The Official Site of NSW Motorkhana and Khanacross


Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a Motorkhana?

    Motorkhanas are motor sport events designed to test the acceleration, braking and handling of cars and the skill and judgment of drivers. Most importantly, motorkhanas provide fun and enjoyment whilst practising and learning car control. Oversteer and understeer will be found in abundance, but at safe speeds under controlled conditions.

    The word Motorkhana seems unique to Australia and New Zealand, but similar events are known as Autotest in the U.K., Autocross or Solo in the U.S., and may be known as Autokhana or Gymkhana elsewhere.

    Tiger Moth Layout A day's event consists of a number of tests, generally selected from pre-determined layouts. The surface may be sealed (bitumen), or unsealed (grass or dirt). Cars compete one at a time, always starting and finishing in designated "garages".  Markers are witches hats or stakes with coloured flags atop, and time penalties are incurred if the markers are hit, or if an incorrect method is used.


    Six to ten tests make up the day's competition, with winners being those drivers with the lowest total times, including any penalties. Different sizes and types of cars are separated into classes, meaning that more than one driver can take home a trophy. At many events, special awards may be offered to encourage novice, junior or female drivers.

  • Types of Cars

    Both everyday road cars and purpose-built "Specials" can be used in motorkhanas. At most events, classes cater for varying types and sizes of vehicles. Cars must comply with basic safety requirements, but no special equipment is required. Obviously, steering, tyres and braking must be in safe condition, and the vehicle should be reliable.
     

    Wayne Griffiths, Terrier Special 2002 National Champion, Wayne Griffiths,
    shown in action in his Terrier Special.

    Tyres are about the only part of the vehicle likely to suffer any wear, and some competitors use a spare set of wheels and tyres for competition, especially on a bitumen surface.
     

    Class A, John McMechan Morris 850
    John McMechan, winner of Class A of the 2003 New South Wales
    Motorkhana Championship, in his Morris Mini 850..

    F&R Slalom Layout

    The Forward & Reverse Slalom
    is one of several tests which
    demonstrate reversing skills.

    • How do I get Started?

      The best way is to join a Car Club. For most events, you will need a CAMS Level 2NS Licence, available through clubs. Then it is just a matter of finding out what events are on, either through your club or our Calendar. Contact the organisers to find out how to enter, which can be done on the day at the event for most Club events.
       

    • Where and When?

      Motorkhanas are held wherever suitable vacant land can be found. Most club events are held on grass or dirt surfaces, typically sports arena car parks or paddock areas. These surfaces are also used for some State Championship events, the remainder being held on bitumen car park areas, as is the annual National Championship Event (AMC).

      In most states of Australia, club events can be found on most Sundays between February and early December, and State Championship events are held every four to six weeks. Check our Calendar for details of coming events.
       

    • Costs

      Membership of a CAMS affilliated car club costs between $20.00 and $50.00 per year, and the minimum CAMS Level 2 Licence costs $66.00 for the same period.  CAMS and most clubs have reduced rates for junior members under 18 years. Entry fees per event range from about $10.00 for club-level events up to about $60.00 for the Australian Championship.

  • What is a Khanacross?

    Khanacross are events conducted on predominantly unsealed surfaces and involving a series of timed tests of various layouts.  Khanacross is not, and may not include, a speed event.  No straight section of the course may exceed 150 metres in length without a turn of at least 90°.  Each test is designed to test the acceleration, braking and general manoeuvrability of the vehicle and the skill and judgement of the driver.  The course for each test is marked by the appropriate use of arrows and/or direction markers.  Only one car is allowed on each test at any one time.