Motorsport radios and accessories for NZ and Australia
Clear communication helps protect the driver, the vehicle and the team's investment. Harris Race Radios™ supplies and supports radios, intercoms, helmet audio, crew headsets and replacement components for the way you race. Use this collection to replace, upgrade or expand existing equipment. For a complete matched installation, browse Motorsport Radio Systems.
Why the right communications equipment matters
- Circuit and endurance racing: the pit crew may spot a fluid leak, flat tyre, loose panel or fire before the driver knows anything is wrong. A clear call to pit or box can help prevent an expensive engine failure or loss of the car, as well as coordinate pit stops and driver changes.
- Rally and off-road: intelligible navigator or co-driver instructions are essential. The helmet, microphone, speakers or earpieces, intercom and wiring must suit the vehicle's noise and the crew's needs. A two-way link to the support crew serves a different purpose from the in-vehicle intercom.
- Drifting: an observer can relay useful information about the other driver's run, helping the driver make informed decisions rather than take unnecessary risks. Communications and competition tactics must follow the event's rules.
- Powerboats, jet sprints and hydroplanes: clear boat-to-shore communication supports driver and boat safety, assistance and coordinating return or recovery to the trailer.
- Off-road vehicles and buggies: plan who you need to reach, whether pit crew, officials, other competitors or recreational vehicles, and match the equipment and permitted channels accordingly.
- Motorcycle groups and event operations: group riders need suitable bike-to-bike communication; motorsport, motorcycle and speedway organisers need a separate operational plan connecting officials, marshals and medics.
Circuit radios must also receive race control
A circuit-racing setup needs both two-way driver-to-pit communication and the officials' one-way race-control instructions incorporated into the two-way radios. We help match suitable radios and configure the separate listen-only race-control channel to the event's requirements. Competitors must not transmit on that listen-only channel.
In New Zealand, the one-way race radio system delivers officials' messages to competitors, teams and officials over dedicated licensed frequencies. Harris Race Radios™ has helped introduce these systems at NZ speedway and motorsport tracks and holds one of the radio licences used for this purpose. In Australia, this function is known as the Race Management Channel (RMC). Confirm the required frequency and radio configuration for your event before ordering or programming equipment.
Dedicated receivers such as Nitro Bee provide one-way reception for relevant applications. They are distinct from a two-way pit-to-car radio and do not remove the need to incorporate race-control reception into a circuit team's two-way setup. MYLAPS transponders serve another important function, lap timing, not voice communications.
Match replacement parts to your existing equipment
A plug that looks right is not enough to confirm compatibility. Send us the radio, helmet electronics, headset and intercom model details, together with clear connector photos, so we can help choose the right components.
- Radios: match the frequency band, programming, team radios and required race-control reception.
- Helmet audio and crew headsets: match microphones, earpieces or speakers and connections to the intended radio or intercom.
- Push-to-talk controls, harnesses and adapters: identify the equipment at both ends, not just the plug shape.
- Intercoms: select for the racing discipline, noise environment, helmet audio and driver–navigator requirements.
Why we carry so many helmet brands and models
The helmet is the most critical part of the driver's communications system, but radio compatibility is only part of choosing it. Different racing types, head shapes and budgets need different options. Our broad brand and model range lets us select a helmet that fits correctly, suits the racing being done and respects the customer's budget, rather than trying to force an unsuitable helmet onto their head. We then match the microphone position, audio, wiring and radio or intercom connections. The exact helmet's certification label and current category and event requirements also matter.
Engineering knowledge backed by racing experience
Rex Harris is a degree-qualified radio electronics engineer, an Approved Radio Engineer and a New Zealand RSM Approved Radio Certifier, with motorsport communications experience dating from 1975. His additional qualifications include advanced telecom, colour TV and limited electrical certification. We use, install, engineer and repair the equipment we supply.
Aaron Harris is a race engineer with experience in Porsche Carrera Cup and endurance racing, and an MSNZ Licence Examiner. His driving record includes a Barcelona 24-hour win, several NZ championships, numerous race wins and second in class at the Bathurst 1000. Charlie Harris races karts, works as a race engineer and is studying engineering at the University of Canterbury. This combination of electronics knowledge and practical racing experience informs our equipment advice.
The whole motorsport package
Our work extends beyond radios: helmets, driving overalls, fireproof underwear, driver cooling and air systems, data acquisition and management, dashes and vehicle alignment equipment all serve the driver, team and vehicle. For karting, that includes dashes, data equipment, suits, gloves and helmets. Tell us about the whole requirement so we can advise on appropriate equipment without treating each purchase in isolation.
Shared CB channels or private licensed frequencies?
A CB channel is shared, not reserved for your team. Suitable locally compliant CB equipment can be used without an individual licence application, under the applicable general or class licence conditions. Other lawful users, including stop/go traffic workers and construction workers, may use the same channels. Racing does not give you the right to demand that another lawful user leave a shared CB channel.
Private licensed radio systems operate on authorised frequencies under specific licence conditions. Those conditions define the operating area, technical requirements and any protection or exclusive-use arrangements. Before replacing or adding a radio, check that its frequency band and programming match your team's authorised arrangement. A matching plug or channel number alone does not establish compatibility or permission to transmit.
RSM regulates radio licensing in New Zealand and ACMA regulates it in Australia. Radio certification and licensing are part of Harris Race Radios™'s specialist work, alongside equipment selection, programming and installation. Discuss your requirements with Rex so the radios and licensing process suit your country, venue and intended use.
Programming, installation and support
Permitted frequencies, licensing and event requirements differ between New Zealand and Australia. Do not assume an imported radio or existing channel setting is suitable. Coverage depends on the radio installation, antenna, terrain and race environment. Check each listing's contents and compatibility before buying.
For replacement parts, an upgrade, repair or rental enquiry, contact Rex or Aaron with your existing equipment details. “It's the putting right that counts.”