Franklin Dirt Kart Club (FDKC) Rules and Regulations

2024 – 2025                                                                                                                             

Rule Comment

The intention of these rules is to set the standard by which Karting at our club will be conducted. All competitors, family and support crews are all expected to follow these rules and compete in a Friendly but competitive Spirit.  Any breaches, either technical or by deed may bring about a disqualification. These rules are intertwined with all other FDKC rules and are to be used in conjunction with any other appropriate ruling. Some modifications to karts are allowed but if you are contemplating modifying your kart, do not assume that the modifications will be accepted please check with one of our technical officers first. At the time you present your kart for scrutineering, you must have already paid your race fee and signed the indemnity form, it is understood that you are fully aware of these rules. All rules set out by the club are to be always abided by.

Intoxicating beverages and drugs

Alcoholic beverages and/or drugs are absolutely forbidden and will result in exclusion, suspension, or disqualification either for the competitor or his/her pit crew, supporters, or officials. 

Smoking is not permitted in the track pit or grid area, or any other place fuel is stationed. 

Safety Comment: These rules are always designed with SAFETY as a priority.

Eligibility and requirements to compete, interpretation of rules, regulations, and specification. Misunderstanding or misinterpretation of any of these rules, regulations and specifications does not invalidate the rule. The correct interpretation if required will be made by the Race Convener or an appointed Club official.

Club Members Responsibilities: To Know, Understand, Respect, and adhere to the FDKC Rules. To conduct themselves in a responsible and safe manner on the Grid, Track, and surrounding areas always.

Eligibility: All competitors (and parent/guardian, caregiver, for drivers under 18 years) shall be fully conversant with all the rules governing Karting and be present during the entire day while the competitor is racing. Identification is required for everyone wishing to race. No person shall drive in competition, practice or test, in a class of kart other than that specified for their age group.

Club Fees

These are payable to the Club Secretary via the online web portal. The fee period commences the 1^st of August each year and expires the 30th of July the following year. All fees to be paid online to FDKC bank account using the secure web portal.

Memberships Fees

Family Membership (parents/caregivers with school age children).                          $325.00

1 Adult Membership                                                                                                   $175.00

Junior Membership (16 years and under)                                                                   $75.00

Race Day Fees

Senior Day License Race Fee (per class entered)                                                     $30.00

Juinor Day License Race Fee (per class entered)                                                       $20.00

Social (non-members) Day Race Fee (per class entered)                                           $75.00

Practice / Test Days

Senior member                                                                                                            $30.00            

Junior members                                                                                                          $20.00

Social (non-members)                                                                                                 $75.00

NOTE: The above fees are for one class entered. An additional $20.00 per class ($40.00 for non-members) is required for each class a driver enters. Included in the membership fee is a membership/scrutineering card which must be presented at each Race meeting at the time of having your kart scrutineered.

Equipment & Responsibility

INDEMNITY: Every driver and parent/caregivers/guardian (if competitor is under 18 years) whether in practice or competition must sign an indemnity form before racing. A guardian signing on behalf of a minor, must always attend during the day. This will in effect indemnify the promoting organisation of any responsibility to the driver or equipment. The definition of "practice or competition" shall mean from FDKC gate open to gate closed at end of the day.

It is the Competitors Responsibility to: Ensure that an entry form is completed with the correct details online and in full by Mid-night on the Thursday evening preceding the event. Present the scrutineers their Kart in a clean and race ready condition with crash helmet, neck brace, gloves, footwear, and race gear. Be fully conversant with all FDKC rules.

Acceptable Behaviour: Physical or verbal abuse of any kind by official, competitor, or spectator, whether directed at a fellow competitor or official, will NOT be tolerated. Any breach of this rule or any behaviour detrimental to the image of Karting at FDKC can result in disqualification/expulsion or any further penalties that may be imposed.

General Driving Instructions: A high standard of driver behaviour is expected and will be enforced. A Kart must be always driven within the capabilities and expertise of the driver. In a passing manoeuvre it is the responsibility of each driver to maintain his/her position on the track and avoid contact. Please refer to the detailed Driver Racing Standards. These can be found on the website and it is the competitors responsibility to familiarise themselves with this.

Dangerous Driving: barging, shunting, chopping off, sudden line changes will not be tolerated. All acts of dangerous driving will be reviewed by the committee and may result in a penalty/suspension/expulsion subject to the nature and mitigating factors of the incident. See below “Procedure for on track related incidents/complaints” for more details.

Withdrawal from competition must be clearly indicated with a raised hand signal and parked in a safe area off the track. A non TAG Kart competitor may not restart during competition. A TAG kart (electric start) may restart unless the driver has had to exit the kart seat. If so, they must also move their kart to a safe area.

Accidents: Any Kart involved in a serious accident MUST be presented to a Scrutineer before returning to the track. Injuries MUST be reported to the FDKC Health & Safety officer and an online Incident report completed. A serious injury will require medical clearance.

In the event of an accident which may impede your ability to operate a Kart, and which requires referral to a hospital, medical centre or GP, a signed medical clearance to race must be produced before being allowed to race again.

Practice Days: Any club member who is permitted to use the track for practice or testing purposes, must adhere to the club’s safety rules. An indemnity form must be completed before any on track driving activities are permitted. This is to be completed and put into the provided secure location or completed online. All drivers must use compliant helmets, overalls, and suitable footwear. Where there are drivers of differing kart classes which are not permitted to run together at a race day event, this class separation must remain unless the committee/race convenor specifies otherwise. Test sessions are to be of a duration as determined by the race convenor.

All Competitors and Pit Crew must use extreme care when operating karts in the pit area or any other place around persons.

Procedure for on track related incidents/complaints

Competitor Complaint

Step 1. Take complaint to the Class Representative. Dependent on the nature of the complaint as to whether this is required to be taken to the Race Convener, Black Flag person or Chief Steward to mediate.

NOTE: further steps in the process involve a $50.00 protest fee.

Step 2. The complaint must be lodged online by Driver or guardian on the link provided on the website.

Step 3. Complaint is now taken to a Committee Meeting. All parties to be notified when & where.

Step 4. All parties must attend. If the complainant fails to attend the complaint becomes Null & Void

Step 5. Complaint will be heard in full and resolved at this meeting.

NOTE: If complaint is upheld, the fee is refunded.

Dangerous Driving Complaint / Accusation

Step 1. An FDKC official will talk to the competitor involved and dependent on the nature and severity of the incident and discussion with the race officials determine if a written warning needs to be given.

Step 2. Where a written warning is required the competitor will be given the following in writing

• Date of event, class and heat where the incident occurred
• Nature of the incident including injury/damage sustained, race officials’ opinion on root cause, any video footage if available.

Step 3. Competitor will have 7 days to respond in writing to the committee and can include video footage in their defence if available.

Step4. FDKC committee review findings and determine the nature of the penalty, suspension and/or expulsion as required and will take into consideration if this is a one-off incident or a pattern of driver behaviour.

The committee’s decision is Full & Final.

Procedure for non - track related incidents/complaints: See Committee Persons and dependent on nature this will be taken to the President / Vice President and escalated for committee discussion.

Age Upgrading (Season Start as of 1st November)

A driver upon reaching the lower age limit for their next respective Class may; Immediately move into Junior Restricted/Junior/Senior Classes or continue in their respective class. A driver upon reaching the maximum age limit (after season start) may continue in that class until end of current season is reached

Classes all competitors are subject to the following age / weight limits as applicable.

Junior

Detailed Cadet engine specifications can be found in the FDKC Cadet Raket Engine Rules.

Cadets are not required to comply with the minimum rear width or 7 inch tyre requirements.

Junior Restricted must comply with a minimum width of 1200mm and 7 inch rims with all other classes a minimum rear width of 1220mm

Senior (Minimum age 16 years as at 1^st of August)

Minimum rear width 1220mm (as agreed at 2024 AGM)

Weights: body weight all up (fully race suited and helmet) Competitors to be checked at the start of the season and spot checked at FDKC’s discretion.

Weights are to be fitted to the seat or floor pan with a minimum of 1 x 8mm cap-screw or high tensile bolt per 3kg weight. Maximum weight in any one attachment not to exceed 6kg.

A competitor may only enter 1 kart per weight class. Shared Karts with added weight for 1 driver must be carried by the other driver. No removal of weight is allowed.

Safety / Tech Checks:  Between 8.00-8.45am on dummy grid/Chute area-join the queue and stay with your kart. Kart to be presented in a clean and race ready condition with race gear and scrutineering card.

Classes will be selected randomly and announced at each Race meeting. Safety check card MUST be present at every meeting and any issues previously noted addressed. Competitors are responsible for ensuring their own

Karts are safe and to race and remain safe. Repeat infringements will have consequences. Intentional Cheating will NOT be tolerated and could result in penalties, suspension or a season ban or complete expulsion.

Engine Start: Engines may be started at 9.00am BUT WILL CEASE FOR DRIVERS BRIEFING.

Flag Description: Green = Start of the race

• Red Flag = Immediately cease racing, obey Steward’s instructions.
• Yellow Flag = Reduce speed & hold position (no overtaking)
• Blue Flag= Hold your course you are about to be lapped
• Black Flag = 
  • Rolled up, warning (mechanical or driver behaviour) Report to chief steward within 10 minutes of the end of the race You are not to race again until the matter is resolved.
  • Open face, Stop racing immediately and return to the designated area remain with your kart and await chief steward. You are not to race again until clearance has been given.
• White = You have one lap to go in the race
• Crossed Double Yellow – Restart required, competitors to reform into start grid positions.
• Chequered Flag = Signifies the end of race. Is shown to all karts irrespective or their number of laps completed once the LEAD kart has completed all laps and crossed the finishing line.

Track Lights (if in use)

Green = Racing

Yellow = Incident reduce speed and hold position (no overtaking)

Red = Immediately cease racing and obey stewards instructions.

Flag Control (Must be 14 years or older or under the supervision of an experienced person)

Must only be given to experienced persons. All flags must remain on the course until the absolute conclusion of the meeting. Strict penalties will be imposed for failing to obey any given flag.

Racing Helmet: Full face helmets must be used at all times when operating a kart. The helmet must fit properly and be securely fastened. Only approved NZ safety helmets are permitted, and these will need to be presented at the start of the season and will be checked regularly.

Visor Tear-Offs: Not to be removed while on racetrack unless secured.

Eye Protection: Helmet visors must be properly fitted to give complete eye protection. Goggles are a permitted alternative. Glasses of any nature must be worn under a visor. All lenses must be clear and clean.

Neck Braces: Are compulsory for all drivers in all classes while racing and during practices.

Clothing: A minimum of cotton overalls must be worn. All suits must be strapped at wrist and ankles with NO arm or leg skin showing.

Gloves: All drivers must wear gloves and be of substantial material Eg leather, be firm fitting and always worn during practice and racing.

Footwear: Suitable footwear is of enclosed type, giving full foot protection. Laced type with ankle protection preferred.

Long Hair: Hair must be retained within your protective apparel. Extremely long hair must be retained within a hood or balaclava.

Number Plates and Numbering; All drivers must affix a large number of a suitable colour on a background that ensures it is clearly visible to track officials. Lime green only if current club champ. Must be plastic or appropriate backing and attach them to the kart front and rear, plus side pods. This is your racing number.

1) Front & rear plates shall be flexible material with a flat surface large enough to display numbers which must be a min of 120mm high & a min of 20mm wide and in plain font. Numbers must be a min of 10mm from the edge of backing plate with a 10mm gap between double or triple digits.

2) Side numbers may be attached to the inner part of the side pod with a flexible plastic plate (No metal brackets permitted) or stuck to the outside of pod as in 1).

3) All numbers are to comply with the colours of the class without highlight lines or borders and be clean before each race and clearly identifiable by the race officials.

4) Green plates with black numerals for 1st 2nd 3rd winners of club champs only.

X Plates: All new drivers, drivers who have not raced at FDKC within the prior two seasons and drivers not yet considered confident will be required to affix an X over their numbers and run off the rear of the grid. These will be removed at the discretion of the race convener.

NOTE: No X platers to enter Club Champs.

Trackside Equipment: No tools are allowed on the track except for the Cadet Racket and Junior restricted engine starters.

Outside Assistance: Junior Restricted & Cadet Drivers are permitted controlled outside assistance to restart. (To signal a start-up is required, the driver must stay in kart & raise their hand in the air). A steward has the discretion to order a stop to restart attempt.

At no stage of driving a kart may both hands be removed from the steering wheel at the same time.

Refuelling a kart on the grid or the track is not permitted.

A driver may be called by number only to report to the Steward. Driver must report to Steward concerned within 15 minutes. Any driver stalling in a race must raise one hand above head and remain in the kart until it is safe to move.

Vision: In the driving position a driver must be able to look over the steering wheel.

Two Minute Rule: The two-minute rule applies from the grid only.

Jurisdiction: Drivers awaiting the start of an event are under the control of the Grid Marshall or assistant. Once the race has commenced, jurisdiction reverts to the Race Convenor

POLE DRIVER sets the pace and must not be passed. If the pole driver drops out number two sets the pace and so on. All gaps in the grid must be left as gaps. On the approach to the starter, karts must maintain two straight lines. With the exemption of any gaps, karts must remain closely in formation behind the front kart on pole- no sling shooting. Upon the dropping of the green flag or green light, the race starts.

NOTE: No acceleration or lane changing is permitted until karts pass the acceleration line which is shown by a cone in the middle of the track on start only. No passing is permitted before the Green Flag has dropped. Drivers will be penalised to the rear of the field after one warning for infringement.

False Starts: In any type of starting procedure, where the starter in conjunction with the chief steward considers a breach of rules has been made and/or an advantage gained by a competitor, the race can either be stopped and offending driver/s penalized and the race restarted.

Restarts: Only existing race participants may partake in restarts.

Cadet Class: Remain in kart with a hand in the air indicating the need for assistance. Guardians to wait on infield by a flag marshal until they are needed. Cadets are only to exit their karts when instructed to by a race official or guardian.

Junior/JR/Kt; Engine stops= Kart to be removed from track to infield (when safe to do so) and are not to re-join the race.

Rotax/Open/Clutch Spin outs = May return to race when it is safe to do so but without gaining any advantage or position.

ONCE A Driver is out of their seat they are out of the race and may not return to the race.

Official Restarts: This may be called once the race has started and before a kart has passed the second flag point. There is no Official restart once a kart has passed this point unless so called at the discretion of the Race Convenor

Basic Kart Policy / Requirements:

Nut, Locknut & Nylock nut Policy: All of the above on bolts should preferably have at least two full turns of bolt thread showing. Minimum requirement is "proud of flush" with the top of the nylock nut.

Brakes: 

1) Must be foot operated and must operate on both rear wheels as minimum.

2) Must be capable of stopping the kart. The rear wheels must not turn when the brakes are applied by hand

3) Front brakes on Open Class only

4) Where only bolts retain brake pads, the bolts must be drilled & a safety wire affixed or if split-pins are used they are to be in manufactured condition with a minimum diameter of 3mm

5) All brake systems & pedal mounting bolts must be of high tensile material.

6) Drilling of brake components for lightning is not permitted (discs excluded).

Brake Actuator Rods:1) Rods are to be a minimum of 6mm diameter solid steel if the threaded ends are cut into the rod or 5mm if the threaded ends are rolled on the end of the rod.

Brake cables: All single brake cables must be multi-strand steel wire of 2.25mm diameter and must be fastened by a machine swagged fitting or by positive methods that cannot cut into the wire.

Dual cables to be a minimum of 1.9mm diameter and fastened as above. Both cables are to always be in good operable condition.

Ignition Kill Switch: Compulsory on all karts competing. In short it clicks off and stays off. OEM alternatives are acceptable

Gear changing Mechanism; Must be placed in safe position and be securely fitted.

Undertray (floor pan) must be of suitable non-perforated material, 1.2mm for steel & aluminium or 2.00mm for reinforced fiberglass/carbon fibre. From a seated position, the floor tray shall have no void large enough to permit any part of the driver’s body to pass through. It must be confined within the main chassis rails and be parallel to the chassis and fitted above the tags welded to the floor tray within the sub area must not protrude below the bottom of the chassis and may Not be drilled for lightness. No skirts or sealing devices are to be below the chassis rails. It is preferred securing nuts be on the top of the floor tray. If below they must Not protrude below the level of any chassis rail. Floor tray must extend forward of the driver's feet to between the front edge and lowest point of the seat.

Screws are to have 2 threads exposed past nylock nuts.

Seating: All seating must be of solid design. Seat frame must be firmly bolted or clamped to the kart rails/bearing hangers. Driver to fit seat comfortably and securely.

Fasteners: All fasteners under the kart must be bolted upright. no bolt is to protrude in a dangerous manner.

Exotic Compounds: Carbon Fibre Compounds may only be used in Seats, Nassau Panels and Floor trays. No other Exotic elements are permitted.

Side Pods; Are compulsory for all classes. The pod shall be as supplied by the CIK manufacturer. Modification for side mounted engines and/or external starters are acceptable. They are NOT to be used as fuel tanks or ballast support.

Side pod Dimensions. 

1) With front wheels in a straight-ahead position, the leading outer edge of the pod must be inside the plane covering the outside of the front tyre. The pod must not touch the front or rear tyres.

2) The rear of the pod must cover at least 80% of the rear tyre track width and must not be more than 25mm outside the outside edge of the rear tyre.

3) Ground clearance must be a minimum of 25mm and 100mm max.

Mounting of side pod: 1) Mounting bars must be welded or bolted at all fixing points and are to be attached at a minimum of two points to the chassis. Mounting bars are not to protrude past 75% of the inside of the pod and must have no open ends.

2) Tube diameter to be a min of 19.0 mm and max of 30.0mm. Min tube wall thickness is 1.2mm.

Nassau Panels must be of plastic material and preferably CIK approved. Non CIK commercially produced panels may be accepted at FDKC’s discretion. Fibreglass or composite panels are not acceptable.

1) Must be no wider than 500mm and no higher than 50mm above the steering wheel.

2) Must be more than 50mm from steering wheel as to not hinder driver’s hands and must not restrict driver’s vision.

Height: Maximum height of any part of the kart from ground level is 650mm.

Chain Guards: All karts must be fitted with a plastic or metal chain guard that protects the driver/crew and other competitors in the event of a chain breakage. The guard must stay in-line with the chain and must extend from the centre line of the drive sprocket to horizontally level with the rear axle at the rear of the axle sprocket. The guard must be a minimum width of 40mm. Each chain guard must be fixed at a minimum of two points to cover chain and prevent the guard from being dislodged. Motors with flywheels on the outside of the engine must have a guard covering the flywheel.

Sound Levels: Mufflers must be attached and no excessive noise. Sound levels must not exceed 85db at the boundary of the nearest residential property. Any Kart deemed too noisy by three FDKC officials present will not be permitted to race until remedied. All 2-stroke karts to run inlet silencer type air-box and to be where applicable stock as per class rulings on the engine.

Exhaust: There must be no less than three springs between the header and muffler and at least two springs holding the muffler to the chassis. Rotax 125cc Max mufflers must have two springs on to the exhaust header and must be bolted/nylock nutted to the support rails to secure the muffler to the chassis. The muffler must not protrude outside the rear wheel track or kart length.

Front and Back Bumpers or anti-intrusion bar: Compulsory on all karts. Rear bumpers must be full width and cover 80% of the rear tyre. An intrusion bar between chassis rails is compulsory on all steel hoop style bumpers.

Nose Cones are compulsory. Must be securely attached to the kart and recommended to cable tie the clamps to the frame only. Must be of plastic only and be non-splintering. No metallic rods, frames, or bars to be fitted to or inside nose cone.

Tyres: No Canvas Showing. SLICKS only, no wet or grooved tyres are permitted. No grinding or buffing of tyres permitted on the FDKC site. Minimum width of 7 inch for all classes except Cadets. Minimum Tyre Pressure 5 psi.

FDKC reserve the right to increase this at select meetings if required to ensure the integrity of the track is maintained and/or safety becomes a concern.

Fuel: 90 to 98 octane pump fuel only is permitted. No additives are permitted other than commercially available two stroke lubricant. Bio fuel blends, methanol and Avgas are permitted BUT methanol must run a 10% Pump fuel mix to ensure a visible flame is emitted in the event of a fire.

Fuel Tank: Other Than Fuel Injection- May be of any fuel resistant material provided it is of leak proof solid construction and securely mounted. All fuel lines must have no leaks.

1) Aluminium or steel materials can be used with a minimum thickness of 1.6mm

2) No plastic/aluminium/stainless steel food or drink containers of any type are permitted.

Amendment Summary 2024 Key Changes

General - Membership Fee updates, Driving Standard’s / Dangerous Driving and Procedures for complaints and Incidents and minor wording changes and removal of ambiguity around rear bumpers and anti-intrusion bars.

Cadets

Split into Rookie (6 to 8 years) and Cadets (8 to under 10 years) with an overlap in ages.

Introduction of 15 mm FDKC supplied restrictor kit for Rookie Class and a 20mm FDKC supplied restrictor kit for Cadets.

All competitors to run in Rookie class irrespective of age until FDKC approval given to run in the Cadet class.

Junior Restricted (JR) (Carried over from 2023/2024 season)

Chassis must be a minimum of 950mm

Minimum rear width must be no less than 1200.

Must Comply with pod and bumper 80% coverage rule.

Junior

Chassis must be a minimum of 1000mm and minimum width increased to 1220mm.

Rotax Junior now eligible to run in this class but subject to review by FDKC subject to numbers and performance parity.

Rotax Light & Heavy

Increase in minimum width to 1220mm

Open

Increase in minimum width to 1220mm

Rules as approved by the Franklin Dirt Kart Club (FDKC) Committee 2024 and as per 2024 AGM remits.

Please note differences with our rules to other clubs.

• Must have a rear bumper covering a minimium of 80% of the rear tyres and an a rear intrusion bar between the chassis rails.
• Only CIK approved Nassau and side Pods can be used.
• Neck Braces are mandatory in all clasess.
• Rear track width
  • Minimium is 1200mm
  • Maximium is 1350mm
  • Measured outside to outside of the rear wheels.