Know Before You Go · 2026-00
Test Destination Season Rules
Rules
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 The KartDay League Racing Series is an arrive-and-drive kart racing program. KartDay does not own or operate racing facilities but is a tool to organize league racing through the use of our platform. It is our goal to provide a safe, competitive, and fair arrive-and-drive kart racing environment. The purpose of this document is to outline how the events will be run; establish a clear understanding of the rules and regulations; and ultimately, provide insight on how to successfully compete in a race. It is the responsibility of each competitor to know, understand, and follow the rules outlined in this document.
2 DRIVER ELIGIBILITY
2.1 Minimum Age: Each venue sets its own age requirements for a league event. Please check with the local venue before registering. 2.2 Physical: Kart racing involves high speeds and running in dense traffic situations with drivers of varying ability and speed. Kart racing can be a dangerous activity and can result in serious or fatal injuries. Drivers should be in generally good health and fully capable of handling a kart at speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour. 2.3 Experience: KartDay reserves the right to exclude, at any time, before or during an event, any driver it considers insufficiently experienced or unsafe. It is highly recommended that a driver new to kart racing attends a class or clinic, and have multiple on-track sessions at the venue where the event is hosted. Inexperienced drivers may be required to demonstrate appropriate ability.
3 REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION
3.1 Event Registration (with KartDay): All KartDay racing programs require pre-registration. Registration is offered on a first-paid, first served basis. Since KartDay racing programs may sell out, only fully paid, pre-registered drivers will be guaranteed an entry into a given event. Entries will not be held or reserved for anyone without full payment. 3.2 Event Registration (with local Venue): You must ALSO register with the local venue and indicate to them that you are participating in the League Race. Each local venue will have their own rules and procedures for registration, cancelations, and refunds. 3.3 Customer Cancellation: All KartDay racing program prices and sales are final and non-refundable at the time of purchase. Customers may request to reschedule a race entry to another event of the same program type subject to availability. Reschedule requests require seven (7) calendar days or more written notice by e-mail. Reschedule requests within seven (7) calendar days of the event start date will not be allowed and will result in the full forfeiture of the program price, as will event “no shows.” Customers may transfer their paid event entry to another eligible driver, but must inform KartDay of the driver change at least 48 hours prior to the event start time. Driver changes with less than 48 hours notice will not be allowed. 3.4 Event Cancellation or Modification: While KartDay makes every effort to run all scheduled on track sessions on each scheduled event date, there are situations that require the cancellation and reschedule of an event date or modification to the scheduled program.
4 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Safety Equipment: Each venue will have its own requirements for safety equipment, and most venues will also provide the equipment. Please check with the local venue.
6 EVENT FORMAT, AND GENERAL PROCEDURES
6.1 Drivers Meeting: All drivers are required to attend the Drivers Meeting. The Drivers Meeting will focus on addressing issues specific to that day’s event, and will not go through a full reading of the rulebook and format at each event. 6.2 Supplemental Rules: KartDay may publish supplementary bulletins and make announcements during the Driver Meeting. These bulletins and announcements carry the full weight of the rules. 6.3 Event Format: Each event will feature a maximum driver cap of 90 entries, with a maximum of 30 drivers +1 on track at once (venue dependent). Each driver will get a qualifying, heat race, and a Main race. The number and size of groups will be adjusted according to attendance. 6.4 On Track Sessions: 6.4.1 Qualifying: Qualifying run groups and karts will be drawn and assigned at random. Qualifying will be either timed or a set number of laps, depending on the venue. The driver’s single best lap time in the session will dictate how they are seeded into their first heat race. Drivers may not wait for other drivers on course. Stopping on track is not allowed. Drafting, bump drafting, or any means of team play are not allowed. 6.4.2 Heat Race: Heat Race length is one rental session or a set number of laps, depending on the venue. Starting position will be dictated by the results of the qualifying session. Race will feature a double-file side-by-side rolling start. 6.4.3 Main Events: Drivers will be seeded into their corresponding main event race based upon their heat race finishes, using qualifying as the tie-breaker. Drivers will be assigned to the A, B, or C Main. B and C Mains will run 12 laps in duration, while the A Main will run 15 laps in duration*. Mains will feature a two-by-two ROLLING START. If a driver wins their Main Event, they will advance to start last in the next Main and keep the higher points associated with the better finishing position. A driver transferring in this fashion may run in a kart previously driven that day. 6.5 Missing A Session: Drivers are responsible for driving in their assigned session/group/race. If a driver misses their assigned session/race, they will NOT be moved to another one and will forfeit the time lost and classified as a DNS (Did Not Start). 6.6 Entering Wrong Session: Drivers that enter the track in the wrong practice or qualifying session will NOT be timed or scored in that session, but will be able to complete the session. They will NOT be able to go out in their scheduled session and will be classified as a DQ (Disqualified). Drivers that go out in the wrong race session (heat or main), prior to their scheduled session, will be sent back to the pits and will start last in their scheduled session. 6.7 Equipment: All karts, tools, fuel, spare parts, and timing equipment will be provided by the venue. Drivers will not be allowed to use their own equipment (except safety gear) or make any mechanical adjustments or repairs to the equipment provided by the venue. Any driver caught making adjustments to the equipment will be subject to penalty or ejection from the event. Drivers will also be financially responsible for any damage resulting from their adjustments, repairs, or tampering. 6.8 Kart Selection: The random kart selection process is an automated computer program run prior to every on-track session. Drivers will not be permitted to voluntarily change karts. Drivers will only be allowed to switch karts if there is a mechanical defect with the kart that they were assigned, which will be determined by the Mechanical Staff. 6.8.1 Getting In Wrong Kart: In qualifying, drivers that enter the track in the wrong kart will NOT be timed and will be classified last in their session. In a heat race or main, drivers that enter the track in the wrong kart will be sent back to the pit area to receive their correct kart before re-entering the track, where they will start last. The start of the race will not be delayed. It is up to the driver to get in the correct kart, with any required ballast, and to obey all pit lane rules in the process. Driver may be held on pit lane once the race has been started to insure a safe re-entry. 6.9 Weight Ballast: Use of weight ballast is dependent on the rules of the venue. If the venue allows ballast, then these types of ballast are the only ballast allowed for KartDay events: weight vest, lead sheet weight placed in the seat under the driver, ballast supplied by the venue that is affixed to the kart (example is a manufacture style variable weight box). It is up to each driver to be at weight, and to install and remove any ballast from a kart. A one-pound tolerance will be allowed. If a driver is seen using unapproved, or unlabeled ballast, they will be subject to a penalty. 6.10 Securing Ballast / Other Personal Items: All items supplied by a driver (i.e. ballast, cameras, etc.) must be labeled with their name, and safely secured to either their person or the kart. Any personal item that either leaves the kart, or appears to be a safety concern may be grounds for a penalty. Cameras are treated the same as ballast, and are required to be labeled. 6.11 Measuring Weight: Drivers are required to be at proper weight at the END of each on-track session. Drivers may be weighed at any time but should expect to be weighed when coming off the track. Drivers waiting to be weighed must remain in the Pits. Drivers seen exchanging anything before being weighed will be penalized. 6.11.1 Drivers not meeting the minimum weight rules in practice or qualifying will have all their times disallowed, while not meeting the minimum weight in any race session will mean disqualification (last place in the session, and corresponding points). 6.12 Use of Radios: All radio communication from either driver to driver, or driver to crew is not allowed during competition. Use of radios may result in confiscation of equipment, and further penalties.
7 ON TRACK PROCEDURES AND REGULATIONS
7.1 Grid Procedures: 7.1.1 Driver Preparedness: Drivers are responsible for being in their assigned kart, with proper equipment, and ballast to start their session on time. All groups will be posted in advance, with regular announcements called over the P.A. 7.2 Starting Procedures: 7.2.1 Rolling Starts: For the implementation of a 2x2 rolling start, drivers will be gridded in a 2x2 formation, with the pole-sitting driver having the preferred inside line to the first corner. Once gridded, drivers will be sent for a single warm-up lap and will attempt to take the green the first time by. The front row is REQUIRED to accelerate at the green flag, with the rest of the field following suit. Each lane of karts needs to stay aligned, not get out of line, and stay in a nose-to-tail formation without front to back contact. Drivers who move out of line early, are not in formation or make front to back contact prior to the Start Line may be penalized. Drivers may overtake once crossing the Start/Finish line, designated by a painted checkered line across the track. 7.2.2 Waived Off Starts: In the case of a waived off start, no green will be displayed and drivers will be forced to try it again next time around.
10 SPORTING CODE / PENALTIES
10.1 Driver Code of Conduct: 10.1.1 Good Sportsmanship: It is the spirit and intent of these rules that all competitors drive exhibiting good sportsmanship; that is, every driver is expected to behave according to principles of fairness, observe all rules, show respect for other drivers, proceed on track without touching or endangering the vehicles of fellow competitors and accept victory or defeat graciously. Drivers should also remember they are responsible for the conduct of their guests as well, and may be penalized for any unsportsmanlike behavior by them, or their guests. 10.1.2 Inadvertent Contact: Occasional contact between karts on track is a reality of racing. The judgment of the point at which inadvertent contact becomes deliberate pushing, bumping, crowding, nerfing, blocking, etc. is solely at the discretion of the Race Director and officials. 10.1.3 Overtaking: The overtaking driver is expected to obtain “dominant position” prior to the entry of both drivers into the upcoming corner. “Dominant position” is defined as the nose of the overtaking kart surpassing the imaginary bisectional line of the kart being overtaken (considered to be the steering wheel of the kart being overtaken) prior to the turn-in point. 10.1.4 Racing Room: Drivers are expected to give ample racing room, and not force other drivers into a situation where they may make contact, either with other drivers or walls, or where they are force another driver off course. Not leaving enough room may be grounds for a penalty, depending on severity. This is the responsibility of all drivers, whether being passed, or passing. 10.1.5 Crowding: Drivers that do not give ample racing room, or room for another driver to maneuver may be considered to be crowding. Drivers may be penalized for crowding, even if it does not directly result in position loss. 10.1.6 Deliberate Contact: Deliberate contact, bumping, nerfing, pushing, etc., will be grounds for penalty, up to and potentially including ejection, depending on severity. Deliberate contact includes “bump drafting”. Gain From Contact: Contact that results in a driver gaining an advantage, and resulting in a position gain may be penalized. A driver that gains from contact, albeit unintentional, may be able to avoid a penalty via letting the other driver back by in a show of good sportsmanship. Cutting the Course: Any driver leaving the course or cutting the apex of the corner is subject to penalty or disqualification at the discretion of the Race Director. Re-Entering the Track: A driver who has gone off the racing surface will re-enter the racetrack as far off the racing line as possible allowing all other competing karts sufficient room to avoid any possibility of contact with the re-entering kart. A driver must re-enter the track only at a point that will provide no advantage in time, distance, or position relative to competing karts. Any penalties assessed will be at the discretion of the Race Director and can range from Black Flag to Disqualification. 10.1.7 Blocking: Any reactionary move made by a driver to impede the progress of another driver, or multiple moves upon entering a corner may be considered blocking by officials. Drivers are to pick a line, stick to the line, or only make a single non-reactionary move to maintain position. 10.1.8 Passing Under Yellow: If a driver improves their position under a yellow flag condition they will be given one lap to give back the position by pointing the overtaken driver(s) by. If the overtaking driver fails to surrender position, they will be issued a black flag or time penalty. 10.1.9 Ignoring a Penalty Flag: Any driver that fails to report to the pits after being shown the black flag for two consecutive laps will be disqualified. 10.1.10 Potential Damage: If a race official suspects that a kart may have damage or a mechanical issue making it unsafe to drive, the driver may be issued a black flag for subsequent safety inspection. 10.2 Penalty Procedures: 10.2.1 Black Flag Penalty: A driver receiving the black flag is REQUIRED to report to the pits immediately. The black flag will be used for rules violations as well as mechanical issues. The driver will be greeted by a race official in the pit area and given an explanation for the black flag. Drivers who receive a black flag will not be allowed to rejoin the race. 10.2.2 Post Race Position Penalty: Position penalties may be issued for any race infraction 10.2.3 Video Review: The use of video to review incidents may be used during, or after the conclusion of an event. If an incident is found that was not penalized during the event, a penalty may be assessed to the driver at fault post event. The full range of penalties may be used in the case of video review. Calls made in this way may not be challenged.
13 AUTHORITY
KartDay and the Race Director reserve the right to alter the event rules and regulations to suit any special or unforeseen situation. All decisions by the Race Director are final and are not subject to appeal or protest. These general rules may be modified in part to suit a particular race.