Historics

High Performance Licence (HPL) Endorsement

Motorsport Australia, working with the Australian Historic Motorsport Commission (AHMSC), has implemented a High Performance Licence (HPL) Endorsement for selected historic vehicle groups.

Given the nature of vehicles involved in historic motorsport, there can often be greater risks for participants. 

These licence changes are designed to mitigate risks posed by inexperienced competitors in high performance 5th Category Historic vehicles.

Affected Vehicle Groups

In addition to applicants currently holding a Circuit Licence, a HPL Endorsement will now be required for the following high performance 5th Category Historic vehicles:

  • FIA Formula One and IndyCar (all)
  • F5000 (all)
  • Groups Q and R FIA 2L Formula Two (2000cc)
  • Group R Formula 3000/Formula Holden (all)
  • Groups Q and R Sports over 3 Litre engine capacity
  • FIA prototypes Group C1 and C2 Sports (all)

NOTE: International C/CH licence holders still require the endorsement to compete nationally.

Application Process

In addition to holding a National Circuit licence, a HPL Endorsement Observed Licence Test must be conducted in the relevant vehicle, followed by a final endorsement approval by the Motorsport Australia HPL Endorsement Evaluation Panel.

The application form for an HPL Endorsement is available here.

Recognition of Previous Experience (RPE) application process will be available for existing drivers of vehicles that will now require HPL Endorsement.

An application forms for an HPL RPE are available on the same HPL application form.

Observed Licence Test & Costs

Should an Observed Licence Test be undertaken outside of an event, then the cost of any test would apply.

There will be no administration fee for an application for a HPL Endorsement.

Competitors upgrading or applying for a new Circuit licence should refer to the current Motorsport Australia licence structure for licensing costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

A driver holding a Motorsport Australia Superlicence is exempted from the above evaluation.

FIA C/CH licence holders still require the endorsement to compete nationally.

Once you receive the HPL Endorsement, you are not required to re-apply.

However to maintain a HPL Endorsement a Driver must enter and compete at two Events per year in an Automobile approved by the Historic Motorsport Committee in either historic or contemporary motorsport.

The Stewards of a Meeting can suspend a HPL Endorsement at a Meeting should it be identified that a driver is not demonstrating the necessary skills to maintain the HPL Endorsement. In such a case, the HPL Endorsement issued for that Driver will be reviewed post the meeting by the Motorsport Australia HPL Endorsement Evaluation Panel.

The Motorsport Australia CEO also has the authority to suspend a licence and/or endorsement at any time in accordance with Motorsport Australia NCR 88.

If you have already received your licence, a replacement licence can be sent out upon successful application of the HPL endorsement.

A licence can be upgraded using the Member Portal or by completing the licence upgrade form available on the Motorsport Australia website.