For someone who has never been on a race track before, the idea of driving a car around a circuit at speed can feel like a big step and a daunting starting point.

That’s where a Supersprint comes in.

A Supersprint is one of the simplest ways to get started in circuit motorsport. It gives drivers the chance to take their car onto a proper race track, learn how to drive it at speed and compete against the clock.

Different to traditional door-to-door racing most people will have seen, drivers aren’t racing against other cars, they’re sharing the track with others and provided room to breathe.

To achieve this, competitors are sent onto the circuit in small groups at timed intervals to complete laps of the circuit as quickly as possible. Vehicles are evenly spread to allow room for learning within a safe environment. Your car. Your space. Your pace.

At the end of the day, drivers can compare their times with other competitors in the same class, as well as trying to beat their own personal best.

It means a Supersprint is as much about improving your driving as it is about how fast you go.

Braking at the right point, finding the best line through a corner and carrying as much speed as you are comfortable with all help to build your best lap times.

To make things safer, drivers are grouped with other drivers who have similar lap times. This means a driver who is new to the sport doesn’t have to immediately jump on track with the fastest competitors. It also allows drivers to build their skills and confidence over time.

Another advantage of a Supersprint is that you don’t necessarily need a purpose-built race car.

Road-registered cars can compete, provided they meet the relevant safety requirements. Non-road-registered cars can also take part when they meet the appropriate Motorsport Australia requirements, detailed in Technical Appendix – Schedules A and B.

Drivers need the appropriate Motorsport Australia licence and in some instances a club membership.

To compete in a Supersprint event, a Motorsport Australia Speed Licence is required, either as a full annual licence or a Single Event Licence (which does not require you to be part of a club).

Motorsport Australia’s Junior Speed Licence allows drivers to participate in Supersprints from 14 years of age.

Competitors should always check the Supplementary Regulations for their specific event to confirm the licence and safety requirements before entering. These can be found either by heading to the host club or event’s website or socials, or by contacting event organisers directly.

For many people, a Supersprint is about having fun, skills development, learning more about their car and seeing how quickly they can get around a circuit – it can become a regular weekend activity with minimal commitment required.

Drivers keen to do more can start at club and multi-club events to gain experience before moving into state or national-level championships, where they can compete for points, class honours and championship recognition.

To find a Supersprint event near you head to the Motorsport Australia calendar and select your state and event type.