Becoming a trackday rider
Everything you need to know to get started
What age to ride on track?
There is no minimum legal age for trackday riding (excluding competition). Most organisers accept riders from 16 years with parental authorisation.
For under-18s, signed parental authorisation is always required. Some organisers set the limit at 18 — check conditions before booking.
For children, mini-bike and pit bike days exist on dedicated tracks (karting circuits). Supervision is adapted and speeds reduced.
What budget to plan?
| Item | Budget | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Day registration | €150 — €350 | Depending on circuit and organiser |
| Full gear (new) | €1,500 — €4,000 | Helmet + suit + gloves + boots + back protector |
| Full gear (used) | €500 — €1,500 | The helmet must be new |
| Suit rental (on-site) | €30 — €60 | Offered by some organisers |
| Fuel | €30 — €50 | Plan a full tank + a jerrycan |
| Track insurance | €19 — €50 | Optional but recommended |
| Tyres (if worn) | €200 — €400 | Full sport-touring set |
For a first trackday with existing gear, plan around €200 — €400 all-in (registration + fuel + insurance).
Which bike for the track?
Any bike in good condition can go on track. You don't need a 200 hp sportbike for your first trackday.
The most beginner-friendly bikes:
Naked / Roadster
MT-07, Z650, CB650R, Street Triple — comfortable position, agile, manageable power. Ideal to progress.
600 sportbikes
CBR 600RR, R6, ZX-6R, GSX-R 600 — leaning forward, more sporty. Very popular at trackdays.
1000 sportbikes
S1000RR, RSV4, R1, ZX-10R — very fast, demand more experience. Not ideal for beginners.
Supermoto
DRZ-400SM, 701 SM — light, fun, ideal for learning to ride. Some karting circuits offer dedicated days.
How to sign up?
On Tarmago, signing up takes 3 steps:
Choose a day
Browse the calendar, filter by circuit and level.
Select your group
Beginner, intermediate, advanced or expert — pick by your level.
Pay online
Secure card payment. Instant email confirmation.
Skill groups
Organisers separate riders into groups to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment.
When in doubt, always pick the group below. Better to be the fastest in your group than the slowest in the group above.
Day of the event
Arrive early (7:30-8:00 am). Unload your bike, set up in the paddock, prepare your gear. A general briefing happens before the first sessions.
Beginners often get a dedicated briefing with a slow-speed reconnaissance lap. Use it to learn the track.
Sessions last 15 to 20 minutes. Between sessions, rest, hydrate, and check your bike.
Frequently asked questions
What age can you do a motorcycle trackday? ▾
You need a motorcycle licence (A2 or A) to participate in a trackday. In France, the A2 licence is available from age 18. Some organisers accept 16-17 year olds with a parent and an A1 licence, but it's rare.
What budget for a first trackday? ▾
For a first trackday, plan around €150-€250 for registration, plus gear if you don't have any (leather suit ~€500, helmet ~€300, gloves ~€100, boots ~€200). Some organisers offer gear rental from €50. Total cost for a first outing: between €200 (with rental) and €1,500 (with full gear purchase).
Which bike to start trackdays? ▾
Any bike in good condition can go on track. The most recommended starter bikes are 300-600cc sportbikes (Yamaha R3, Kawasaki Ninja 400, Honda CBR500R) or naked bikes (MT-07, Z650, SV650). The key is good tyres and reliable brakes.
Does my road insurance cover the track? ▾
No, road liability insurance does not cover damage suffered or caused on a circuit. Specific track insurances exist (Lestienne, April Moto) that cover damage to your bike. Some organisers offer weather or accident insurance as an option at booking.
Do you need a licence to ride on a circuit? ▾
Most organisers require a motorcycle licence, but it's not legally mandatory on a closed circuit. Some events accept riders without a licence under conditions (supervision, prior training). Check each organiser's conditions before booking.