Key: + means 17 years minimum for long circuit racing. 2S: 2-stroke engine; 4S: 4-stroke engine (Classes are 2S unless otherwise shown)
Many class regulations call for specific tyre markings on the tyres e.g. ABKC, JAG, MSA, GB etc, See Kart Race Yearbook.
*Junior classes have a minimum weight of the kart, less driver, for safety reasons. Junior TKM 94kg, MiniMax and Junior Max 108kg, JICA 100kg, Junior TKM 4-stroke 105kg, Honda Junior 117kg, Junior Gearbox 115kg. # JICA from age 12 for experienced drivers.
250 Gearbox have two weights, one when short circuit or no bodywork is fitted, the heavier for when long circuit bodywork is fitted.
Globally all motorsport is governed by the FIA from its office in Switzerland, and it devolves the organisation of motorsport in each country to individual bodies. In the U.K. it is MSA that governs motorsport and issues competition, officials and track licences. The CIK is the part of the FIA that sets the international kart regulations. The MSA’s Kart Sporting Committee sets the overall safety and general kart regulations, which are contained within the MSA Competitors Yearbook, also known as the ‘Blue Book’. Once you have your competition National B kart licence (the starting grade) you need to complete to the MSA Steward’s satisfaction five more races after your ARKS Test, as a Novice, using black number plates on your kart, and starting from the back of the heats. Thereafter you may use the normal coloured number plates for the class, enter long circuit racing (subject to age) and upgrade to National A status for the bigger meetings. (From 2008, it is likely that another six signatures will be required to upgrade to a National A licence.)
The Motor Sports Association is at Motor Sports House, Riverside Park, Colnbrook, Slough, SL3 0HG Tel: 01753 765000 Fax: 01753 682938 Website:
www.msauk.org
Disabled Drivers
It is now possible for disabled drivers to obtain a kart race licence, although each case is considered on merit. Any potential applicant should contact the British Motor Sports Association for the Disabled in the first instance for specific advice. The MSA can give details. Karts in many classes can be successfully converted to full hand control, even the gearbox categories. Drivers have to display a D number plate in addition to their class numbers.
Pro-Racer Card
Another route to obtaining a MSA Kart Competition licence is through the purchase of a Ł10 ARKS-KCB Pro-Racer Card. Once the driver’s photograph is attached, he or she can collect signatures at participating circuits or promoter’s series. When eight signatures for successfully completing races are obtained, of which at least four must be for outdoor races, the driver earns an exemption from the driving part of the ARKS Novice Driving Test. The driver must still purchase the Start Karting pack from the MSA, and if over 18 have a medical examination, and then take the written part of the ARKS test. Many of the circuits who are members of the National Karting Association (NKA -
www.nationalkarting.co.uk) can issue the cards. The NKA is the trade association for the commercial circuits, indoors and outdoors.
Volunteers in Motorsport
Officials and marshals are always required in kart racing, and even if you are unable to race you can help your local club in other ways. Training will be given. See www.volunteersinmotorsport.co.uk for more details.
Further information about the ABkC and kart racing from:
Secretary of ABkC or Chairman of ABkC
Graham Smith, Russell Anderson,
Stoneycroft, Godsons Lane, Tel: 01977 689990
Napton, Southam, email:
CV47 8LX chairman@abkc.org.uk
Tel/Fax: 01926 812177
Email: secretary@abkc.org.uk
A free DVD is available to those interested in starting kart racing.
Useful Books, CD’s and Magazines:
A large selection of books, calendars, CD’s and DVD’s on all aspects of karting including how to get started as well as the popular monthly “Karting Magazine” are available from Lodgemark Press, Moorfield House, 15, Moorfield Road, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0XD.
Tel: 01689 897123 Fax: 01689 890998
The weekly “Motorsport News” also covers kart racing.
Tel: 08456 777820
Long Circuit Racing:
Drivers can go into the long circuit 125cc and 210cc classes at 16 but must be 17 or over to race the 250cc classes. Gearbox classes, whether long or short circuit, offer the nearest thing to powerful single seater car levels of acceleration and handling. The long circuit championships are organised by the British Superkart Association, further information from Ian Rushforth, 6, Mansfield Avenue, Quorn, Loughborough, LE12 8BD or at www.superkart.org.uk
Historic and Classic Kart Racing:
for the club’s website.
