Welcome to the May 2025 edition of the ABKC news.
ABKC Annual General Meeting
The AGM was held on 28th April with 12 clubs represented. All of the current steering group were re-elected. The draft minutes are available on the website, Archive/News page, and will be approved formally at the 2026 AGM. We are working with Motorsport UK to issue a kart club specific survey. There was quite a poor response from kart clubs to the general club survey. When it comes we urge all clubs to respond please. We also plan to establish some working groups, from different sized clubs, to address the challenges these type of clubs face going forward and identify solutions. There are 35 clubs in membership currently.
National Motorsport Week
With National Motorsport Week running from 10th to 20th July, Motorsport UK are looking to get as many clubs participating as possible. They are hosting a webinar on Tuesday 13th May at 7pm to talk about National Motorsport Week and how you can get involved.
On line Safety Act
The new requirements for protection of children may be required for a club that runs an online forum otherwise one presumes the major social sites will take care of the requirements. Ofcom published guidance on how providers should carry out risk assessments with a deadline of 24th July if their site can be accessed by children. Clubs can find more information on the government websites and Ofcom. We don’t think private Whats App groups come under the legislation. We’ll keep you updated on guidance issued by Motorsport UK.
Sport 80
Clubs will have noted that when they apply for a permit, a permit number is issued. This can be used in draft regulations, but it is important to note that the permit is not valid until the permit has been formally issued.
Insurance
Some clubs have found difficulty in renewing insurance as another company has stopped writing any motorsport policies. So costs have gone up by 35% in some cases. The ABKC may be able to give advice if clubs are having difficulties.
Clubs in Scotland and Northern England
They should note that the Jim Clark trust can offer grants, maybe worth checking out for those in the north.
Safeguarding
Suitability check certificates issued in England, i.e. DBS checks, will no longer be accepted in Scotland. Those officials working in Scotland, or attending a Scottish event, may need to apply separately for a PVG certificate. Three months grace has been given and Motorsport UK will be issuing further guidance. But race teams working in Scotland will probably have to arrange for their key coaches and team managers to have a PVG certificate.
Race with Respect
Note there are E Learning Modules for officials and marshals available, and should be part of the club induction process for new officials and marshals.
ICO Registration
Clubs are reminded that if using CCTV, they must be registered for data protection with the ICO (ico.org.uk), even if some sports clubs are otherwise exempted due to the limited personal information held. Basically, it would be wise for all clubs to be registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office if not already done.
Sustainable Fuel
The proposals to mandate a sustainable fuel for anyone using over 100 octane CIK fuel have been deferred from 2026 on grounds of cost. However, clubs can still mandate in their regulations if they wish. The 2025 IAME Cadet British Kart Championship will be using a sustainable fuel this year.
2026 Class Homologations
The tender documents for inviting 2026 new class homologations will be out soon. And for existing classes wishing to re-homologate for the next three years. The invite will include the possibility of an electric power train in the Cadet category. Trial races may be held later this year for those tendering for the Cadet Electric category.
Volunteer Training
The analysis of the volunteer survey is being audited and the results will be made public when finished. The theme for volunteers are the three C’s – Continuity (support for existing volunteers); Consistency (are all clubs across the board operating the same in the way they interpret the regulations), and Clarity (of the role).