Rules

INTRODUCTION
Karting Challenge is an endurance speed event-taking place on a circuit with a sealed surface. The event will not be less than 120 minutes in duration (races of greater duration are indicated on Karting Challenge publicity). Each team will consist of a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 drivers for any of the 2, 3 and 6-hour events. Each team must make a minimum of 7 driver changes in a 2-hour race and 11 driver changes in a 3 and 6-hour race. Each team must make at least one fuel stop in all races.

These regulations provide the basis on which all endurance Karting Challenge events will be run and are intended to provide a fair basis for all teams.

Specific additional information will be given in the supplementary regulations and final instructions for each event.

It is the responsibility of the team captain’s that all team members read and understand these regulations prior to each race. If you have any questions please ask for clarification.

GENERAL

1.1 Karting Challenge sanctioned events are open to any driver or teams and use recognised race prepared karts as supplied by designated third party. e.g.Thunderkarts

1.2 All teams/drivers must register with the circuit and race organisers upon arrival prior to commencing any practice or race drive.

1.3 Teams may register under a company or special name, which will be used in all literature and promotional material. This name must not be offensive. The drivers in the team may vary from one event to another.

1.4 Registration with Karting Challenge is deemed acceptance of Karting Challenge rules
and regulations.

1.5 The circuit reserves the right to suspend any team or individual. Such refusal to be used only to protect the best interests of all competitors and the good name of the association.

1.6 Only receipt of the full entry fee will constitute confirmation of your entry as far as the circuit and Karting Challenge are concerned.

1.7 Each member of your team entered must have studied these regulations in full and signed a declaration of indemnity before taking part in any event.

1.8 All drivers must attend the briefing by the Clerk of the Course or the Race Director. In the event of late arrival, drivers must report to the clerk of the course and race organisers, before authority to drive is given. Both the organisers and the clerk of the course reserve the right to refuse admission/drive.

1.9 The itinerary has been arranged as detailed, however Karting Challenge reserves the right to alter this if circumstances require. No refund, either in full or part, will be given to participants if
a) they are banned from the race by Karting Challenge in consultation with the Circuit Officials for non-observance of the rules.
b) The race is deemed ‘abandoned’ by the circuit Officials in consultation with Karting Challenge

1.10 Points will be awarded (as defined in Section 11) which can be independent of the final track positions at the end of the race and are dependent upon classification and team make up (see Section 9 - Summary). Bonus points will be awarded in one of the 2 or 3 hour races on the receipt of a signature from the team captain at the end of the driver’s briefing signifying the playing of the team’s joker, which has the effect of doubling their race position points allocation for that round. Double championship points will also be awarded for the 6-hour race. In addition bonus points for fastest lap, Pole Position and Lady driver (see Section 6 & 8) will be awarded.

1.11 These rules will be reviewed after each race and any amendment/revisions will be issued prior to the next race practice session.

SAFETY

2.1 All drivers must be at least 17 years of age or hold a current MSA Kart competition licence, which must be reviewed and approved with the Clerk of the Course prior to the race commencing.

2.2 All drivers will be required to wear suitable protective clothing. All safety equipment will be made available by the circuit, however, drivers can supply their own equipment provided that Overalls are designed specifically for racing or a fire retardant boiler suit may be used. Suitable leathers may also be used. Waterproof over-suits may be used in bad weather provided they are used over the top of a protective racing suit. Full-face crash helmet with visor, racing gloves and flat footwear is compulsory i.e. trainers, boots. Any loose items including long hair must be securely tied and tucked away.

2.3 A medical team or trained First Aider will be supplied via the designated circuit and will be present. The presence of officials trained in first aid will be statute.

2.4 Any driver found or suspected of taking alcohol or any other drug on the International Olympic Committee list prohibited substances will be immediately barred from taking any further part in the meeting. His or her action could result in the expulsion of the rest of the team.

2.5 In addition to the Karting Challenge event rules all circuit safety regulations must be observed and adhered to at all times.

2.6 Any driver/team found to be in breach of safety rules or circuit-briefing instructions may after consultation with the clerk of the course be refused further participation in that particular race and subsequent events.

2.7 Supporters and guests of teams are the responsibility of the drivers. Motor sport is a dangerous pastime. The Pits and Maintenance area are particularly dangerous. Particular care must be taken with children as access to/from the circuit as vehicles constantly use pits and workshop areas. Children and pets must be supervised at all times.

RACE PROCEDURE

3.1 A Clerk of the course will be appointed for each event, where appropriate deputies will also be appointed. The Clerk of the Course will have full control over the event with the power to stop and/or penalise drivers/team causing a danger or breaching regulations.

3.2 On arrival all drivers must sign on with the circuit and with the race organisers at the official race administration point e.g. the briefing room. (See Penalties – Section 7).

3.3 All drivers should practice before starting a race.

3.4 Individual details of times will be given in the final instructions for each event, however in general the format will be as follows:
- Signing on – Circuit imdenitity form and race organisers team sheets.
- Practice (timed).
- Race.
- Post race lap record check (numbers of driver changes - see Section 7 Penalties).
- Presentations

3.5 All the timing and lap scoring will be computerised based on small electronic transponders fixed to each kart. Any driver found attempting to interfere with such equipment would be excluded along with their team.

3.6 The Clerk of the Course will call in any driver causing danger or ignoring flag signals. Serious or repeated offenders may be excluded on a driver or team basis.

3.7 Flag signals are as follows (unless stated at the pre-race briefing)
Yellow (waved) : Danger ahead, slow down no overtaking – Driver to raise hand if able.
Black/White : Driver warning - improvement required to mistakes/driver attitude on previous lap
Red : Stop racing immediately. Return to start-line very slowly being prepared to stop if necessary. No overtaking.
Black +white cross : With Kart number - Report to the Clerk of the Course on completion of that lap.
Green lights : Starts race
Chequered flag : Race or practice finishes.

3.8 Spinning Karts can be driven back in to the race with caution.

3.9 Broken down stranded Karts will be attended to by track staff. – Drivers are to stay in the kart and follow the marshal’s instructions.

REFUELING/PIT STOPS (Refueling times may be under the guidance of the particular circuit concerned)

Refuelling and pit stops are an essential dimension of endurance racing. These regulations are for the safety of all those involved and must be strictly adhered to.

4.1 Refuelling must only take place within the official refuelling area. This is a strictly non-smoking area.

The drivers must remain with the kart when refuelling and act on the instruction of the refuelling marshal in charge.

4.2 A typical method will be as follows.

The driver will bring the kart into the refuelling area at walking pace where the pit Marshall will be responsible for refuelling the kart. The driver will get out of the kart and stand in a designated area as indicated by the Marshall. Only when the marshal has replaced the fuel caps and given the OK may the driver rejoin their kart and drive out of the refuelling bay. Refuelling areas will either be at the entrance to the pits or exit, depending upon local layout. Driver to hold fire extinguisher, the driver may assist in extinguishing the fire however, marshals are fully trained in this procedure and the driver will not be held responsible for this action. A driver change may occur at this time provided the refuelling process has been completed.

4.3 Drivers may change as frequently as desired, above the permitted minimum. Driver changes may only be carried out within the designated pit area. This will be identified in final instructions at the event. Emergency repairs may be carried out at a safe place out on the circuit by the marshals in order to return the kart to the pits. No drivers may assist in such repairs unless requested by the marshal.

4.4 Karts will use slick dry weather tyres.

4.5 Karts must be driven at no more than walking pace within the pit area. Speeding in the pits may result in stop-go penalties. This is for the safety of all concerned and will be rigorously applied by the Clerk of the Course.

4.6 On rejoining the circuit from the pits, drivers must be aware of Karts on the circuit and only rejoin when safe to do so.

4.7 In the event of a race being stopped, i.e. red flagged, drivers should stop racing, slow down and follow the marshal’s instructions. Under no circumstances should drivers overtake.

4.8 There will be no refuelling as soon as the red flag is in process and will only be permitted once the race has been re-started. Any Karts not able to make the re-start will be moved to the pit entrance - when the race is re-started these Karts will be allowed into the pits.

4.9 All teams MUST complete a minimum of 1 fuel stop in any given 2 or 3 hour race and 3 in a 6 hour race. This will be reviewed at the end of the race and it is the team captain’s responsibility to ensure that this has been completed particularly when a Kart has been replaced due to mechanical failure

DRIVING STANDARDS

5.1 Drivers will be expected to compete with the safety of others in mind. Any driver in breach of this will be subject to penalties as decided by the Clerk of the Course. (See Section 7 Penalties).

5.2 In endurance events there will be a great deal of variation in the pace and skill of drivers. Those who are novices are reminded of the need to pay attention to faster Karts catching them. Faster drivers are reminded that a little patience in overtaking is better than a damaged kart and lengthy repairs.

5.3 To easily identify Novice driver’s brightly coloured bibs are available to be worn. For safety, bibs must be well tied and loose ends secured. A novice driver is classified as one who has not driven competitively in excess of three recognised Karting events. Team captains are responsible for the collection and return of their team bibs.

5.4 Drivers must pay attention to the flag signals and other assistance from marshals. Ignoring flag signals will result in penalties.

5.5 Any weaving from side to side with the intention of stopping others from overtaking may be penalised.

5.6 Drivers must not cross the lines indicating the edge of the circuit except in emergency circumstances. Deliberate missing of corners or any short cuts may be penalised.

5.7 All drivers will be expected to act in a “sportsman like” manner; under no circumstances will we tolerate verbal or physical abuse towards other competitors or race officials at any time.

5.8 Any driver, spectator or guest found to be in breach of the above point 5.7 will be penalised. The organisers reserve the right to deduct championship points for un-sportsman like conduct.

TECHNICAL REGULATIONS AND CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS SYSTEM

COMPUTER LAP SCORING

6.1 In the unlikely event of a computer malfunction or failure, the race will be red flagged and the race order will be taken as at the last 15-minute print out.

6.2 All timings and lap scoring will be computerised based on small electronic transponders fixed to each kart. Any driver found attempting to interfere with such equipment will be excluded, along with their team.

6.3 If a team’s transponder fails, they will be credited with laps equivalent to the time they rejoin the race with a new transponder the exact number added will be at the discretion of the Clerk of the Course. Any dispute should be directed to the Clerk of the Course and the not the race organisers. The method for determining the number of laps to be credited will be to take an average lap time based on the team’s performance immediately prior to the failure of the transponder. All fuel stops are recorded by the Clerk of the Course and detailed and will, therefore, be taken into consideration.

6.4 Points will be awarded to all teams finishing the race as detailed on back page of rule booklet. In addition there are 1 point awarded for Pole Position, and also 1 point to the team completing the fastest lap during the race itself. (see Section 8 Bonuses) In event of a number of teams completing the fastest lap in identical times under race conditions then 1 point will be awarded to all teams achieving that identical time.

It should be noted that the information provided at trackside is to 2 decimal places, however, official timing is to 3 decimal places and the fastest lap will be awarded upon Official Timing.

PENALTIES

7.1 Any driver or team infringing or breaking any rules will be dealt with in the following manner:

WARNING FLAG - (Black/White)

The circuit endeavour to run the race in a friendly and fun manner, and will use the warning flag as a means of controlling the event, but reserve the right to penalise teams more severely should they feel it necessary.
NOTE: Black flags will be awarded on team performance i.e. accumulative indiscretions by all the team members. Therefore, when Black Flagged it may be due to YOUR TEAM MATES over enthusiasm. SO WATCH THE WARNINGS!! TELL YOUR TEAM CAPTAIN IF YOU GET ONE!!

7.2 After each race the lap charts will be checked to ensure that the correct number of driver changes has occurred throughout the course of the race.
In the event that an insufficient number of driver changes are identified e.g. less than 7 in a 2-hour race, the team will be penalised by 2 laps/driver change short of the minimum number being subtracted from their lap total.
e.g. 6 driver changes 250 laps completed – 2 lap penalty, therefore revised total = 248 laps.
Note a fuel stop can count as a driver change.
It is the Team Captains responsibility to ensure that not only the correct number of Driver changes has occurred but that they have been registered as such with the Clerk of the Course/ Race Controller

A driver change is defined as where the current driver must leave the kart (in the pit/ driver changing area) and either
a) “Swap” with a new driver. Or
b) Get out of one side of the kart run around the rear of the vehicle, re-enter the kart from the other side and then continue driving. This is termed a “stop go” driver change. Please ensure that this type of change is made known to the control tower to ensure that the driver change is registered.

7.3 All protests must be made to the Clerk of the Course in a reasonable manner.

7.4 Each team must drive with a minimum of 4 drivers - penalty of 2 laps for each driver missing from the minimum number - See Summary -

7.5 Track time should be spread as evenly as possible through out the team. e.g. where a team of 4 races each driver completes a minimum of 25 laps per event over their 2 driving sessions. If there is more than 4 team members a single drive undertaken by 1 driver should equate to the 2 drive times of another driver.

7.6 Where a team fails to declare, at the end of the drivers briefing, that their team is short of the minimum number of drivers (to avoid lap penalties), then the team will lose all points earned for that particular round.

7.7 Stop go penalties for driver infringements (i.e. Driver Black-flagged) DO NOT count as a driver change and cannot be used or counted as one.

7.8 Penalties in Section 7.4 and Penalty Summary below are doubled in the 6-Hour race.

7.9 All Penalties awarded for lack of or lateness of Drivers i.e. not signed in at commencement of race will be allocated to the relevant team’s lap score approx. 1 hour into the race. Final race positions can then be judged on actual lap count at the finish of the race. This will give the Race finishing position. Driver changes will then be reviewed before confirmation of final Race positions is made at the presentation ceremony.

Note: Points and Penalty Summary
Each team is to have a minimum of 4 drivers (a bonus of 2 laps being given to any team that contains a lady driver). In the event that a team races with only 3 drivers they will be penalised by 2 laps, and 2 additional laps per driver they are short (penalties are given at the discretion of the Clerk of the Course and the Organisers). If the missing driver is a lady this carries no additional lap penalty i.e. no lady driver (3 male drivers) - penalty 2 laps.

Even if your team races with 3 or less drivers (with penalty) you still must make the appropriate number of driver changes for the race format. Post race the timing sheets will be scrutinised and any team will be penalised by 2 laps for everey driver change they are short of the required quantity for the race format.
Karting Challenge or the Clerk of the Course reserves the right to agree with a team racing without penalty in the event of sickness or personal injury preventing a driver from taking part or concluding their drive. This agreement must be made as soon as apparent and certainly prior to the completion of the race and final positions ratified.

7.10 If any driver is found to be driving with out completing the necessary signing in documentation for the both the Circuit and the Organisers then the team will face disqualification.
This sanction will be imposed at the discretion of the Clerk of the Course in consultation with the event organisers.

BONUSES

8.1 One Bonus Point will be awarded to the team that achieves the fastest lap time of the race.

8.2 One Bonus Point will be awarded to the team that achieves pole position in the race.

8.3 Two additional Bonus points will be awarded to teams that include a lady driver.

8.4 Points awarded for final race position (including the Lady Driver Bonus) will be doubled for an indicated race where the team Captain has completed the appropriate section in the signing in sheet prior to the practice session starting i.e. The use of the ‘Joker’. Bonus points for fastest lap or pole position are not included in this additional points award.

SUMMARY

9.1 In the interests of all concerned, you are strongly advised to pay great attention to make sure that your drivers are in full compliance with all aspects of the regulations.

9.2 Any questions concerning these regulations should be addressed to Karting Challenge and it would be appreciated if all queries could be submitted in writing.

9.3 It is stressed that any amendments or points of clarification concerning these regulations will be issued in writing.

These rules and regulations are supplementary to the instructions given at the event briefing. Final ruling on all matters is at the discretion of the Clerk of the Course/Race Director and his/her decision is final.

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS

10.1 Series points will be allocated after penalties applied for lack of appropriate driver number s or driver changes (see back page of Rule Booklet)

10.2 Bonuses will be added in the following manner

Pole position on start = +1 point - for 2, 3 and 6 hr races
Fastest lap = +1 point - for 2, 3 and 6 hr races
DOUBLE POINTS with JOKER (excludes Pole position point or fastest lap point)
Joker can be only played on 2 or 3-hour race formats

Any Events deemed ‘Non Championship’ carry no points in the annual Championship totals

10.3 Series points will be awarded in 3 Classes being:
1) Championship Class
2) Clubman Class
3) Combined Class (NEW CLASSIFICATION IN 2004)
i.e. the race finishing positions of 2 nominated teams regardless of classification (NO BONUSES ARE AWARDED IN THIS CATEOGORY OF CLASS – combined race positions only count e.g. 1st and 15th = 30+12 =42 points

DISCLAIMER

Karting Challenge co-ordinate the events through prior bookings of the circuits and manage the administrative function of the series only. Karting Challenge or its representatives does not accept any responsibility for any theft, loss or damage to property, or injury to any participants or their guests at any of their organised events. All participants do so at their own risk.

Personal accident insurance can be obtained directly from circuits. Individuals should seek details directly from the Administration centres at the circuits in question.

Karting Challenge is happy to assist in directing you to the appropriate person(s)

SERIES POINTS TABLE