Go Kart Racing Rules & Regulations

Go Kart Racing Rules & Regulations

Go Karting is an exciting modern sport that is perfect for thrill-seekers, or for somebody looking to try out something that will push them out of their comfort zone.

Whilst you might be used to driving a car, the much smaller and more exhilarating Go Kart is a slightly different experience.

Go Kart Racing Rules & Regulations

So let’s set the scene. You’re looking to try Go Karting for the first time, you’ve found a track near you that offers beginners sessions, and perhaps you’ve already booked your first one.

Maybe you’re going in a group as part of a birthday or bachelor celebration. Whatever your reason, you might find yourself in need of some initial information about Go Karting.

What are the general rules are regulations around this new, exciting activity? Is there anything I need to bring with me to prepare?

If you’re wondering about this then you wouldn’t be the first! That’s why we’ve created this short guide to help outline all of the most common rules and regulations around Go Kart Racing.

We’re going to take you through a list of the most important things you’ll need to keep in mind so that nothing will surprise you once you turn up on the day.

1. Waiver And Release Of Liability Form

First up we’re going to start with one of the most common procedures you’ll run into when Go Karting.

When you show up at the track, you’re likely to be inducted by a member of staff who will require you to sign and waiver and release of liability form.

If you’ve never done a sport of this nature before, you might find this a little surprising or startling.

In short, these documents mean that the Go Karting company won’t suffer any legal repercussions if you injure yourself when Go Karting.

If this sounds nerve-wracking – don’t panic! This is totally normal. Go Karting is quite the same providing you follow the safety procedures.

This form is just standard practice for companies to ensure that you personally know the risks, and to make sure they won’t be held liable if anything does go wrong.

We would recommend reading the form to see what you’re signing, but generally, it’s going to be standard waiver/liability stuff!

If you refuse to sign, it is very unlikely that they will let you race! If you’re under the age of 18

2. Minimum Height Restrictions

Because safety is the name of the game when it comes to introductions at a Go Karting track, there is a minimum height restriction.

This can vary depending on the size of the kart, but generally, most Go Kart places you’ll find will have the same sized kart.

Because of that, the general minimum height of a junior Go Kart is likely to be 48” and the general minimum height for adult Go Karts will be 56”.

If you’re unsure about whether you, a family member, or a friend might not be the right height, we would recommend measuring yourself before showing up.

This will stop you from running into disappointment. There’s nothing worse than turning up ready to race and getting turned away.

3. Safety Talk/Demonstration

The next common step is going to be a safety talk/demonstration. This is the part you’re going to want to take great care to listen to, especially if you’ve never been Go Karting before.

The information contained within this talk/demonstration will tell you everything you’ll need to know to stay safe on the race track!

4. Footwear

Next up is footwear, and whilst this may seem like a rule that doesn’t make sense, it’s very important that you wear closed-toe shoes.

This means no sandals or bare feet! Your feet are going to be connecting with hard metal pedals, and they need to be protected.

To ignore this is to risk injury, and almost all Go Karting places are going to make sure you’re wearing closed-toe shoes before getting in the kart!

5. Helmets

Similar to shoes, you’re going to need to be wearing a helmet at all times. This is a simple one and it will help to protect you should something go wrong and you have a particularly bad crash.

Such events are rare, but wearing a helmet ensures you are protected just in case!

6. Intentional Bumping Of Karts

This next one is really important to mention. Whilst it might look fun to bump karts at high speed, this can be very dangerous and is something you need to refrain from doing.

Most places will have a rule against intentional bumping of karts. If you’re seen as recklessly bumping into other racers, it’s fairly likely that you will be taken off of the track and stopped from participating.

7. Hair And Loose Clothing

Like helmets – this rule is non-negotiable! Loose hair or clothing can cause serious accidents, and before you go out there on the track it’s likely that you will be checked so that you won’t hurt yourself.

If you have long hair, it needs to be tied up or hidden under your helmet!

8. Listen To Staff At All Times

This is another one that might seem intuitive but is vital for your safety. A member of staff is going to be overseeing your session, and they will make sure to keep you safe.

This means sometimes stopping when they ask you to and listening to them whenever they have something to say to you.

They are here to keep you safe, and will almost always know more about doing so than you will!

But also remember the staff at Go Karting Tracks are also trying to make sure you have fun. As long as you are reasonable and listen, you’re sure to have a blast!

Final Thoughts

This was a general list of rules and procedures that you might come across when visiting the Go Karting track.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, and some of these rules may differ depending on the specifics of the place you have chosen!

We hope that this article has helped you to understand some of the most common rules.

Happy Go Karting!

If you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy our post on ‘How To Drive A Go-Kart: The Ultimate Guide‘.

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