The Scottish Auto Cycle Union (SACU) is the controlling body for motorcycle sport in Scotland. Formed in 1913 and has more than 40 affiliated clubs organising events for all ages and abilities. The SACU issues competition licenses, provides event insurance and training for officials and each sporting discipline has its own committee, elected by the clubs, to help promote and develop their sport.
Contact the SACU E:mail office@sacu.co.uk Tel: 01506 858 354
Please note the SACU office at Uphall will be closed from 4:30 pm on the 21st of December and reopens on 7th January.
We wish all Clubs, Officials, riders and supporters a Merry Xmas and a sporting New Year.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Trials dates for 2019 have now been published . See the Trials News page for the full list.
The Enduro Dates for 2019 have now been published – please see the Enduro News page for the full calendar.
Click here for the Events Calendar
26th December – Trial – Open to Scotland – Lanarkshire MCC – Crieff Hydro
29th December – Trial – Open to Scotland – Stevenston & Dist – Lochwinnoch
30th December – Intro to Trials / Practice Day – Inverness & Dist – Tain
30th December – Hare & Hounds – National – Elgin Endurance Club – Birkenhill Elgin Regs available to download here .
2nd January – Trial- Open to Scotland – Perth & District MCC – Lochlane
19th January – SACU Off Road Awards Presentation – Livingston
20th January – Trial – Open to Scotland – Inverness & Dist MCC Fairburn
27th January – Hare a& Hounds Practice – Elgin Endurance Club – Nairn
PRE’65 SCOTTISH TRIAL 2019
The ballot for the 2019 edition of the Pre’65 Scottish Trial was done on Sunday 9 December 2018. There were 304 entries received at the closing date of 3pm on Friday 7 December with a further one entry which arrived a day too late and so was not included in the ballot.The final list of entrants is available to see on www.pre65scottish.com or on the Pre’65 Scottish facebook page.
National Development Manager: Scottish Motor Sports (SMS)
Location:Scotland (flexible based, in and around partner offices as required)
Salary:£30,000 – £34,000 (Full-time)
Scottish Motor Sports (SMS) are seeking a National Development Manager to lead the development of two and four wheel motor sport in Scotland. The role will be focussed on managing the implementation of the final period of the 2016-2020 strategy, whilst shaping the future strategic direction of SMS as we move to a new funding cycle.
About SMS
Scottish Motor Sports was established in 2011 as a collaboration between the bodies that govern two and four wheel motor sport; the Scottish Auto Cycle Union (SACU) and the Motor Sports Association, now known as Motorsport UK.
Through taking this new collaborative approach, the initial objectives were to create an alignment within the Scottish motor sport community that enabled SMS to speak with one voice – for all two and four wheel motor sport – and represent the best interests of the whole sport to Government and legislators.
Read the full press release here . The full Job Specification is here
Please apply in writing enclosing a full CV and covering letter outlining why you should be considered for the role. Two references should be available but will only be collected if the applicant is successful. Applicants should note any affiliations to clubs or associations linked to the SACU or Motorsport UK or the Association of Scottish Car Clubs.
Applications should be sent by email to: hr@motorsportuk.org with message subject “SMS National Development Manager Application”
Applications will close at 1200 hrs 7th January 2019.
Transport Scotland launches closed roads consultation.
The SACU welcomes the news that Transport Scotland has launched a public consultation on proposals to enable motorsport on closed public roads.
Closed-road events help organisers take the sport to new audiences and deliver an economic boost to local hosting communities. As the sport’s governing body, Motorsport UK has spent many years campaigning for new laws to allow these events in all four nations of the United Kingdom.
New powers enabling closed-road motorsport came into effect in England in April 2017, and in Wales in February 2018. Closed-road motorsport was already possible across Northern Ireland, where road closure orders have made famous events possible for decades.
In its consultation, Transport Scotland is seeking views on a possible event application process involving the relevant governing bodies and local authorities. The consultation can be found here and the deadline for responses is midnight on 28 January 2019.
The SACU, Motorsport UK and Scottish Motor Sports (SMS), the umbrella organisation representing the interests of both two- and four-wheel motorsport in Scotland, recently attended a meeting of the advisory group that assisted in developing the consultation. Full press release click here.
SACU OFF ROAD AWARDS PRESENTATION 2018
The presentation of awards for the Off Road Disciplines Trials , Enduro, Hare & Hounds and Quads will take place on Saturday the 19th January 2019 at the Army Reserve Centre – Beveridge Square – Livingston at 2:00 pm. Congratulations to all our award winners. Full details of Champions and award winners to follow.
First SACU Awards presented for 2018 – Scottish Sidecar awards
The Scottish Sidecar club held their annual awards on Saturday and also presented the SACU Sidecar driver and passenger awards. A famous trophy first awarded to Jock Taylor . This year won by Scott Lawrie passengered by Mike Fairhurst and James Connell. Thanks to Gavin Browne for the photo.
SACU Motocross for 2019
Following the MX Forum at Crieff the following dates have been agreed for the SACU MX 2019 Championship
Rd1 17th March Tain, Rd2 23rd June Lochgilphead, Rd3 20th July Dounne (Sat), Rd4 1st September Drumclog. (Round at Drumclog will also count towards Drumclog Club Championship for anyone who is a member of the club.)
The Drumclog Club Championship dates
Rd1 12th May Drumclog, Rd 2 1st September Drumclog, Rd3 29th September Humbie.
It is also planned to run a Scottish Team Challenge Event 2019 as follows : 13/14th July Drumclog.
There will be more details nearer the start of the season. Please contact Janice Johnstone if you have any queries 1960janj@gmail.com.
2018/19 sms Academy – Squad Announcement
The new riders and drivers for the next year have been announced following their first Academy session at Knockhill.
Full details of the Academy and the press release – more details here
Adon Davie (Prestonpans, SACU, Road Race)
Amy McCubbin (Muirkirk, MSA, Junior Rally)
Angus Bruce (Kelso, SACU, Enduros)
Calum Pert (Edzell, SACU, Road Race)
Cameron Davidson (Lesmahagow, MSA, Junior Rally)
Declan Connell (Dunfermline, SACU, Road Race)
Finlay Sword (Kilsyth, MSA, Karting)
Fraser Anderson (Helensburgh, MSA, Junior Rally)
Jack Hart (Renfrew, SACU, Road Race)
Kyle Nisbet (Port Seton, MSA, Race)
Lewis Nicol (Cupar, SACU, Road Race)
Logan Hannah (East Kilbride, MSA, Race)
Marc Gibson (Balfron, SACU, Race)
Matthew Collings (Dunfermline, MSA, Karting)
Oliver Hunter (Ayr, MSA, Junior Rally)
Robbie Wood (Melrose, SACU, Quad)
Ross Maguire (Wishaw, SACU, Road Race)
Sophie Simpson (Stewarton, SACU, Trials)
Thomas Johnstone (Kettlebridge, SACU, Junior Rally)
William Walker (Bothwell, MSA, Karting)
SMS Club Development Day – 3rd November
We are delighted to invite clubs to attend the SMS Club Development Day on Saturday 3rd November, at Blair Drummond Community Hall.
The Club Development Day ran successfully for the first time last year with overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. The day intends to provide MSA and SACU clubs with a relaxed and informal environment to discuss current and emerging topics that are relevant to motorsport clubs’ growth and development.
SMS staff and guest speakers will lead sessions on the day that aim to facilitate positive discussion amongst attendees and ultimately lead to everyone leaving the day with some new inspiration and ideas on how to improve their own motorsport club. More Details Here
The list of entrants is available to see on www.pre65scottish.com or on the Pre’65 Scottish facebook page. T
ENTRIES OPEN ON 1 OCTOBER 2018
The long awaited entry form for the 2019 edition of the Pre’65 Scottish Trial will be released on 1 October 2018 and can be downloaded from www.pre65scottish.com If you are unable to download, please send a self-addressed A4 envelope (large letter stamp) to Mrs Anne Gordon, Secretary Pre’65 Scottish Trial, Fairshiels, Blackshiels, Pathhead, Midlothian, EH37 5SX to have an entry form sent out to you. Read the full press release here
Congratulations to Jodie Chalk on winning the SACU 2018 National 500 Championship at the last round at East Fortune . A great year with 13 wins and 3 second places. Jodie would like to thank not only all the sponors but also the SACU Officials , club secretaries and the marshalls and medics who make the sport happen. Looking forward to 2019
SACU Championship Motocross 2018
Thanks to Stewart Campbell and Janice Johnston for organising a successful days racing at Drumclog on 23rd Sept. With all classes racing from Adult A, B and vets through to small wheel 65’s. A great turn out of nearly 100 riders from across the water, Cumbria and the North East. The weather was good enabling a full calendar to be run
Adult “A’s” won byRoss Rutherford who was in fire with 3 wins from 3 starts.
After this successful meeting there is to be an Open MX Forum at Strathaven on 4th November to dicuss the 2019 Championship. Details to follow. For more information contact Janice Johnston.
Event Reports
Loch Tay Trial Report.
Great Trial today at Loch Tay! Good, challenging sections for both A and B riders over a variety of ground with just enough water to make the burns flow. We had a cracking day in the sunshine finished off with warm soup and good chat! Thanks to Patrick and Gareth for organising and setting up the trial,with help from Douglas and to Fiona for the soup and hospitality. Well Done to all the riders and see you on the 2nd January at the Sair Heed!
SCRMC Kilbirnie Trial – 16th Sept 2018
An enthusiastic 22 riders came along for the penultimate round of the SCRMC trials series 2018. The trial was run on the Birtlebog Farm just outside Kilbirnie. It consisted of four laps of 10 sections either in the burn or tributaries of it. The overnight rain made the sections almost too deep to ride but we all persevered and it turned out to be one of the most fun days trialing a lot of the riders had had for a while, just purely because you couldn’t see most of the obstacle under the water and the ones you could see were more slippery than an eel coated in olive oil. A big thanks to the farmer Les Scott for letting us use the ground. The setting out team of Pete, Alan and myself. Ian Robertson for letting me use his photographic skills. Alan Scott for doing the results so quickly and all the riders for attending.
Our next trial will be the last round of the 2018 series so lets all make it a well attended one. Lets spread the word as we will be having a course for all the “Rusty Riders”, Who we haven’t seen for a while so dust down your bikes and come along join in on the 28th October 2018 at Rigside directions will be posted nearer the time. No Licence No problem, a day licence is only a tenner. We all look forward to seeing you there.
SACU TEAM TRIAL ABERFELDY Click here for results.
WELL DONE to everyone who took part in the SACU Team Trial, organised by Perth and District Motor Club, on Sunday. Congratulations to all the winners. We had 21 Teams, with all of our Scottish Clubs well represented and from your comments everyone had a blast!
Thank you to all the club secretaries for all their help gathering Teams and Observers. We also thank all of the observers who came and made it possible for their teams to have such a good day! Not only did they stand all day in the awful rain but they did it with good humour and great dedication. So a big ‘Thank You’ from all of us.
Perth and District Motor Club are also very grateful to the landowners who gave us permission for the day in this fab part of the countryside.Thank you!
Perth Club members worked hard to lay out and organise the Trial. They made a great job of it! Well done Rab, Scott, Gary, Brian, Steve, Patrick, Douglas and Catherine.
Our next trial is on Sunday 4th November at Bracken Lodges, Loch Tay. See you there!
There’s also some photos from Fin Yeaman.https://www.facebook.com/100001547734129/posts/2073252169403021/
2018 winners – THE T ARNOTT MOFFAT TROPHY. DUNFERMLINE ‘TOP GUNS’ Joe Dawson, Mike McNivan, Craig Houston, Cameron Paterson.
Jean Paterson
Galloway MCC Drumlanrig Castle Grand National Classic Scramble.
A great event was put on by the newly reformed Galloway MCC club with national and international riders in attendance. Starting with a grasstrack on the friday evening followed by a packed 2 days of classic and twinshock scrambles.
In the evening there was an interview with 1982 World Champion Brad Lackey hosted by John Moffat. On the Saturdayu night there was an Legends evening where John invited former champions to relate somem of the stories from their racing careers.
The former SACU President Andrew Russell was presented with his SACU Lifetime Achievement Award by Frsaer Dykes of the Galloway Club in appreciation of his years of service to the sport and the SACU.
A fantastic weekend and hopefully the first of many to come.
SACU Classic Trials Championship at Hawick.
A great weekend was had by all down at Berryfell Farm near Hawick at the joint SCRMC & LMCC trial. who were hosting rounds 2 & 3 of the SACU classic championship, The route was about 5 miles over a course that consisted of quarries, burns and hills with rocky outcrops, along the route there were some stunning views to be seen which added to the enjoyment. congratulations to Kenny Drummond & Neil Dawson who took best in their class on the Saturday & Sunday respectively each getting a little trophy for their achievement. A fairly decent turn out of 31 riders on the Saturday & 37 for the Sunday made it worthwhile for the organisers who put a lot of work into this event. a big thanks goes out to Buddy Bald, Alan Scott, Matthew Giblin, Colin Barrie, Doreen, Bill Stewart and Gordon Barrie who managed to organise enough cover to observe every section, thanks to the observers who had to endure two days of lovely sunshine. The full results are available on www.lmcc.co.uk
These event would not go ahead without the kind permission of the land owners who on this occasion could not have bee any more helpful they moved a lot of livestock and electric fences to allow us to have a completely gate free journey around the route my personal thanks to them and to everyone for coming along we all hope to see more of an entry next year
Results for Perth and Dist Balmuick Trial 17th June
26th/27th May – British Enduro Championship
The BEC came to a sunny Lauder for a 2 day round run by the new Dirt Bike Evolution Club. A fantastic venue with sunshine all weekend made for a very successful event. With two challenging timed tests – Danny McCanney topped the results on both days. More info
SCRMC Trial Report – 27th May
A sun-drenched Abington greeted 30 riders ready to pit their wits against the slimy burns & long climbing lap, but it was worth it for the view from the top of the hill nearly 1900 feet above sea level before descending into the valley that held a couple of burn sections and a variety of winding climbing sections that one in particular I couldn’t master all day. Many thanks to the farmer George for letting us use the land a bit earlier than usual, the setting out team, Ian for the photos and to all the riders and their families that came along, I hope you all enjoyed the trial & the weather
Scottish Six Days Trial – report by Donald Young
So that’s the SSDT over for another year with an all too familiar outcome. Losing just 8 marks over the six days, Dougie Lampkin took his 12th victory, extending his quite incredible record of wins and matching his number of World titles; but it came close, very close to a different result. Riding with an exceptional precision throughout the week, a five on the slopes of Ben Nevis denied James Dabill his third win finishing on 11 marks lost. Just like 1979, the big boulders on Ben Nevis were the decider after six days of moors, roads and some quite brilliant sections. This time a Lampkin won, in 1979 the late great Martin Lampkin lost out to Malcolm Rathmell on those same sections.
For Scottish Trials, the week did not go without success with Kinlochleven’s Gary MacDonald clinching a quite brilliant third place. Looking poised and relaxed the entire week, Gary beat his best observation score losing a paltry 18 marks. Tied with current British Champion Jack Price, Gary’s incredible 1 mark ride on his early day in the rain on Wednesday made the difference. Gary is rarely around the trials scene these days and there was no pressure on him to perform, this is a fantastic result. Additionally, as part of the Scorpa Works Team with Andy Chilton and Tom Minta they took the Best Manufacturers Team Award for the first time as well. Read more
SACU NEWS
Concordat signed with Forestry Commission for motorsport events on FC land.
The SACU and ACU have agreed a concordat for hosting events on FC land . This outlines the responsibilites of the organising bodies and also the responsibilities of the FC to help promote motorsport events
Click here to download – Concordat ACU and SACU FCS FCE NRW June 2016
Ban on body mounted Cameras at SACU permitted events.
The SACU has reviewed the use of body mounted and helmet mounted cameras at SACU permitted events and has confirmed the decision to ban their use.
Bike mounted cameras are permitted at the discretion of the Clerk of the Course . For Road Race events the use of bike mounted cameras must be authorised in writing prior to the events.
Advice on Sports Concussion Injuries
The Scottish Government has issued some guidance on dealing with concussion in sport . See the pamphlet for details and detecting concussion.
Scottish-Sports-Concussion-Guidance
Scottish-Sports-Concussion-Guidance-card
This is very important information on what to do if you have had a head injury or concussion. Repeat injuries are very important and can lead to serious injury.
SACU Concerns Policy
The SACU has introduced a Policy for contacting the SACU and if need be raising an issue. Please see the attached pdf for the full Policy. Click here
SMS Funding Guide
The SMS Development Officer has produced a funding guide for clubs wishing to seek assistance from local councils and sports bodies. A simple explanation of where to apply and links to websites for more details More …..
The SACU Mission Statement – this reflects what the clubs want from the SACU and helps us deliver successful sporting events.
Provide – Promote – Protect
The SACU (Motorcycle Sport Scotland) serves to authorise, regulate , promote, organise and sponsor motorcyclists and motorcycle contests, competitions and events.
The SACU act on behalf of members and motorcycling in general on any matter that may seem to be detrimental to their mission and defend and safeguard all of the rights and privileges of it’s members, motorcyclists and motorcycling.
The SACU encourage the participation in and enjoyment of motorcycling so as to unite motorcycling interests in Scotland
