Association of British Kart Clubs

The ABkC web site is brought to you in association with UK Karting
Karting is a most exhilarating activity, yet a family sport
It's fun, it's cool, kids can start racing from age 8
Almost everyone can race, some at 60 or more
Find out all about kart racing in this website

INDEX

Latest News

Some British & ABkC Champions 2008

250 National Tyres: For 2009, any slick or wet tyre will be permitted on either 5" or 6" rims.  Strictly one set of slicks per event.
Dunlop Wet Tyre: The Dunlop wet has changed to the KT11.  Read more on the official amendments.

Latest Newsletter, now available.
with 2008 AGM Report.  ABkC is exhibiting at the Autosport Racing Car Show on stand 6406.  Come and see us, tickets available via www.autosport-international.com or phone 0844 5793188 ( 3187 for the concurrent Piston Heads Show)

Joint statement from MSA & Kart Regional Committee on Junior ages: The Kart Regional Committee has reviewed the regulations for the starting age in the Junior classes, particularly MiniMax, Junior TKM and Junior Blue. 

It had been generally understood that after a revision of the Competitors Yearbook K.115 and K.116 in 2005/6 and a decision by the Kart Regional Committee in late 2007 the age limit had been lowered to the year of 11th birthday for experienced drivers.  However the class regulations only referred to K.116 which stipulates the age limit as the 11th birthday and no application for change was formally noted to the MSA.

The Kart Regional Committee decided by a majority vote, with none against, to clarify that the minimum age is the 11th birthday.   The 2009 MSA Kart Race Yearbook regulations will show this.   The committee took into account the size of the karts being used, and that drivers are now able to remain in the Cadet classes until the end of the year of their 13th birthday.

The committee was also confirmed that drivers holding International C licences could not race in Junior Max prior to their 13th birthday.  The committee noted that the MiniMax class was available to such drivers and that any change in age could adversely affect that class.  However that decision will be re-visited at the steering group's first meeting in 2009.

New Bell Junior Helmet to meet new FIA/CIK standard:
Bell have released this press release on their new junior helmet, the standard becomes compulsory for CIK meetings from 2010, and quite probably will follow on the UK.

Revised Bridgestone Tyre prices for ABkC classes:
Exceptionally, due to massive unforeseen increases in fuel and carriage as well as currency exchange rates, the ABkC have agreed that the Bridgestone tyre prices may be increased from 19 August 2008.  Zip only increased the tyre prices by £2 on 1 January, when they could have requested a 5% increase.  Therefore the ABkC have agreed to allow the remainder of the 5% annually permitted increase to take effect from 19 August.  Revised prices are on the ABkC website below and 2009 retail prices will be added when available for all tyre types.

Comer Cadet Carburettor:

ZipKart with agreement from the MSA have issued this Guidance Note on the use of the Tryton carburettors, including the amendment to regulations to use a modified block and two types of needle and seat.  Please check the Zipkart website for any later updates.  The MSA issued an amended fiche for the engine / carburettor on 16 July, which is on the www.msauk.org website and here. The MSA Statement is:

UPDATED COMER W60 HOMOLOGATION FICHE

“The Comer Cadet W60 Homologation Fiche has been updated due to a modification permitting alternative high and low speed jet adjustment needle screws to ease adjustment of the carburettor which are now permitted to be used on the Tryton ZC001 carburettor.  The new jet adjustment needle screws can be exchanged for a pair of the original screws from Zip Kart.  This exchange will be available to all owners of Tryton ZC001 carburettors until the 17th October 2008.  A copy of the homologation form complete with updates is publicly available on the MSA website for information purposes only. If you require a copy on MSA security paper you will need to place an order with the MSA sales department.”  Neither the ABkC nor the MSA condone the practice of starting the engine on a stand and revving it to set the carb.  Competitors attention is drawn to Gold Book App 4 B.9.3 and B.9.5.

The MSA have issued a statement regarding the future of the Tryton carb which is on their website.  The ABkC does not consider all kart meetings are club meetings, refer to Kart Race Yearbook Appendix 4 B.18 (Page 61) which applies to all ABkC clubs and championships.

The ABkC supports the Go Motorsport and Lets Go Karting schemes

2009 GOLD & BLUE BOOK:
Please note the 2009 Kart Race Yearbook (Gold Book) and Competitors Yearbook (Blue Book) are now available on the www.msauk.org Members Publications section for licence holders and anyone else to download, if they register for a password. 

KF1, 2 & 3 Regulations for ABkC / British Championships will be as per the 2009 Gold Book with the exception in KF1 where only the exhaust homologated for any KF2 engine is permitted.  For KF3 the only carburettor permitted is the VA.MECTryton F3 KF3 D20, CIK Homologation Number 26/C/15 as designated for the 2008 CIK Championship, until further notice.  (Noting the CIK have changed the carburettor in its 2009 championships to a Tillotson)

And note the tyres for the KF1 class changed for 2009 from Dunlop DDM to Dunlop DDS and the only wet tyre permitted in KF1 and KZ1 is the Dunlop KT11.

Our new website-
How to Start Kart Racing

ABkC CLASS REGULATIONS:

Honda Cadet, Junior and Senior classes:
Latest Honda Engine Technical Regs effective 1st January 2009, for download

The 2008 Honda Junior Regulations are here.

The 2008 Junior Gearbox regulations are here.

Rotax DD2 Regulations for 2008 are here.

World Formula 2008 regulations. Note that the class weight has been reduced to 162kg, and the starter motor is now optional.
The YEQ slick tyre was replaced by the the YJL and from 1.1.07, only YJL slick tyres marked MSA will be permitted.

Kart Tyro - MSA releases new guidelines to download
Read how your club could offer low cost karting to newcomers without the hassle of ARKS tests or medicals.  Kart Tyro has been extended to Juniors from 2008, 10bhp max for juniors, 15bhp max for seniors.

Tyre prices driven down for 2007 onwards:
Through the ABkC's contract renewal and tendering process importers have been able to lower the prices in real terms of all kart tyres, which must be good news for all competitors.  As part of the contracts,  ABkC pays out substantial prize money from the tyre companies to leading competitors in Super One and S4 (promoted by BRDC Stars for Super ICC, and NKF for 250 National and ICC UK).  Some add special extra prizes.  The ABkC and Dunlop are pleased to announce that one lucky competitor will receive an all-expenses paid VIP trip for two to Le Mans 2008, the winner chosen by the ABkC.  In addition, there will be one prize for a VIP Hospitality trip for four people to a BTCC round - for each ABkC class using Dunlop tyres.  Plus more tickets to a BTCC round.

Tyre prices 2008: (all prices per set excl. VAT)
The 2009 prices will be put up as soon as agreed with the tyre importers, discussions on-going due to the large change in exchange rates recently.  Please note that the retail prices of tyres are not guaranteed to remain the same all year, in exceptional circumstances they may be changed.

Cadet slicks Dunlop SL3 RAC £96.12
Cadet wets Dunlop KT3 RAC £96.12
KZ2 / ICC UK (125 Gearbox) slicks Dunlop SL4 ABkC £103.76
KZ1 (Stars, NKF and ABkC O Plate) slicks Dunlop DCH ABkC £111.70
ICC / KZ2 & KZ1 (125 Gearbox) wets Dunlop KT10 £120.46
KF1 slicks Dunlop DDM £122.84
KF1 wets Dunlop KT10 £120.46
Honda Prokart slicks Dunlop SL1 £88.22
Honda Prokart wets Dunlop KT3 £108.10
210 National slicks Dunlop SL3 £99.48

From 12th May Vega prices increase approx 8% due to the
large change in the £ / euro.  This is the first increase since 1.1.07
Rotax Max slicks Vega SL6 JAG now £95
Rotax Junior and MiniMax slicks Vega SL8 JAG now £95
Rotax wets Vega W2 now £111

TKM 2-stroke slicks Maxxis SLC Green £98.63 from 1st March
TKM Junior 4-stroke slicks Maxxis SLC Green £98.63 from 1st March
TKM Senior 4-stroke slicks Maxxis Red £113.85 from 1st March
TKM wets Maxxis Red £112.62 from 1st March

KF2 & KF3 slicks Bridgestone YGB MSA £120 and from 19 August will be £123.90
KF2 & KF3 wets Bridgestone YEJ £120 and from 19 August will be £123.90
World Formula slicks Bridgestone YJL MSA £94 and from 19 August will be £97
World Formula wets Bridgestone YGR £102 and from 19 August will be £105

100 National slicks Vega SL6 GB £92
100 National wets Vega W2 GB £104

250 National slicks Maxxis MH £105
250 National wets Maxxis WT8 £120

Annual General Meeting and Kart Regional Committee Open Meeting 2008:
See the December 2008 Newsletter for details.

Download the Club Competition Secretary seminar presentation here

KF Classes First Races: History was made at PF International on 4th November 2007, with the first KF class races in the UK.  Download the sound of the first KF2 start.

Amendments:

NEW: "Come Kart Racing" video now available:
New karters can obtain a free copy from the Secretary (address below). 
Or download a wmv webquality version here.  This DVD is intended to promote karting and seek to recruit marshals and officials.  All ABkC clubs can order supplies through the secretary.

(Note: 12MB file length.)

2005: Adam Christodoulou full tribunal findings here.  He was later excluded from a round of the Super 1 for an engine illegality, along with three other drivers.
(Note - this file is 2.7MB long).

MSA Parent/Guardian/Guarantors: New regulations from 2005, download MSA flier.

New MSA - Kart Regional Committee/ABkC Structure
On 12th February 2004 the ABkC Steering Group agreed unanimously to a new MSA structure for the administration and governance of karting in the UK.  For details see this Press Release with associated Diagram.

A more detailed flow chart of the new structure is also available. (Note - this is a large file)

Download a lap of Three Sisters and Fulbeck

Most pictures on this site are courtesy of Chris Walker:

Full Site Index including archive files:

INDEX
* About the ABkC (including Contact Details)
* ABkC Account 2006Financial Report 2006.
Archive: ABkC Account 2005 , ABkC Accounts 2004.
(The steering group have agreed that these be published)
* How to Start Kart Racing (Broadband users)
Starting Karting
(including Classes Listing for dial-up users) or
Download the 2008 Start Karting Brochure
Outer three pages, this is a 3MB File, Inner pages, 0.4MB file.
* Member Clubs (Full contact details)
* Costs (including Classes)
* Pictures
* Newsletters:December 2008, October 2008August 2008May 2008December 2007/AGM Report,  October 2007, July 2007, May 2007, February 2007, September 2006
Archive: July 2006, April 2006, December 2005, October 2005, June 2005, February 2005, January 2005, November 2004, September 2004, July 2004, March 2004; January 2004,
October 2003. July 2003, March 2003, January 2003, October 2002, July 2002, May 2002, January/February 2002, Feb 2001, April 2001, July 2001 , October 2001, December 2001
* Seeded Drivers 2008/2009
Archive:2007/8; 2006/72005/2006, 2004/05 2003/4,  ,2002/3 , 2001/2, 2000/1, 1999/2000, Champs of the Nineties plus Stars.
* Elf B4 Super One Website
* BRDC Stars of Tomorrow Website
* Honda Tech Regs V4; Honda Junior Regs; Rotax Max DD2 Regs.
* 2009 Calendar
* World Formula Regulations

The Association of British Kart Clubs (ABkC) was formed in 1990 to act as an interface between kart clubs and the sports governing body, the MSA, with whom there is a high degree of discussion and co-operation. The clubs are represented by the ABkC Steering Group which is elected each year during the  A.G.M.  held each Autumn. Over thirty of the kart clubs in the United Kingdom are members. The Steering Group also has representatives from other kart associations, which are usually regionally based, the MSA, the British Kart Industry Association (BKIA) and various championship organisers.  The Steering Group doubles up as the MSA Kart Regional Committee.  Decisions taken by that group will have a direct influence on all existing and proposed kart class regulations.

Every year the ABkC publishes its regulations which represent the class structure being used by the Association in its direct drive and gearbox national championships. These are contained within the MSA Kart Racing Yearbook, the "Gold Book". We ask that clubs affiliated to ABkC use the regulations contained within this document for their race meetings. Without this co-operation it would be impossible for drivers to move from club to club during the racing season and find the same race classes. The ABkC Regulations should be used as an addition to the Club's Supplementary Regulations, used as the reference point for the classes.

All ABkC clubs must run their meetings according to the regulations set down by the MSA. The officials and all safety regulations must conform to the current MSA Yearbook, the ABkC Regulations are only the class regulations.

ABkC National Championships will be organised by the Super One Series for 60/100/125cc direct drive classes whilst the Super 4 national gearbox class championships are split between the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow (Super ICC) and the Northern Karting Federation (NKF) for the others. ABkC single event National Championships - the 'O' Plates - may be organised for all these and for the other less popular existing classes and any newer classes as they become established.

It should be emphasised that the Super One Series awards the seeded numbers 1 - 15 in all KF, Rotax and TKM classes, and with the sole exception of the MSA British Cadet Championship, these are the only 1 - 15 numbers that are permitted to be used by drivers at the thirty ABkC clubs throughout the U.K. in these direct drive classes. Similarly the 1- 9 numbers from KZ1 are allocated from the ABkC national championship in the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow series, and the KZ2/ICC UK and 250 National from the Super 4 Series in the NKF.  Numbers from other series are not permitted to be used at club racing. There is one exception, the numbers from Comer Cadet Super One must be preceded with an S, to differentiate from the MSA British Cadet Championship series. Here is the list of authorised seeded numbers.

2000 Archive of Newsletters: December 2000, September 2000 News, June 2000 News, Mar2000, Feb2000, Dec1999

Senior officers of the Association
Chairman: Russell Anderson, Unit 2/3 Sterling Ind Est, Carwood, Castleford WF10 4PS
  Tel 01977 603838 Fax 01977 603839 E-mail: Chairman
Secretary: Graham Smith, "Stoneycroft", Godsons Lane, Napton, SOUTHAM CV47 8LX.
  Tel & Fax 01926 812177 - E-mail: Secretary
Treasurer: Colin Wright
  Tel: 07841 034192
Russell Anderson Graham Smith Steve Chapman Paul Gladstone (BKIA)

The elected members of the ABkC Steering Group / MSA Kart Regional Committee are:
Chairman: Russell Anderson; Secretary: Graham Smith
Class One Technical: Neil Hann; Cadet Technical: Paul Klaassen;
Class One positions: Simon Goodfellow (Class 1 Sub-group Chairman), Colin Wright, Nigel Edwards.
Gearbox Technical: Phil Featherstone; Class 4 Group: Mike Coombs (Sub-group chairman), Malcolm Fell, Bob Shipman, Steve Clayton. Treasurer: TBA
Non-elected positions from Kart Regional Associations and Championships etc:
Ian Hart (Scottish), Alan Stirling (N.I.), Sue Fairless (NKF), Roger Sheffield (F6),
Carolynn Hoy (BRDC Stars); Sonja Game (Super One); Kelvin Nicholls (Super Two); Bruce Taylor (NKRA);
Ian Rushforth (Superkart); Kate Bateman (210).  Not all attend on a regular basis.
President: Steve Chapman (Also chairman of Club Sub-group); MSA: Cheryl Lynch and John Ryan
Chairman of Kart Sporting Committee: Rod Taylor;  BKIA: Paul Gladstone.
 

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