About Harris Race Radios
Motorsport equipment backed by radio engineering and racing experience
Harris Race Radios™ supports drivers, teams and organisers across New Zealand and Australia. We supply, use, install, engineer and repair motorsport equipment, bringing electronics knowledge and practical racing experience to each recommendation. Our range covers helmets, radios, intercoms, driving overalls, fireproof underwear, driver cooling and air systems, data acquisition and management, dashes and vehicle alignment equipment. Karting needs include dashes, data equipment, suits, gloves and helmets.
This page introduces our people and history. For equipment selection, browse Motorsport Radio Systems, Radios & Accessories or contact Rex or Aaron. For practical buying and setup guidance, visit Expert Motorsport Advice, our race radio buyer's guide and race radio installation guide. For Australian race-control and licensing considerations, read Motorsport Radio Systems Australia.
Radio experience since 1975. Harris Race Radios formed in 2002.
Rex Harris's motorsport radio supply and support experience began at the 1975 Marlboro Series Grand Prix at Gracefield, Lower Hutt, supplying the race organisers' communications. That motorcycle-racing association has continued through the annual Boxing Day Whanganui Motorcycle Races. The experience dates from 1975; Rex and Aaron formed Harris Race Radios in 2002.
The store grew from frustration with expensive radio equipment that performed poorly, limited repair support and inadequate advice on making helmets work with radios and intercoms. Aaron encountered these problems while racing in New Zealand and at international endurance events including Bathurst, Dubai and Barcelona. Rex and Aaron wanted to provide better equipment, meaningful advice and effective support.
Improving the radio alone was not enough. Harris developed wiring looms, aerials, helmet kits, cables, earpieces, push-to-talk controls and radio mounting arrangements to improve the complete installation. Our Professional Series equipment developed through practical racing requirements and work with suppliers, addressing the shortcomings of standard helmet audio and wiring.
Read about our Australian market expansion and our motorsport business profile.
Meet the Harris family
Rex Harris: radio engineering, certification and technical support
Rex holds NZRTC, obtained in 1973. He is a degree-qualified radio electronics engineer, an Approved Radio Engineer and a New Zealand RSM Approved Radio Certifier. His additional qualifications include advanced telecom, colour TV and limited electrical certification. With motorsport communications experience dating from 1975, he brings technical knowledge to system selection, programming, installation, fault-finding and repairs.
Radio certification and licensing are part of our specialist work. We help plan the appropriate equipment and licensing process for the country, venue and intended use. View Rex's RSM listing; Australian radiocommunications licensing is administered by ACMA.
Aaron Harris: race engineering, driving and data
Aaron is a race engineer across categories including Porsche Carrera Cup and endurance racing, with experience at Earl Bamber Motorsport, TekworkX, International Motorsport and Matt Stone Racing. He is also an MSNZ Licence Examiner. His driving achievements include a Barcelona 24-hour win, several New Zealand championships, numerous race wins and second in class at the Bathurst 1000.
His practical services include helmet selection and fit advice, communications matching, setup days, on-car alignment, data-logging setup, race-car preparation, event and championship race engineering, and MSNZ licence examinations. His race and data-engineering experience supports sensor calibration, data-channel setup, lap analysis and fault-finding.
Read Aaron's full motorsport career. Historical records are available through DriverDB, Racing Sports Cars and the 1998 Bathurst 1000 results.
Charlie Harris: karting and the next engineering generation
Charlie races karts, works as a race engineer and is studying engineering at the University of Canterbury. The three generations combine radio electronics, driving and race engineering to advise on the driver, team and vehicle as a whole.
Left to right: Charlie, Aaron and Rex Harris.
Why communications matter
In circuit and endurance racing, the pit crew may see a fluid leak, flat tyre, loose panel or fire before the driver knows anything is wrong. A timely, intelligible call to pit or box can help avoid expensive engine damage or loss of the car, alongside supporting strategy, pit stops and driver changes.
In rally and off-road racing, clear navigator or co-driver instructions are essential. We match helmet audio, microphone position, speakers or earpieces, intercom, wiring and connectors to the vehicle's noise environment. The in-vehicle intercom and a two-way link to support crew serve different purposes.
Drifting observers can relay useful information about another driver's run, within event rules. Boat-to-shore communication supports assistance and recovery in powerboats, jet sprints and hydroplanes. Off-road teams need to identify whether they must reach pits, officials, other competitors or recreational vehicles. Motorcycle group communications are a separate application. Organisers need operational networks linking officials, marshals and medics.
One-way race control and two-way team communication
Circuit racers need officials' one-way race-control reception incorporated into their two-way pit-to-car radios. We plan both functions together, matching the radio and configuration to the event's requirements. Competitors must not transmit on the separate listen-only race-control channel.
Harris Race Radios™ has helped introduce one-way race radio systems at New Zealand speedway and motorsport tracks and holds one of the licences used for this purpose. These systems carry officials' instructions over dedicated licensed frequencies. In Australia this function is called the Race Management Channel (RMC). Dedicated receivers such as Nitro Bee serve reception in relevant applications; MYLAPS transponders provide lap timing, not voice communication.
Browse one-way receivers and read our complete radio kit guide.
Shared CB and private licensed radio
Suitable locally compliant CB equipment operates under applicable general or class licence conditions without an individual licence application. CB channels are shared with other lawful users, including traffic-management and construction workers. Your team cannot reserve a shared channel exclusively or demand that another lawful user leave it.
Private licensed systems operate on authorised frequencies under specific licence conditions defining the operating area, technical requirements and any protection or exclusive-use arrangements. Equipment purchase alone does not grant permission to transmit. Discuss your country, venue and intended use with Rex before selecting radios. Imported equipment or existing programming must not be assumed suitable for NZ or Australia; coverage depends on antennas, installation, terrain and the operating environment.
The right helmet for the customer
The helmet is the most critical part of the driver's communications system. We carry a broad choice of brands and models because racing types, head shapes and budgets differ. We select a helmet that fits correctly, suits the racing and respects the customer's budget, rather than forcing an unsuitable available helmet onto their head.
We then match microphone position, speakers or earpieces, wiring and radio or intercom connections. Shell and liner layout affect where components can be installed. Check the physical certification label on the exact helmet and current discipline, category and event rules, including acceptance with the organiser. The same item-specific approach applies to other safety equipment.
Brands, data systems and equipment support
AiM Sport and Alfano
We are the New Zealand distributor for AiM Sport and the New Zealand and Australian distributor for Alfano. We help customers configure equipment and understand their data, not simply select a dash from a specification list. Explore AiM Sport, the AiM MyChron Knowledge Hub, Alfano Data Loggers & Dashes and Alfano Sensors, Cables & Parts.
Roux and Schuberth helmets
Compare helmets by fit, discipline, budget and communications needs. Explore Roux helmets and Schuberth helmets. Harris Race Radios™ is an authorised Schuberth dealer.
Rugged Radios, Motorola and intercoms
We are the Exclusive Official Authorised Distributor and Dealer for Rugged Radios in Australasia. We match equipment and programming to local requirements rather than assume US specifications are suitable. Browse Rugged Radios and Motorola. We also repair many motorsport intercoms and help match adapters, wiring and audio components. Explore intercoms.
B-G Racing setup equipment
We are an authorised B-G Racing dealer and obtain these products directly from B-G Racing. Practical race-engineering experience informs advice on alignment, geometry, setup and measurement tools. Explore B-G Racing.
Racewear and cooling
Our wider driver-equipment offering includes FreeM Racewear, P1 Racewear and Chillout driver cooling. Tell us the discipline, budget, fit and installation requirements so these can be considered alongside your communications and helmet.
Event radio rentals
We provide tailored rental communications for teams, motorsport events and other operations, including concerts and festivals. Tell us the number of users, site, operating period and who needs to communicate with whom. Explore radio rentals.
Motorsport and regulatory resources
Use the relevant authority's current requirements when planning equipment and event participation: MotorSport New Zealand, Motorsport Australia, RSM and ACMA. Supplying equipment for an event does not confer blanket approval on every item.
Racing and engineering gallery
Aaron engineering a Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand Formula Regional chassis.
Aaron at the Barcelona 24 Hour endurance race.
Aaron driving a Seat at the Bathurst 12 Hour.
Aaron driving the Seat at the Dubai 24 Hour.
Aaron driving the Harris Race Radios E36 BMW.
Aaron engineering George Miedecke's V8 Ute for Matt Stone Racing in Australia.
Aaron driving and engineering Bernard Verryt's Boss Mustang.
Three generations bringing race engineering, communications and practical equipment advice to competitors and officials.
Frequently asked questions
When did Harris Race Radios start?
Rex and Aaron formed Harris Race Radios in 2002. Rex's motorsport radio experience began in 1975 at the Marlboro Series Grand Prix at Gracefield, Lower Hutt.
Can you help match a helmet to my communications?
Yes. We select by racing discipline, head shape, correct fit, budget and communications requirements, then match microphone position, speakers or earpieces, wiring and connections. Check the exact helmet's label and current event requirements.
Do you provide programming, licensing and repair support?
Yes. Radio certification, licensing, programming, installation, fault-finding and repairs are part of our specialist work. Tell Rex your country, venue, intended use and existing equipment so the appropriate process can be planned.
Do you supply more than radios?
Yes. Our range includes helmets, racewear, driver cooling and air systems, fireproof underwear, data equipment, dashes and alignment tools, with equipment and advice for karting and other motorsport disciplines.
Do you serve New Zealand and Australia?
Yes. We support customers in both countries and ship via NZC and DHL Express couriers. Equipment suitability, permitted frequencies and licensing depend on the country and intended use.
Talk to Rex or Aaron
Tell us the whole requirement, whether you are choosing a helmet, planning communications, arranging licensing, setting up data equipment or preparing a race car. “It's the putting right that counts.”
Contact Harris Race Radios™ or browse the motorsport range.