The ACU is the internationally recognised National Governing Body for motorcycle sport in the British Isles (less Northern Ireland).
Formed in 1903, the ACU has a long tradition in the world of motorcycle sport being a founder member of the World Governing Body, the Federation Internationale Motocyclisme (FIM).
The ACU has a major role in furthering the interests of motorcycle sport on a global basis. The ACU represents 23,000 licence holders, 3,000 volunteer Marshals and Officials, 550 members Clubs, divided into 20 centres and issues up to 4,000 motorcycle sport permits each year.
Domestically, the ACU provides for all forms of motorcycle sport ranging from Road Racing to all disciplines of Off Road activity (Motocross, Trials, Enduro, Grass Track and Speedway) and has successfully organised world class events such as Moto GP, World Superbikes, the Isle of Man TT Races, the Motocross of Nations and Trials Des Nations.
It sets the rules for the various aspects of the sport. It ensures fair play. It trains stewards, marshals and observers to ensure track safety. It sets, checks and revises safety standards, which ensure that motorcycle sport is an insurable commodity. It retains a body of medical advisors. It tracks the progess of national championships and contributes to the wider world of motorcycling that makes international competition happen. It is in constant contact with many Government departments to defend and develop the sport of Motorcycling. It remains independent from the many commercial pressures which inevitably shape and redirect our sport.
The ACU aims to ensure that all people irrespective of their age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, creed, colour, social status or sexual orientation, have a genuine and equal opportunity to participate in motorcycle sport at levels in all roles. The ACU fully supports youth activity in all disciplines and through the ACU Academy, some of our young riders go on to become British, European and World Champions in their chosen sport.
About ACU Events Ltd
In May 2006, the Chairman at the time - Jim Parker presented proposals to the ACU Ltd Board of Directors to create a wholly owned subsidiary company called ACU Events Ltd to act as the commercial arm of the company.
Times have changed dramatically and with the decline in activities of traditional clubs and with the increasing growth of the professional promoter, it was accepted that the ACU needed to make changes in order to keep up to date.
Having got that far, it was recognised that there should be clear responsibilities between the ACU as the rule making body of the sport and its Committees running major events.
So ACU Events Ltd was created and immediately set to with the organisation of the already successful MAXXIS ACU British Motocross Championships – an eight round National Series – widely regarded as the best domestic championship in the world. ACU Events Ltd were also appointed the Race Organisers of the Isle of Man TT Races – the most famous Road Race event in the world. Other events organised by ACUE have included Moto GP, World Superbikes, the Motocross of Nations and the Trials Des Nations.
The Company is able to make commercial decisions quickly and the Company’s objective is to organise international and British championship level events in a professional manner which are appropriate and in keeping with the object of safeguarding the sport of motorcycling and the ACU as the Governing Body.
ACU Events Ltd also owns its own Timekeeping Service which provides a highly professional service to all levels of events. The ACUE Timekeeping Service has successfully produced a timekeeping and results service for World, European and National type events.