01634 201562
Flags and their meanings
Drivers must understand and obey all flag signals. These will be explained during the safety briefing but to enable you to familiarise yourself prior to the event, the flags you are likely to encounter are:
Red flag
Race stopped. Cease racing immediately, put one hand in the air (if you are competent to do so) to indicate that you are slowing. Reduce speed to walking pace and proceed to the next manned marshal post. You will then be given further instructions. Do not brake hard upon seeing the red flag as this is likely to cause a further incident.
Yellow flag
Great danger. There is an incident past the marshal. Cease racing. No overtaking. Raise a hand (if you are competent to do so) to indicate that you are slowing. You should slow to about three quarters of racing speed. Once past the incident you must check that the next manned marshal post is clear before resuming racing.
Black/white diagonal flag or board (shown with your kart number)
Driver warning. This flag or board is displayed at the start line and will be accompanied by your kart number. A smaller board may also accompany this, informing you of the reason for the warning (e.g. contact, kerbing etc.). You do not have to come in to the pits but you should note the reason for the warning and try to avoid repetition of the offence. Repetition may mean you are shown a penalty board and will then be penalised.
Black flag
You MUST return to the pits on the next lap. You will be met by a member of staff who will explain the reason for the flag. A black flag may be given for a number of reasons:
Repeated warnings.
Overtaking under
a yellow flag.
Deliberate contact.
Dangerous driving.
Mechanical defect
unspotted by driver.
Not correctly dressed.
Always come in if you are given a black flag. It is often for your own safety.
Chequered flag
Race over. Cease racing. Fall in line behind pace kart in single file. In the absence of a pace kart, drive at half speed back to the grid.
NOTE: Lights may be used to supplement flags and these should be treated as if they were flags in every case.
Safety rules and flags used
Signing On
All drivers MUST sign on at reception before going on to the circuit.
Safety Briefing
All drivers MUST attend the safety briefing. Should any driver find that they have been delayed en-route to the circuit and suspect that they may be late for the briefing, they should telephone Reception on 01634 201562 ext 310 and advise the staff of the situation. The race director will make every effort to ensure that the driver is sufficiently briefed on arrival, however if this is not possible due to time constraints, the driver may have to forfeit the event. No refunds will be given.
Apparel
It is the responsibility of each driver to ensure that they are dressed correctly before going onto the circuit. A crash helmet of the correct size must be worn and correctly fastened before entering the pit lane. If the driver is using a helmet supplied by Buckmore Park, a balaclava (also supplied) must be worn. Visors must be closed at all times when on circuit. A racesuit must be worn and completely done up, and its belt must be fastened or otherwise secured. Gloves MUST be worn at all times and long hair must be safely tucked into the back of the racesuit or otherwise secured. Buckmore Park will supply Rib-Tec rib protectors. Whilst these are not compulsory, we strongly suggest that they are worn to protect your ribs in the event of an incident. We recommend that drivers bring suitable footwear for kart racing. Race boots are the ideal but trainers are an acceptable alternative. It is not sensible to wear heavy soled boots. Sandals and high heeled shoes are NOT acceptable. Any driver failing to comply with any of the above standards will be black flagged and will have to return to the pits for the safety of themselves and others on the circuit.
Driving Standards
Competitors must drive within their ability when on circuit. Flag signals MUST be obeyed at all times. Karting is a non-contact sport and any contact reported by the marshals will be dealt with as set out in 'Penalties' below. Note: staff will be on circuit during the race to act as rescue vehicles in the event of a competitor becoming stuck on circuit. Stay inside your kart at all times unless directed to leave. You will be penalised if you get out of your kart anywhere on the circuit unless directed to do so by a member of staff.
Pit Lane
If you should need to come into the pits for any reason, you MUST enter at walking speed.
Alcohol and Drugs
It is strictly forbidden for any driver to be under the influence of any form of alcohol or drugs. Drivers suspected of any abuse of this rule will be refused permission to race. No monies will be refunded. Drivers will be asked to declare that they have not partaken of alcohol in the 12 hours preceding the race.
Medical Self Declaration
The attention of drivers is drawn to the clause on the indemnity form that confirms your fitness to undertake motorsport.
Penalties
Drivers who obey the rules and regulations, and all flag signals will not be liable to any penalties. For those who fall foul of the rules, the penalties are set out below.
Contact or kerbing:
First minor offence: driver warning.
Second minor offence: driver warning.
Third minor offence: black flag and possible disqualification.
Deliberate contact: immediate black flag and exclusion from the race.
Overtaking under a yellow flag:
Immediate black flag.
Pit lane speeding:
Driver will be held and then made to go around again and enter at the correct speed.
Getting out of kart on circuit:
Immediate black flag.
Ignoring black flag:
Exclusion from race.
Incorrect apparel:
Immediate black flag.
Aggressive/abusive behaviour:
Removal from circuit and possible ban.
Alcohol/drug abuse:
Removal from circuit and possible ban.