FAQ

Q. How much does it cost to go racing?

A. To get started in OK Cup you should budget for the following items:  a suitable car, safety equipment, car prep (e.g. decent set of brakes and tyres).  Plus a MSNZ log-book, car club membership, and a MSNZ C Grade race licence.  Prices will vary a lot based on your choices, but on top of the car purchase you should budget around $2-4k for a roll cage, seat and harness, $1.5k for tyres and brakes, $1.5k for safety clothing/helmet.  After you have all that, it costs $120 for season entry (year), plus each round entry is $420 and you will need to budget for petrol, maintenance, etc.

Q. I've never raced before, what are the rules on track, is it like the video games/simulators?

A. The rules are covered by the MSNZ Schedule Z, and will be tested when you sit your MSNZ C Grade race license, but in general it is like a racing simulator (but without the reset button).  First time drivers will be given additional drivers briefings at their first race of each track.  Fellow racers in OK Cup are always willing to help out new drivers to get them up to speed.

Q. Is OK Cup 'banger racing' with a low regard for safety?

A. Quite the opposite.  OK Cup is comitted to providing a low-cost way to get new drivers into motorport, but without compromising safety.  We promote safe driving and safe cars, and actively monitor driving standards (non-contact racing!).  Cars and safety equipment are required to be scrutineered regularly to ensure they comply with MSNZ and OK Cup rules.  Motorsport can be dangerous, however we do not tolerate reckless driving or unsafe vehicles.

Q. Where can I find information on the required safety items/clothing I will need?

A. Refer to the MSNZ Schedule A regulations regarding these requirements.

Q. Where can I find information on the car modification/safety items?

A. Refer to the MSNZ Schedule A regulations regarding vehicles.  Refer to the OK Cup rules for what modifications are allowed in OK Cup.

Q. Is there a price limit on the cost of the cars?

A. No, but car models need to be approved for the series by OK Cup Technical Committee before they are allowed to race.  The series is focused on budget racing with cars of similar performance so check the rules for approved cars, and if you want to introduce a new model please contact us (before purchasing) so we can advise if suitable or not.

Q. Do the cars have to be of a certain age (e.g. older than 2000 manufacture year)?

A. No, but car models need to be approved for the series by OK Cup Technical Committee before they are allowed to race.  The series is focused on budget racing with cars of similar performance so check the rules for approved cars, and if you want to introduce a new model please contact us (before purchasing) so we can advise if suitable or not.

Q. Is there a CC or HP limit on cars that can race?

A. No, but car models need to be approved for the series by OK Cup Technical Committee before they are allowed to race.  The series is focused on budget racing with cars of similar performance so check the rules for approved cars, and if you want to introduce a new model please contact us (before purchasing) so we can advise if suitable or not.

Q. Do I need to be a mechanic or know how to fix cars?

A. No, but it can save you money.  Also if you break down at the track there will always be a friendly bunch of like-minded people willing to help you out if they can.

Q. Do I have to enter every race?  How much time does racing take up?

A. Once you have paid your season entry you can pay for and enter as many or few races for that season as you like.  We aim to run ~6 rounds per season over the summer months, approx 2-6 weeks apart (depending on scheduling).  Races normally take up a full day on the weekend (usually a Saturday, but some rounds are on a Sunday).  There may be other optional social events held throughout the year as well.

Q. What is the prize for winning the OK Cup?

A. Only a sense of self-pride and fleeting fame from your racing peers.  

Q. What is the age limit to be able to race? Do I need a NZ Drivers license?

A. MSNZ C Grade License requirements are the only license requirements to race in OK Cup.  Generally 16+ are able to get a race license, but the MSNZ Junior driver program provides options for drivers aged 14+, or in special cases as young as 12.  You do not need to have a regular road drivers license to race.

Q. Where are the races held?

A. Races are held at Hampton Downs (Waikato), Taupo, and Manfield (Fielding) in NZ's North Island.  If you are in the South Island, check out the 2kCupSI series.

Q. Is there a way to get a taster or test drive if I'm not sure yet?

A. Some tracks offer 'track days' that you could test your car and driving skills at, or you can come along to an OK Cup round and chat to the drivers/organisers of an event. (Contact OK Cup if you want free entry tickets).  Passengers are not allowed during race events.  Keep an eye on the OK Cup Community Facebook group as we will try to arrange new driver events such as track-day, passenger rides, licensing workshops, Q&A sessions, etc.  Plus social events like go-karts, BBQs, etc. from time to time.

Q. Where can I go to find out more information?

A. If it's not covered on this site, feel free to join the OK Cup Community on Facebook and post your questions there, or contact one of the OK Cup team.