A group of go-kart race cars on a racing track, with race officials and spectators on the side
Collection of racing gear including a pair of sparco racing shoes, a racing helmet with a blue and white design, a racing suit, and racing gloves.

Want to get involved but unsure of where to start ….. We’ve got you covered.

Getting involved in a new sport can be daunting and you will have a lot of questions regarding the process, we have done our best to put together this simple guide.

STEP 1: We would always recommend attending a karting event, this could be a practice day or race day, this will allow you to have a chat with competitors, walk the paddock, see the karts in action and ultimately, get a feel for the sport.

STEP 2: Decide what Kart category best suits you, these are the Motorsport UK Kart Categories.
Bambino (ages 6–8), Cadet (8–12), Inter/Intermediate (10-13), Junior (11-16), and Senior (15+) categories, including gearbox options

STEP 3: Now that you have decided on a category, it’s time to purchase a Kart. Depending on the class you want to race in you will need a specific chassis & engine/power unit.

  • Bambino - Bambino Chassis
    Engine / Power Unit (ComerC50 / Might-E)

  • Cadet / Inter - 950 Chassis
    Cadet (IAME Gazelle, Water swift restricted, Honda Cadet, Honda GX160 Cadet, Rotax Micro, Might-E (Electric))
    Inter IAME Water Swift, Rotax Inter

  • Junior / Senior (Non-Gearbox) - Junior / Senior Chassis both classes use same chassis type
    Junior IAME X30, Junior Rotax, Tillotson Junior
    Senior IAME X30, Senior Rotax, Tillotson Senior

  • KZ2 (Short Circuit) - has to be a KZ chassis

  • Superkarts (Long Circuit) - KZ2 or Long circuit chassis will be required, depending on the engine size.

STEP 4: PPE (Personal Protection equipment).

Helmets must be hold specific homologations such as Snell CMR for under 15’s or Snell SA/FIA8858-2024 for adults. Helmets with HANS attachments are NOT allowed.

Race Suits must be CIK homologated and “In Date”. For long circuit racing i.e Superkarts, Leathers are required

Gloves must be full fingered and not mitts to provide hand protection

Boots must completely cover the foot and ankle.

STEP 5: Licence - You have 2 options. An MSUK licence or a Motorsport Ireland licence. For an MSUK Licence the driver will need to complete an ARKS test. Information on ARKS testing can be found HERE. For Motorsport Ireland licences the applicant will need to complete a medical examination with their GP.

** The above information is for guidance purposes, please refer to MSUK National Competition Rules (NCR’s) for more details and to ensure up to date compliance