group, for medical reasons.

Your first point of contact is to Fax the inquiry form to Geoff Mason. He has all the information you require and will respond by contacting you. He will send you information and once you have joined the BSSO he will then send you a Race Pack. The race pack includes all the entry forms for entering meetings, and all the details of times and criteria to be met by you for each meeting. A rough price guide to entry fees is around £100 per day. This includes practices and at least two races. There are also weekend events at some venues where you get a better price if you enter both days racing.

Getting your hands on a machine either to modify yourself or a machine that is ready to race is another vital step. There are many scooter dealers who have been and still enjoy a day at the races. Most established dealers can boast of their exploits and likewise can be a vital source of both information and the supply of either the machine or parts to get you going quicker.

Many scooter racers attend meetings and either arrive the night before and Camp/Caravan or take to local Bed & Breakfasts. If it’s a weekend event then it’s essential to stay over. Events start early with Scrutineering of your machine, something that is covered in your race pack details. Every machine must PASS scrutineering along with your racing leathers/gloves/boots/dog tag and helmet. Once this is done it’s out on the track for practice. You’ll want to learn the circuit, note the braking points and glean as much information about the various parts of the track, before you get into race one. Practice also allows you to set-up your scooter for the first race.

Consider Tyres – type and pressures, Carburettor jetting – dry or wet conditions will determine the jetting for the race, areas of the circuit that suit you best – corners or fast sections, and of course a look at the competition you’ll be up against. For every event the results are sent out approximately two weeks after the event, although provisional results can be had by visiting the race control. However Official results are the ones you get in the post.

For machines being scrutineered there are some areas where you can be prepared to ensure that you don’t fall foul of an eagle eyed scrutineer. For instance. Drain Plugs must always be wired to prevent them undoing themselves and depositing deadly oil on the track surface. You won’t be on anyone’s Christmas card list if you do that. So wire the drain plugs. Remove all headlamp and other bulbs to prevent them being accidentally turned on. Also tape up ALL glass and plastic lenses completely, including the Indicator lamps and Speedo lens. Ensure that all wheel bearings are in good order. It is amazing how quickly wheel bearings can wear out.

Ensure that the throttle grip closes automatically. That control could do masses of damage if you fell from the machine and it stuck open. It should in effect snap shut if you open the throttle fully and let it go. Make sure your clothing and helmet are in good order. Have a good visor and ensure the helmet fits snugly.

The one-piece leathers are critical. If you were to use two piece leathers and dumped the scooter it would be possible for the zip holding the jacket to the trousers to split, leaving you with delicate flesh exposed to the very gritty surface of the track….not a pleasant thought.

Of course all these items are designed for your safety. In most cases there are few spills as most riders have worked out that if you want to win you have to stay on the machine, oh and by the way if you do fall from the machine during a race you will NOT be allowed to pick the machine up and continue, that is forbidden. Such a complex sport with such a long history deserves more space than this, however we will continue to expand this page to help you the reader.

Written by Norrie Kerr - President BSSO
First printed in Scooterist Scene Magazine