Race starts
Teams will be directed to their grid slot on the dummy grid. Once directed by the Grid Officials, teams are to push their karts onto the track and form up in dummy grid order on the track in the respective grid marking. Drivers can then sit in the karts and prepare for the start of the race.
Officials will then show a display board instructing teams to start their engines, and a following display board to clear the grid. Once the officials are happy, the race will then be started using light signals — karts will begin from a standing start.
Red flag procedure
If a red flag is shown, the session needs to be brought to an urgent stop. Officials will display the flags and direct drivers as to where they want them to stop — drivers are expected to reduce their speed to a walking pace during a red flag incident. Drivers may be directed to stop on track or directed to return to the pit lane. At the officials' discretion, the race may be re-started when deemed safe.
Race end
The chequered flag is used to signal the end of a race or practice session. When the chequered flag is displayed, drivers should complete the current lap and then proceed to the pit lane. Drivers are required to enter the pit lane slowly, being prepared to stop at any time as directed.
General flags
Chequered flag: Used to signal the end of a race or practice session. When the chequered flag is displayed, drivers should complete the current lap and then proceed to the pit lane. It's a universal symbol of the race's conclusion, signified with black and white colours.
Yellow flag: Also known as the caution flag, used to indicate a hazard on the track. When the yellow flag is displayed, drivers must slow down and maintain their position. Overtaking is not allowed under the yellow flag, and if an overtake takes place, a penalty may be issued.
Green flag: Used to signal the start of a race or the resumption of racing after a caution period. When the green flag is displayed, drivers can accelerate and resume normal racing speed. Most circuits will use a green light for the start of a race, but in some instances a green flag is shown.
Blue flag: Used to indicate that faster drivers are approaching lapped traffic and that slower drivers should allow them to pass. When the blue flag is displayed, drivers should move aside and allow the faster driver to pass safely.
Black flag: Used to signal a penalty or a mechanical issue with a driver's kart. When the black flag is displayed, the driver must immediately report to the pit lane.
Black & white warning flag: Displayed with the corresponding driver's number to advise an infringement has been committed — this could be an infringement such as contact with another driver, track limits etc. This flag is shown prior to a black flag and time penalty being issued.
Black & orange mechanical flag: Sometimes referred to as the 'meatball flag', this flag is shown with the corresponding kart number to indicate there is a technical defect, and the kart must return to the pits as soon as possible for observation/action.
'Slow' boards: May be used at various points around the circuit — these act similar to a safety car, requiring drivers to reduce their speed immediately and maintain this until a green flag is shown.
Wet race
If a Wet Race is declared, the officials may choose to reduce the overall lap length to approximately half. The format and procedures of the race will remain the same, with the lap length reduced for safety. As part of a Wet Race procedure, karts will remain on slick tyres.
Driver signalling area
The Driver Signalling Area will usually be located near the start/finish line. It will be cordoned off with barriers and clearly marked with signs, and its location will be shared prior to the event day. Only one student and one teacher per team are permitted in the area at any time, and only when actually signalling their drivers — it is not to be used as a general spectating area.
Pit stop process
Drivers are to enter the pit lane slowly, stopping as directed and turning off their engine. The driver is to then push their kart to the designated numbered cone as directed by a member of the Pit Stop Team.
The next driver is to then approach and enter the kart, fitting any seat insert or pedal extensions as required. A member of the Pit Stop Team will ensure the driver can safely press the brake pedal before restarting the kart's engine and allowing the driver to slowly exit the pit area and re-join the track.