Race Radio Monitoring & Motorsport Communications Guide
Race Radio Monitoring & Motorsport Communications Guide
Race radio is the official event communication system used by race officials to communicate important instructions directly to competitors and their teams. Harris Race Radios supplies one-way receivers for monitoring these event channels, along with separate professional radio systems for permitted team communications.
Why competitors need to monitor race radio
Competitors may be required to monitor the appropriate race radio for their event, class or venue. This includes Speedway New Zealand and Australian Speedway, GT Members, endurance racing, MEGA Motorsport, Quin Tracks and many individual racing classes, including hydroplane racing.
Requirements can vary by event organiser, venue and class. Always check the current supplementary regulations, competitor information and event instructions before racing.
How one-way race radio works
In a one-way race-radio system, race officials communicate to racers and their teams. The competitor listens to the official event channel through a receiver, helmet speakers or an earpiece. There is no return communication through the one-way receiver.
For Speedway and other controlled event channels, the receiver is used for listening only. Do not transmit on the event channel. The important decision is choosing the correct primary programming for the event you are entering.
Primary programming is event-specific
Speedway, GT Members, MSNZ, MEGA Motorsport, TR86 and TRS use different race-radio frequencies and require different programming. The receiver named for the intended use is primarily programmed for that system. Other channels may be included where the receiver supports them, but they should not be treated as interchangeable.
| Primary use | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Speedway | Confirm the Speedway event, venue channel and any required tone or CTCSS setting. |
| GT Members | Use the GT Members programming required for the relevant track or club event. |
| MSNZ | Confirm the MSNZ class or event programming before ordering. |
| MEGA Motorsport | Confirm the MEGA Motorsport frequency and programming for the event. |
| TR86 | Confirm the TR86 channel and programming required by the event organiser. |
| TRS | Confirm the TRS channel and programming required by the event organiser. |
Choosing a receiver
Choose the receiver that matches your main racing use. A Speedway receiver is primarily programmed for Speedway. GT Members and MSNZ receivers are primarily programmed for their named event use.
- Speedway Approved One Way Receiver with Foam Earpieces — a Speedway-first receiver for one-way Race Control listening.
- GT Club Members Approved One Way Receiver — primarily set up for GT Members use.
- MSNZ Race Radio One Way Receiver — primarily set up for MSNZ use.
- Upgraded Harris Speedway & MSNZ Receiver — a higher-output Harris option with the primary event setup confirmed before dispatch.
- Standard Harris Speedway Receiver — a practical Speedway receiver option.
Why choose Nitro Bee Xtreme?
The Nitro Bee Xtreme is the multi-system option in the Harris Race Radios range. It can be programmed across the listed race-radio systems, making it the flexible choice for competitors, teams and officials who attend different types of events.
Nitro Bee also has a display that shows the selected race-radio system in words, along with the battery condition. That makes it easier to confirm which race radio is selected before going on track and to check whether the receiver needs charging.
One-way receivers and professional two-way radio systems
A one-way race receiver is for monitoring official Race Control. A professional two-way radio system is a different setup for permitted team communications, such as pit-to-car and car-to-pit communication through compatible radios, intercoms and helmet systems.
Explore the separate professional radio options:
- Entry Level Analog Motorola Motorsport Radio System with Race Radio
- Motorola DP3400 Professional Digital Motorsport Radio System
- Motorola DP3600 Programmable Display Motorsport Radio System
These professional systems do not replace the requirement to monitor the appropriate one-way race radio where the event rules require it. Use every radio system in accordance with the event regulations, licensing requirements and the instructions of the event organiser.
Pre-race receiver checklist
- Confirm the event, class and venue you are racing at.
- Confirm the receiver's primary programming matches that event.
- Charge the receiver and check the battery before leaving for the track.
- Turn it on and confirm that the expected channel is received.
- Test the earpiece or helmet speakers and secure the receiver to your clothing or holder.
- Do not transmit on a controlled one-way event channel.
- Ask Harris Race Radios if the event programming or channel requirement is unclear.
Frequently asked questions
What is race radio?
Race radio is the official event communication channel used by race officials to send instructions and information to competitors and their teams. A one-way receiver lets the competitor monitor those communications.
Do Speedway competitors need to monitor race radio?
Speedway New Zealand and Australian Speedway events can require competitors to monitor the appropriate race radio. Confirm the current requirement for your event, class and venue before racing.
Are Speedway, GT Members, MSNZ, MEGA, TR86 and TRS programming interchangeable?
No. These race-radio systems use different frequencies and programming. Choose the receiver's primary programming to match the event you are entering, and confirm the setup before ordering.
Which receiver is best if I attend different types of events?
Nitro Bee Xtreme is the flexible multi-system option because it can be programmed across the listed race-radio systems. Its display identifies the selected race-radio system and shows the battery condition.
Can I use a professional two-way radio instead of a one-way race receiver?
A professional two-way radio system is a separate pit-to-car and car-to-pit communications setup. It does not automatically replace a one-way Race Control receiver where the event rules require competitors to monitor race radio.
Can I transmit on the Speedway Race Control channel?
No. Speedway competitors must use the event receiver for listening to Race Control only. Do not transmit on a controlled Speedway or other one-way event channel.
What should I do if I am unsure which programming I need?
Tell Harris Race Radios the event, class, venue and date before ordering. We can help identify the correct primary programming and compatible receiver or professional communications system.
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Event rules, required frequencies and programming can change. Always follow the current instructions issued by the event organiser or controlling body.