What is a Motorkhana?

SA Motorkhana events are held typically at Mallala Motor Sport’s bitumen skid pan area.

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. Motorkhana’s can have the least impact and potential for damage to your car.

A day’s event consists of a number of tests, generally selected from pre-determined layouts. Cars compete one at a time, always starting and finishing in designated “garages”. Markers are coloured stakes to indicate direction of travel, and time penalties are incurred if the markers are hit, or if an incorrect method is used.

A number of tests (see fig 1 – examples) 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 go home a winner. Trophies are presented to class winners, usually at the first event of the year. At many events, novice, junior, and female drivers are encouraged to enter.