British Superkart Racing Club

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

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What circuits in the United Kingdom do you race on?

Superkarting takes place on long circuits. A long circuit has to be 1500 metres or longer in length. There are potentially 19 long circuits across the UK .
  • Anglesey
  • Brands Hatch
  • Bishopscourt
  • Cadwell Park
  • Castle Combe
  • Croft
  • Donington Park
  • Darley Moor
  • Goodwood
  • Kirkistown
  • Knockhill
  • Lydden Hill
  • Mallory Park
  • Oulton Park
  • Pembrey
  • Rockingham
  • Silverstone
  • Snetterton
  • Thruxton
Most are permitted to hold Superkart Racing apart from Goodwood. Some of the alternative circuits at places like Brands Hatch(GP Circuit) and Rockingham (Oval) are not allowed to host Superkarts for circuit design reasons. Whilst we have a big choice, the circuits used each year will depend on what the host car or motor cycle clubs offer to us. The popular circuits like Cadwell, Oulton, Donington and Snetterton are usually always in the calendar with the other circuits dipping in and out each year to create variety.

What gear do I need and what license?

To race in long circuit superkarting you need a leather motorcycle suit that is at least 1mm thick, you can use a two peice leather suit as long as they can be zipped together. You need appropriate footwear and glove as well as a snell-FIA approved karting helmet. To race in F125 open/KZ you need to hold a National B kart license and if you need to have a yellow plate with a black cross through it as well as your number plate to indicate you are a novice. If you wish to race in the MSA250 National or Division 1 you need to hold a National A karting license. However if you own a 250 national kart and you have a National B license you are allowed to race off of the back of the grid at some of the 125 race meetings.

What tyres do you run?

There are two sizes of tyres/wheels, either 5” or 6”. The 125’s can use either size but the rest of the classes have to use 6” wheels and tyres. All tyres used on long circuit have to homologated by the CIK (world governing body) so that a known standard is adopted particularly with regards speed ratings etc. At club style events the choice is larger as it takes on board all manufacturers from past homologations but at British and National Championship level the list is reduced to just Hoosiers and Dunlop. This is mainly because of commercial reasons i.e they sponsor the series. At Championships level the number of tyres permitted for the event is restricted to one set. This is done to control costs.

What type of events do you have?

Events run by the British Superkart Racing club can be single two day events or two day events. The club usually offers a minimum of one hour of track time so typically a single day event is made up of four 15 minute sessions so could consist of a free practice session, qualifying session and two races or a qualifier and three races. Alternatively at two day events the content will consist of five 12 minute sessions so a free practice session, qualifying session and three races or a qualifier and four races. Three Saturday and two sessions on Sunday Some people like the single day format others like the more relaxed two day event format so we try to get a balance between the two with both formats being used.

More can seen about events here.