Welcome to the July 2025 edition of the ABKC news.
Clubs with events during National Motorsport Week (10-20 July) should have registered with Motorsport UK by now. More information, a toolkit and logos will be sent out soon and there is a webinar available. The objectives this year are to find new members, drivers or volunteers, to retain existing and to re-engage with lapsed ones. The key message will be “Did You Know”, as in all the exciting things you can do in Motorsport. Version 10 of the NCRs is due to be issued on 1st July and will have a new Chapter 22 detailing all the regulations that will become effective in 2026. The app is due in July. Also a big welcome to our newest member, Bishopscourt Kart Club.
E Plates: Rissington has the TKM E Plate on 5/6 July and Shenington hosts the IAME, 210 and KZ2 E Plates at their annual Superprix and Historic Revival on 19/20 July.
British Motorsport Trust
The BMT has re-launched and the website is https://britishmotorsporttrust.org . There are a lot of myths around including that that fines from events go to them. Actually they are a registered charity and welcome donations, or clubs raising money. This is used for safety and venue grants, and if the money doesn’t keep flowing in, it will eventually run out. So please see what you can do.
2026 Class Homologation
First notice of intents will have been submitted now, for the 2026 classes including possible electric Cadet categories. For these trial events have been scheduled for later this year.
Light Panels
The FIA is moving slowly on the project but it is hoped that those companies who have submitted panels for approval will be available for sale soon under the new kart Grade 4 homologation. Motorsport UK intend to trial a set next year, and may be able to set up a discount purchase system alongside probable grants to clubs.
Insurance: Marsh, the Motorsport UK insurers, offer a range of insurance to teams, those with entrant licences including PG entrant, with paddock liability and personal accident top ups. Look at https://www.marshsport.co.uk/ngb-schemes/motorsport-uk.html
Kart Circuit Grading Criteria
Kart Committee have been discussing what should be included in a future grading system for kart circuits. It has been proposed that as well as the safety measures and the track itself, such as paddock size and surfacing, electric hookups, showers, toilets and catering should be included in some way. Otherwise the grading will be based on circuit parameters such as length and width of straights, CCTV, light panels and so on.
Timed Qualifying Practice & Track Limits
Clubs are reminded they have the ability to include in their regulations, a maximum time limit for exiting the dummy grid for practice or timed qualifying practice. This could be less than a laptime so drivers don’t exit and impede others coming round on a fast lap. They can also use the terms of NCR Chapter 18, Appendix 7, Article 2.9 to penalise any drivers who slow down on the track or impede others. The penalty can be anything from an official reprimand up to DSQ. Also under discussion is the penalties for track limit breaches, like deleting fastest lap and up to one lap penalties in a race.
Concussion Policy & Medics
The Concussion Policy V3 is now available on the MSUK Resource Centre. Please ensure the Motorsport UK Steward is informed of any incidents. There is concern that some venues do not have what would be considered adequate ambulance and paramedic cover for large practice days. If clubs have concerns, please tackle your venue operator.
Kart Safeguarding and Welfare Agreement
This will soon be launched and clubs will be helped through the process of compliance, probably in three batches starting in Q4. Webinars will be produced, and links to helpful documents, e.g. induction courses recommended for new volunteers. There will be a user friendly handbook and clubs will all need to be compliant by 2027 renewals. Most kart clubs should not find any great difficulties in this.
DBS and PVG in Scotland
Scotland has confirmed that anyone working in regulated activity in Scotland for more than 3 days in a 30 day period will need to take out a PVG certificate in addition to any DBS that they may have. So this could apply to volunteers regularly going to Scotland, or race team personnel that go for instance two race meetings consecutively. Those with a PVG based in Scotland can be assured that this is valid in England.
Timekeepers
Motorsport UK are proposing agreeing to Alpha mounting some training courses at their Bicester HQ, to help bring in new volunteers for this much valued and satisfying role. By the way there is a helpful Alpha video about adding teams to the results pages and one coming about adding mechanics.
Sustainability The sustainable fuel regulations delayed until 2027 or even later. Clubs are urged to register for the carbon tool and Motorsport UK are asking for each club to submit data from two events this year. Motorsport UK have six volunteers who can help a club with their submissions