Motorsport Radio Systems Australia
Australian motorsport communications matched to your racing
Clear communication helps protect drivers, vehicles and the team's investment. Harris Race Radios™ plans matched radios, intercoms, helmet audio and crew equipment around your racing, vehicle, people and budget. Browse Motorsport Radio Systems or find replacement components in Radios & Accessories.
Shared CB or private licensed radio?
CB is shared: suitable Australian UHF CB equipment operates under a class licence without an individual licence application by each user. Channels are shared with other lawful users, including traffic-management and construction workers. Your team has no exclusive right to a CB channel and cannot demand that another lawful user leave it. Other users may be heard during your event.
Private licensed radio: authorised frequencies and operating conditions are specified by the licence rather than relying on open shared CB channels. The licence determines the operating area and any protection or exclusive-use arrangements. Discuss your venue and requirements with Rex to select the appropriate channel and licensing arrangement.
RSM regulates New Zealand radio licensing and ACMA regulates Australian radio licensing. Radio certification and licensing are part of Harris Race Radios™'s specialist work, alongside equipment selection, programming and installation. Talk to Rex about the process for your country and intended use.
Circuit and endurance racing: a timely call can help save the car
A pit crew may notice a fluid leak, flat tyre, loose panel or fire before the driver knows there is a problem. A clear call to pit or box can help prevent expensive engine damage or loss of the car. The driver can report concerns and the team can coordinate strategy, stops and driver changes.
Incorporate RMC into the two-way radio setup
Circuit racers need the officials' one-way instructions incorporated into their two-way pit-to-car radios. In Australia this is the Race Management Channel (RMC). Plan team communication and the separate listen-only race-control channel together, using a suitable model and configuration for the event. Competitors must not transmit on the listen-only channel. Send us the organiser's required frequency and channel information before programming.
Dedicated receivers such as Nitro Bee provide one-way race-control reception for relevant applications, not two-way driver–pit communication. MYLAPS transponders provide lap timing, another important but separate function.
Rally and off-road: clear navigator instructions are essential
We match helmet microphones, speakers or earpieces, intercoms, wiring and connectors to the driver, navigator and vehicle noise. The in-vehicle intercom and radio link to support crew perform different jobs. Tell us if you need both so the complete system can be planned together.
Harris Race Radios™ is the Exclusive Official Authorised Distributor and Dealer for Rugged Radios in Australasia. Compare intercom and helmet-audio options alongside professional Motorola MotoTRBO and Kenwood radio equipment by exact model and application. Neither a brand name nor analogue/digital operation alone establishes Australian radio authorisation.
Other racing and operational needs
- Drifting: observer information about the other driver's incomplete run can help avoid unnecessary risk. Communications and tactics must follow event rules.
- Off-road buggies: identify whether you need to reach pit crews, officials, competitors or recreational vehicles and match permitted channels and equipment.
- Powerboats, jet sprints and hydroplanes: boat–shore communications support safety, assistance and recovery or return to the trailer.
- Motorcycle groups: choose suitable bike-to-bike equipment for the riders and environment.
- Event organisers: plan operational communications between officials, marshals and medics, separate from competitor channels.
Helmet selection: racing type, head shape, fit and budget
The helmet is the most critical part of the driver's communications system. Our many brands and models provide choices for different racing types, head shapes and budgets. We select a suitable helmet that fits correctly rather than forcing an unsuitable model onto a customer's head. We then match microphone position, audio, wiring and radio or intercom connections. Check the exact helmet's certification label and current category and event requirements.
Qualified engineering and first-hand 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 in Porsche Carrera Cup and endurance racing, and an MSNZ Licence Examiner. His driving achievements include 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.
Plan the whole installation and equipment package
Send your discipline, vehicle, event, budget, number of drivers and crew, RMC requirements, and existing radio, helmet and intercom details. Connector photos help us match driver audio, crew headsets, harnesses and adapters. Radio power, antenna placement, push-to-talk controls and shared-car driver changes also need consideration.
Our wider range includes helmets, driving overalls, fireproof underwear, driver cooling and air systems, data acquisition and management, dashes and vehicle alignment equipment. Karting includes dashes, data equipment, suits, gloves and helmets. Explain the wider driver, team and vehicle needs so the advice fits your actual setup.
Australian operating requirements and kit contents
Check equipment, programming, frequency and licence conditions for the intended Australian use. Do not assume a radio can be made compliant simply by reprogramming. GMRS is not an Australian radio service; US-programmed and GMRS radios are not legal for Australian operation. Check current ACMA requirements and event rules.
Coverage depends on terrain, antenna position, configuration and conditions. Read each listing: helmets, helmet electronics, speakers or earpieces, adapters and licences are included only when explicitly stated.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reserve a CB channel for my team?
No. CB channels are shared. Discuss private licensed radio arrangements with Rex if your team needs a different channel-use arrangement.
Does two-way pit-to-car communication replace RMC?
No. Circuit racers need both functions incorporated into a suitable two-way setup, with officials' instructions received on the required listen-only channel.
Is an intercom the same as a crew radio?
No. The intercom handles driver–navigator audio inside the vehicle. The radio connects the vehicle to support crew. We can plan both.
Do you support Australian orders and repairs?
Contact us for equipment selection, licensing enquiries, configuration, repair support, availability, delivery options and a freight quote.
Guides and support
Contact Rex or Aaron for system selection, Australian orders, expansion or rental enquiries. “It's the putting right that counts.”