Rugged Radios Short Course Communications
Short Course & Speedway Radio Communications — New Zealand & Australia
Clear, reliable radio communication is non-negotiable in short course and speedway racing. Whether you're running a sprint car, modified, stock car, or UTV short course class, Harris Race Radios supplies and configures complete communication systems engineered for the noise, vibration, and RF environment of circuit and speedway racing.
Harris Race Radios is founded and operated by Rex Harris — a New Zealand radio telecommunications engineer and licensed amateur radio operator with over 30 years of motorsport radio experience — and Aaron Harris, a racing driver and engineer who has competed at national and international level. Every system we supply is configured by engineers who race, not just sell.
Short Course & Speedway Communication Systems
Short course and speedway racing presents unique communication challenges: high ambient noise, close-proximity RF interference from multiple vehicles, and the need for instant, clear driver-to-crew communication. Rugged Radios systems are purpose-built for exactly this environment.
One-Way Race Receivers — Nitro Bee Extreme
The Nitro Bee Extreme is the standard one-way race receiver for speedway and short course racing across New Zealand and Australia. Designed to receive scanner frequencies used by race control and pit crews, it plugs directly into crew headsets and fan headsets for clear race audio even in high-noise grandstand environments.
- Compact, rugged design built for trackside use
- Compatible with H80 linkable headsets for group listening
- Used at speedway tracks and short course events throughout NZ and AU
Shop Nitro Bee & Race Receivers →
Two-Way Radio Systems for Driver & Crew
Two-way radio systems allow real-time communication between driver and crew chief during a race. Harris Race Radios configures all systems to UHF CB frequencies compliant with ACMA (Australia) and RSM (New Zealand) regulations — legal for use at all sanctioned speedway and short course events.
Complete Radio Systems
Handheld Radios for Crew
Compact, rugged handheld radios for pit crew, spotters, and race officials. UHF CB compliant for AU and NZ use.
Antennas & Mounts
Correct antenna selection and placement is critical for reliable communication in a short course or speedway environment. Rex Harris provides antenna configuration advice as part of every system purchase.
Headsets & Helmet Kits
Crew & Pit Headsets
Noise-attenuating headsets for pit crew and spotters. Compatible with Nitro Bee receivers and two-way radios. H80 linkable headsets allow unlimited crew members to share a single scanner or receiver.
Helmet Kits for Drivers
In-helmet speaker and microphone kits for driver communication. Available for open-face and full-face helmets. Harris Race Radios can advise on the correct kit for your helmet model and radio system.
Foam & Semi-Custom Ear Buds
Cables, PTT & Accessories
Cables & Adapters
Push-to-Talk (PTT) Switches
Steering wheel and dash-mount PTT switches for driver-initiated radio transmission. Essential for driver-to-crew communication in short course and speedway applications.
Circuit & Speedway Track Communications — Driver, Crew & Race Fans
From race drivers to crew chiefs to fans in the grandstands, Rugged Radios offers a complete communication ecosystem for speedway and short course racing. Harris Race Radios supplies and configures these systems for New Zealand and Australian tracks and events.
Choose from analog and digital handheld radios, crew headsets, driver helmet kits, and the Nitro Bee Extreme race receiver. Shop complete communication kits for driver and crew, or explore individual accessories to complete your setup.
With H80 Linkable Headsets, race fans can communicate over track noise while protecting their hearing. Add a Nitro Bee receiver to each headset, or share a single scanner with the group to stay tuned to the race action.
Whether your track is asphalt or dirt, our systems deliver reliable communications for driver and crew. From sprint cars, modifieds, and stock cars to UTV short course classes, we have solutions for every class and every track in New Zealand and Australia.
Warranty & Returns
All Rugged Radios products supplied by Harris Race Radios carry full manufacturer warranty with local NZ/AU support. As the official Australasian distributor, we handle all warranty claims directly. See our returns and warranty policy for full details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rugged Radios systems legal for speedway and short course racing in New Zealand and Australia?
Yes. All systems supplied by Harris Race Radios are configured for UHF CB frequencies compliant with RSM (New Zealand) and ACMA (Australia) regulations. Rex Harris holds an amateur radio licence and has over 30 years of experience in motorsport radio compliance — every system we supply is legal and correctly configured for NZ and AU use.
What is the Nitro Bee Extreme and how is it used at speedway?
The Nitro Bee Extreme is a compact one-way race receiver designed for trackside use. It receives scanner frequencies used by race control and pit crews, and plugs into crew or fan headsets for clear audio in high-noise environments. It is the standard receiver used at speedway tracks throughout New Zealand and Australia.
Can fans use Rugged Radios headsets in the grandstands?
Yes. H80 Linkable Headsets with a Nitro Bee receiver allow race fans to listen to race communications while protecting their hearing from track noise. Multiple headsets can be linked together so a group can share a single receiver.
What radio system do I need for driver-to-crew communication in short course racing?
A typical short course driver-to-crew setup includes an in-helmet speaker/microphone kit, a PTT switch mounted on the steering wheel or dash, and a handheld radio for the crew chief. Harris Race Radios can recommend the correct system for your vehicle class and track. Contact us for a free recommendation →
Do you supply systems for speedway tracks and clubs in New Zealand and Australia?
Yes. Harris Race Radios supplies communication systems to speedway clubs, short course tracks, and race organisations throughout New Zealand and Australia. Contact us for club and bulk pricing.