Motor vehicle sports in NSW are extremely popular on a professional, amateur and recreational level, involving people as competitors, officials and spectators.
The state’s motor vehicle sports industry includes many small clubs and provides opportunities for entertainment and participation in events at the local level through to major world class competitions.
Motor sport is inherently dangerous and NSW is the only state in Australia that has specifically legislated for public safety at motor vehicle sports events.
Licenses and/or permits to conduct motor racing events in NSW are obtained through NSW Sport and Recreation under the Motor Vehicle Sports (Public Safety) Act 1985 or the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Act 1989.
NSW Sport and Recreation licenses motor vehicle racing grounds to take into account the safety of spectators, competitors and officials. It prohibits the conduct of motor vehicle racing except on licensed grounds, which have to meet stringent safety conditions.
Licenses under the Motor Vehicle Sports (Public Safety) Act 1985 are required for all motor sport events conducted on private property only (non public roads). Motor sport events which are conducted on public roads are not required to be licensed under this Act, but are required to be formally approved by the RTA and NSW Police Service under the Road and Transport Legislation.
Permits under the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Act 1989 are required for all motor sport events conducted at Mount Panorama, Bathurst utilising the full 6.32 km circuit (public road). Motor sport events which are conducted on a part of a public road (not the full circuit) are not required to be permitted under this Act but are required to be formally approved by the RTA and NSW Police Service under the Road and Transport Legislation.
When accessing the our services, the motor vehicle sports industry can expect: prompt and courteous service a quick response to correspondence, within seven days of receipt advice on licensing requirements for public safety licenses to be issued within six weeks of receipt of initial application licenses to be issued within four weeks of receipt of all other associated documentation and approvals.
For further information on NSW Sport and Recreation's services available to the motor vehicle sports industry please contact:
Project Officer – Motor Sport, Industry Development
NSW Sport and Recreation
Locked Bag 1422
SILVERWATER NSW 2128
Phone: (02) 9006 3844
Fax: (02) 9006 3884
Send an email