IORK Racing Rules
IORK 2026 Official Rules
(Pro Karts Nelson)
Appendix A – 2026 Amendments
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Venue changed to Pro Karts Nelson.
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Drivers permitted to pit during yellow flag conditions.
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Red light procedure updated to walking pace return to pits.
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Timed race clarification added.
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Pit lane moderate speed penalty clarification added.
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Final lap trigger changed to 19 seconds remaining.
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Final Notes: Rules not specifically in this rulebook.
Section 1 – Off the Track
This is a friendly social event; NO aggression will be tolerated. While we aim to win, we are all here to have fun.
Both helmet and seatbelt must be securely fastened before exiting pit lane.
On Pro Karts Nelson premises all Health and Safety guidelines set out in their Rules of Conduct must be obeyed.
You are allowed to bring and use your own crash helmet, but it must be safety checked at driver registration and have an approved sticker placed on it before racing.
Drivers must report to the grid 30 minutes before their race.
Drivers competing in Semi Finals or Grand Finals must check in 60 minutes before their race.
Section 2 – On the Track
Flags & Lights
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Green = Race.
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Yellow = Crash ahead → remain in single file (1 kart behind another). No passing allowed.
Drivers must stay in single-file until racing is back to green.
Drivers may enter the pits during a yellow flag if completing a compulsory pit stop.
Failure to comply may result in a 2-point Championship penalty deduction.
Always respect staff safety.
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Red = When a red light or red flag is displayed, drivers must immediately slow to walking pace and return to the pits.
If the track is blocked and drivers cannot safely reach the pits, they must slow down, avoid the incident ahead and wait for instructions from track marshals.
Once instructed by officials, drivers will return to the pits for a rolling restart.
Pit stops completed during a red light will not count as compulsory pit stops.
Failure to comply may result in disqualification or Race Points Penalty.
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Chequered = End of race → slow down and return safely back to the pits.
Drivers must familiarise themselves with all flag and light locations.
Always keep both hands on the steering wheel (except when signalling to pit).
Racing Room
If the front bumper of a trailing kart is at least parallel with the middle of the seat line of the kart beside it, the leading driver must leave adequate racing room.
This applies on the inside and outside of corners, as well as on straights.
Late dives: If a trailing driver attempts a late dive into a corner without establishing overlap (front bumper parallel with the middle of the seat line) before the turn-in point, the leading driver is not required to leave room. Any contact or incident in this case will be deemed the responsibility of the trailing driver.
Fair move example: Driver A leads, Driver B brakes later and establishes overlap before turn-in → Driver A must leave room.
Unfair move example: Driver B dives late with no overlap before turn-in → Driver B at fault for any contact.
Barging and deliberate contact with any kart is not acceptable.
Continuous bumping to gain or disadvantage another driver will result in penalties.
Barriers / Track Limits
No contact with barriers is permitted.
Barriers are classed as track limits, and any contact with a barrier is a breach of track limits.
Drivers must always remain within the marked kerbing and outer white lines.
Wheels crossing beyond the white line = exceeding track limits.
Officials may use discretion if no advantage is gained.
Maximum of three warnings allowed per event; further infringements = Drive through stop/go pit stop penalty.
Track limits are judged only by officials.
Dangerous Driving includes
• Erratic movements
• Spinning out
• Deliberate contact
• Forcing another driver wide into a barrier
• Dive bombing
• Brake checking
• Removing seatbelt or unfastening helmet strap before stationary
• Forcing competitors out of the way
Blocking
One defensive move only.
The move cannot be late or aggressive.
No weaving or multiple direction changes.
Must leave 1 kart width if overlap exists.
Dangerous blocking may result in penalties.
Timed Race Procedures
All races at IORK are timed races.
Drivers are racing for position, and the leading kart when the race time expires will be declared the race winner.
Final Lap Rule:
When the race clock shows 19 seconds or less remaining, the next time the race leader crosses the start finish line the final lap begins.
The chequered flag will be shown at the end of that lap.
Deliberate impeding is considered bad sportsmanship and may result in penalties or disqualification without refund.
Section 3 – Warm-Up Laps
When a kart exits the pits for the warm up lap and proceeds around to the grid, all drivers must maintain full control of their karts.
If a driver spins out on the warm up lap, requires assistance, or cannot return to their grid position immediately, they will be required to start from the back of the grid.
There will be no waiting for drivers who spin or stop on the warm up lap.
Drivers following behind should continue around to the grid without stopping if another kart has spun.
It is the responsibility of each driver to avoid spinning on the warm up lap.
Tyre warming manoeuvres are not required as karts run all day and tyres remain warm.
Section 4 – Compulsory Timed Pit Stops
All races include compulsory timed pit stops with automatic red/green light timing systems.
Qualifying Heats
• 2 compulsory stationary timed pit stops
• Minimum stop time: 7 seconds
Semi Finals
• 3 compulsory stationary timed pit stops
• Minimum stop time: 7 seconds
Grand Final
• 4 compulsory stationary timed pit stops
• Minimum stop time: 27 seconds
Failure to complete compulsory pit stops will result in a Did Not Finish (DNF) classification.
Section 5 – Pit Lane
Signalling Pit Entry
Raise one arm briefly before Turn 7.
Raise and hold high for 3 to 4 seconds between Turns 5 and 7.
After Turn 6 merge toward the outside of the track ready for pit entry without blocking another driver.
If you cannot safely merge you must wait another lap to pit.
Pit Lane Speed Control
Pit entry speed limit is 10 kmh.
The pit lane safety monitoring system will display:
• Green light = within speed limit
• Yellow light = marginal speed
• Red light = speeding
A moderate speed or speeding infringement will result in a time penalty added to the next pit stop.
Lock ups or loss of traction = 2 point penalty.
Pit Stop Procedure
Stop in the blue cone box.
Remain belted in the kart.
Wait for the green light.
Only one driver per lane at a time.
If both pit boxes are full drivers must double stack until a box becomes available.
Drivers may use the drive through penalty lane at walking pace, however this will not count as a pit stop.
Pit Exit
When leaving the pit lane look right and give way to karts on track.
Merge safely.
After the race follow track staff instructions and do not exit the kart until all karts have stopped.
Section 6 – Pits and Officials
The pits are out of bounds during qualifying heats to everyone other than track staff and IORK officials.
The only time anyone may enter is when entering or exiting their assigned kart.
The Senior Official and Track Official viewing areas are out of bounds to drivers at all times.
Breach of these rules may result in a maximum 6-point Championship penalty deduction.
All complaints, concerns or questions must be directed to officials via the driver waiting area.
Section 7 – Incidents
Incidents involving two or more karts that cause a stoppage or yellow flag may be reviewed by video at the officials discretion.
Section 8 – Broken Karts
Finals and Semi-Finals
If a kart breaks down the red flag will be displayed, and the race stopped.
The driver will be placed into a replacement kart.
The race will restart under a rolling start once officials are satisfied.
No pit stops may be completed during a red flag.
Qualifying Heats
Drivers will be given a replacement kart and the race will continue.
Officials will do their best to re award lost points if required.
Section 9 – Safety Rule
The safety of staff is paramount.
If a staff member is on the track drivers must slow down and avoid them.
If a driver puts a staff member at risk they may receive a 10 Championship Point penalty or disqualification.
Section 10 – Outside Help / Communication
One person may signal pit clearance.
One person may bring water during pit stops.
In the final no assistance is allowed during the final 10 minutes of the race.
No outside communication devices are permitted including radios phones or boards.
Breach of these rules = 6 penalty points.
Section 11 – Penalties
Penalty points are separate from Championship Points.
6 penalty points = one extra compulsory timed pit stop
10 penalty points = disqualification from the event
Black Flag
Drivers must complete the stop go penalty before the end of the race.
Failure to complete will result in a DNF and zero points.
Section 12 – RaceFacer Driver Profiles
Driver profiles must display the driver’s full legal name.
Nicknames or alternative spellings are not permitted.
Profile photos must be appropriate.
Any inappropriate name or photo will result in a 2 Championship Point deduction.
Section 13 – Categories
Drivers will be weighed with race kit on Day One.
If underweight drivers may be moved to another category.
Weight vests may be used to move up a category only.
Weight vests must be securely fastened and approved at registration.
Unsafe or non-compliant vests may be rejected.
Failure to comply may result in penalties or disqualification.
18 Years & under Category and Under 69 kg Category
The minimum weight for the 18 years & under category and the Under 69 kg category is 55 kg.
Drivers may use a weight vest to reach the 55 kg minimum weight if required.
For these two categories the artificial weight rule does not apply. Drivers do not need to weigh 5 kg over the category minimum.
Drivers must still be at or above the 55 kg minimum weight at driver weigh in and during any random weight checks during the event.
Ladies Final Race
The special event Ladies Final race has a minimum weight of 65 kg.
Drivers may use a weight vest to reach the 65 kg minimum weight.
The artificial weight rule does not apply to the Ladies Final category.
Drivers must still be at or above the 65 kg minimum weight at weigh in or during any random weight checks.
Section 14 – Race Event Format
The event spans three days with practice prior.
Qualifying Races
Each driver participates in:
• 6 × 8 minute qualifying races
Each race requires:
• 2 compulsory timed pit stops
Ties will be resolved by
1. Least penalties
2. Fastest lap
3. Average podium finish
4. Average race finish
5. Positions gained
Semi Finals
• 15-minute race
• 3 compulsory pit stops
Results based purely on finishing position.
Grand Final
• 45 minute race
• 4 compulsory pit stops
Results based purely on finishing position.
Section 15 – Finals Qualification
Fewer than 30 drivers
• Top 16 progress directly to Grand Final
30 to 40 drivers
• Top 10 progress to Grand Final
• Next 16 compete in Semi Final
• Top 6 join Grand Final
41 or more drivers
• Top 32 progress to Semi Finals
• Two Semi Finals of 16 drivers
• Top 8 from each progress to Grand Final
Section 16 – Points Table
Final Notes
Rules may be amended at any time for the safety or well being of staff and or customers.
All decisions are final at the discretion of IORK officials and track staff.
Remember we are only human and perceive things as we see them.
If a situation arises where a rule is not specifically written in this rulebook, it must be presumed that the action is not permitted. This rule exists to prevent competitors from attempting to bend, exploit, or work around the rules. Any behaviour that officials determine is intended to gain an unfair advantage outside the spirit of these regulations may result in penalties or disqualification at the discretion of Race Control.
Version: 2026 V1
Copyright © 2026 IORK Indoor & Outdoor Rental Karts. All rights reserved.
This rulebook and its contents are the intellectual property of IORK. Unauthorised reproduction, copying, distribution, or use of these rules in any form without written permission from IORK is strictly prohibited.
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