IORK 2026 Frequently Asked Questions

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Welcome to the Indoor & Outdoor Rental Kart Championship (IORK) 2026. New Zealand Rental Go Kart Championships

We've put together this FAQ to answer the most common questions about the championship. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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Event Information

What is IORK?

The Indoor & Outdoor Rental Kart Championship (IORK) is New Zealand's premier outdoor rental kart championship, attracting drivers from across New Zealand and overseas. Competitors battle it out over four exciting days of racing, with multiple qualifying races before progressing to the championship finals.

Whether you're an experienced competitor or entering your first major rental kart championship, IORK offers professionally organised racing, fantastic competition and an unforgettable atmosphere.

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When is IORK 2026?

IORK 2026 will be held from 15–18 October 2026.

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Where is the event being held?

IORK 2026 will be hosted by Pro Karts Nelson, located in Tāhunanui, Nelson, New Zealand.

The circuit is just five minutes from Nelson Airport and within walking distance of many accommodation providers, restaurants, cafés and Tahunanui Beach.

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Why race at Pro Karts Nelson?

Pro Karts Nelson is one of New Zealand's leading outdoor rental kart circuits, known for its fast, flowing layout, high-quality Sodi kart fleet and professional event management. The venue has hosted national championships and major endurance events for many years.

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Can spectators attend?

Absolutely.

Friends, family and supporters are encouraged to attend throughout the championship.

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Is there a cost for spectators?

No. Spectator entry is free.

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Will there be live timing?

Yes.

Live timing and race results will be available throughout the championship.

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Will the event be livestreamed?

Yes.

Selected sessions, interviews and championship finals will be livestreamed.

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Entering the Championship

Are entries open?

Yes.

Entries are now open and can be completed online through the IORK website.

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When should I enter?

As early as possible.

Many classes sell out well before the event, so we recommend securing your place early.

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Is there an entry deadline?

Entries remain open until classes are full or registrations officially close.

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What happens if my class is full?

You'll be placed on the waiting list and contacted if a position becomes available.

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Can I enter more than one class?

Please refer to the current championship regulations or contact the organisers.

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Can I transfer my entry to another driver?

Entries are generally not transferable. If exceptional circumstances arise, please contact the organisers.

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Are entries refundable?

Entry fees are generally non-refundable.

If your circumstances change and you can no longer attend, please contact us as soon as possible. Depending on the notice provided and the circumstances, we may be able to transfer your entry as a credit towards the following year's championship.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.

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Driver Eligibility

What is the minimum age?

Drivers must be at least 12 years old.

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What is the minimum height?

Drivers must be at least 1.5 metres tall.

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Do I need previous racing experience?

No.

Drivers of all experience levels are welcome.

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Do I need a Motorsport licence?

No.

IORK is a rental kart championship and does not require a Motorsport New Zealand competition licence.

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Can overseas drivers compete?

Yes.

International competitors are welcome.

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Practice

Is practice included with my entry?

No.

Practice sessions are optional and can be booked separately before the championship.

A booking link is available on the IORK website.

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Should I practice before the event?

If you've never raced at Pro Karts Nelson before, we highly recommend booking a practice session.

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Can I complete multiple practice sessions?

Yes.

Practice can be booked subject to availability.

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Race Format

How does qualifying work?

Drivers compete in 6 qualifying races before progressing towards the championship finals.

Full details are available in the official championship regulations.

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How many races will I get?

Every competitor is guaranteed a minimum of 7 races during the championship.

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How are finalists determined?

Finalists are determined by qualifying performance in accordance with the official regulations.

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How long are the races?

Race lengths vary depending on the stage of the championship.

The official timetable and regulations outline each session.

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Championship Karts

Are all karts equal?

Every kart is carefully prepared, serviced and performance checked before the championship to provide the fairest competition possible.

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Can I choose my kart?

No.

Karts are provided and drawn by the organisers.

In the final, you could get the opportunity to pick your favoured kart depending on how high you qualify.

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What happens if my kart develops a fault?

Officials will assess the situation and apply the championship procedures where appropriate.

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Can I use my own kart?

No.

IORK is raced exclusively using the championship fleet supplied by Pro Karts Nelson.

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Driver Equipment

Do I need my own helmet?

No.

Helmet hire is available.

You may also wear your own approved helmet.

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Can I wear my own race suit?

Yes.

Race suits, gloves and race boots are welcome but are not compulsory.

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What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing suitable for racing.

All competitors must wear enclosed footwear.

Loose clothing, scarves and similar items are not permitted.

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Can I wear a GoPro or action camera?

Helmet or body-mounted cameras may only be used with approval from the organisers and must comply with event safety requirements.

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Can I listen to music while racing?

No.

Headphones and earbuds are not permitted while driving.

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Weight Classes

How do weight classes work?

Drivers compete within designated weight categories to ensure fair competition.

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Can I use ballast?

Yes.

Approved ballast systems may be used in accordance with the championship regulations.

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Will there be weigh-ins?

Yes.

Drivers will be weighed throughout the championship and random weight checks may be conducted.

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Driver Briefing

Do I need to attend the driver briefing?

Yes.

Attendance is compulsory for all competitors.

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Travelling to Nelson

Which airport should I fly into?

Nelson Airport.

The airport is approximately five minutes from the circuit.

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Do I need to hire a car?

Not necessarily.

Many competitors stay within walking distance of the venue.

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Are taxis available?

Yes.

Taxi and rideshare services operate throughout Nelson.

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Can I walk from my accommodation?

Many accommodation providers are within walking distance of the venue.

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Accommodation

Are there accommodation options nearby?

Yes.

There are hotels, motels, holiday parks and apartments all within easy reach of the circuit.

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Will accommodation discounts be available?

Selected accommodation providers may offer competitor rates. Details will be published on the website.

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During the Championship

What time should I arrive?

Please arrive at least 60 minutes before your first scheduled session.

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What happens if my flight is delayed?

Please contact the organisers as soon as possible.

We'll do everything reasonably possible to assist.

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What happens if I'm running late?

Please let us know immediately.

Missed sessions may not be able to be repeated.

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Can I leave my equipment at the venue overnight?

A designated storage area may be available. All equipment is left entirely at the owner's risk.

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Is parking available?

Yes.

Free parking is available for competitors and spectators.

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Is disabled parking available?

Yes.

Accessible parking is available close to the venue.

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Can I bring family and friends?

Absolutely.

Family and supporters are encouraged to attend.

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Can children attend?

Yes.

Children are welcome when supervised by a responsible adult.

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Food & Drinks

Can I bring my own food?

Yes.

Competitors are welcome to bring food and drinks.

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Is food available at the venue?

Yes.

Food and beverages will be available throughout the championship.

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Are there cafés and restaurants nearby?

Yes.

The Tāhunanui area has a wide selection of cafés, restaurants and takeaway outlets within walking distance.

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Weather

What happens if it rains?

The championship races in both wet and dry conditions.

Only severe weather or unsafe conditions would affect the schedule.

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Should I bring wet weather gear?

Yes.

Nelson generally enjoys fantastic weather, but it's always wise to pack a rain jacket and a change of clothes.

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Photography & Media

Can spectators take photographs?

Yes.

Photography for personal use is welcome.

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Can I fly a drone?

No.

Drones are not permitted unless authorised by the organisers.

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Awards

Are trophies awarded?

Yes.

Championship trophies are presented at the awards event on Sunday morning.

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Will championship merchandise be available?

Yes.

Official IORK merchandise will be available throughout the event while stocks last.

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First Time at IORK?

If this is your first IORK Championship, here are a few tips:

• Read the championship regulations before arriving.

• Book your accommodation early.

• Book any practice sessions well in advance.

• Arrive at least one hour before your first race.

• Attend the compulsory driver briefing.

• Bring enclosed shoes.

• Bring wet weather clothing just in case.

• Stay hydrated throughout the weekend.

• Most importantly, enjoy the experience and make new friends. IORK is known for its competitive racing, welcoming atmosphere and great sportsmanship.

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Still Have Questions?

If your question hasn't been answered here, we'd love to help.

Please contact the IORK team through our website or social media pages and we'll be happy to assist.