The two organisations are working together throughout the UK, to support, educate and encourage women riders into safe participation in motorsports.
The ACU (Auto-Cycle Union) was founded in 1903 with the aim of developing motorsport through clubs and arranging touring facilities for individual members. It is the Governing Body for motorcycle sport throughout Britain and is recognised as such by the Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM).
Women Riders World Relay (WRWR) is proud to announce the partnership with this legacy organisation and believes the partnership will open doors to more women and families participating and spectating at motorcycle races across all disciplines.
“The ACU is THE HEART of British motorcycle sport. Working together, we will be able to provide an enormous opportunity for women to be introduced to different ways of experiencing motorcycling and showcase globally, womens racing achievements.
My hope is that we can give women the knowledge, confidence and skills to begin racing and support other women racers through spectating across all different disciplines.
When you introduce a girl to racing, you’re introducing the future woman, her family & the next generation of racing too.
I believe with the combined efforts of ACU & WRWR, we can really make a difference for women racers right now and importantly, for generations to come.”
— Hayley Bell, CEO & Founder, Women Riders World Relay"
WRWR x ACU Challenge Series
WRWR launched its groundbreaking mobile app last month, which hosts the WRWR 2026 relay. In addition to being the tool that conducts the worlds largest motorcycle relay, it provides a dedicated global platform for women motorcyclists to build community, challenge and grow their skills in all aspects of motorcycling and change the industry through better cooperation.
WRWR is creating a set of unique challenges for app users that will showcase the enormous scope of the ACU’s presence in Britain, including a series of custom challenges and features created specifically for the ACU. These challenges will encourage app users to engage with ACU events throughout 2026 and provide much needed knowledge to those wanting to start racing.
The WRWR app connects women riders worldwide through passing a digital baton in person via ride outs. WRWR’s country-ambassador network has now grown to 94 countries and counting, making their vision to “connect every woman rider and every country in the world” closer than ever.
Who are the ACU and what do they do?
The main objective of the ACU is to provide all participants in motorcycle sport with enjoyable, safe and competitive days of sporting action. With over 630 clubs divided into 20 Centres, there are many opportunities available for interested parties, irrespective of age or ability.
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 progress 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.
With the appointment of CEO Matthew Edwards-Wear in 2023, the ACU has shown a refreshing dedication to women and the future of racing, all of which falls in line with WRWR's mission to:
Connect, Challenge, Change.
“Today marks a powerful step forward for our sport.
Through the partnership between the ACU and WRWR, we are creating more than opportunity — we are building a clear, supported and inspiring pathway for women at every level, from grassroots participation right through to world championship competition.
As the National Governing Body of motorcycle sport in the United Kingdom, and the only body recognised within the UK by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, the ACU is uniquely placed to ensure that female riders have structured progression, professional support, and direct access to the highest levels of international competition.
This partnership is about connection, visibility and ambition. It is about linking young girls and women discovering the sport for the first time with elite riders chasing world titles — and ensuring they all know there is a defined, credible pathway ahead of them.
Together with WRWR, we are strengthening the foundations of our sport, empowering women across every discipline, and sending a clear message: the future of motorcycle sport is inclusive, ambitious, and global."
- Matthew Edwards-Wear, CEO of ACU