The National Competition Rules 2026

For the first time, Motorsport UK’s RTA Disqualification Regulations are now formally included in the NCR. While these requirements have been in effect for some time via policy, this change improves transparency and consistency.

Key points include:

• Any road driving disqualification will result in the automatic withdrawal of relevant Motorsport UK licences for the duration of that disqualification

• This now explicitly includes disqualifications issued in the UK Crown Dependencies (such as Jersey and Guernsey)

• Individuals must self-report any such disqualification to Motorsport UK without delay

Appeal changes:

• There is no right of appeal where an RTA disqualification affects ARDS, ARKS, BARS or AHASS instructor licences

• There is no right of appeal for any offence involving alcohol or drug consumption

• Certain personal impacts (such as financial hardship or employment consequences) will no longer be considered mitigating factors at appeal

These changes reflect the responsibility held by licence holders and Motorsport UK’s firm commitment to safety and integrity.

Several updates clarify:

• Who is entitled to appeal a decision

• What decisions may be appealed, and under what circumstances

• The distinction between appeals against results, official decisions, and protests

These changes address confusion seen in recent seasons and ensure the judicial process is clear and fair for all involved.

Junior Race Licences

Following the move to digital licences, Junior Race licences can no longer be wholly held by Championship Organisers. The updated wording reflects current practice and ensures appropriate licence checks.

FIA Impact Data Recorders (IDR)

Vehicles competing in British, National status and Junior Championships must now be fitted with an FIA Impact Data Recorder, installed in line with manufacturer instructions.

This requirement has already been in place during 2025 and is now formally regulated within the NCR. The data collected has proven extremely valuable in improving understanding of incidents and enhancing safety across the sport.

Safety Clarifications

• Red warning lights must be both switched on and fully operational when required

• Endurance race penalties now increase by one lap per racing hour, rather than one minute

• Bad weather racing regulations now allow for abandonment of a session (rather than an entire event) where conditions may reasonably improve within two hours

Paddock Safety – Autocross & Rallycross

All competitors must now have:

• A fire extinguisher available in their paddock area

• A ground sheet under the vehicle when in the paddock

These measures enhance fire safety and environmental protection.

Junior Speed Events

Greater flexibility has been introduced for Juniors with prior experience, allowing a reduction in the number of single runs required in Junior Sprint events, helping event scheduling while maintaining safety.

Sport Libre – Aerodynamic Devices

Regulations have been relaxed to allow more extensive aerodynamic devices for Saloon and Sports Cars in Sport Libre, aligning more closely with FIA European Hill Climb Championship regulations and Hot Lap Challenge Pro classes.

• Adoption of SLOW boards across Karting regulations

• Introduction of silicone medical alert bracelets for competitors with relevant medical conditions

• Prohibition of cameras or augmented reality devices in helmets

• Clarification of ballast mounting requirements and routing of cables and fluid lines near ROPS

• Prohibition of emergency or temporary-use tyres in Car Trials

• Additional pathways and signature requirements for Kart Clerks upgrading to National level
• The introduction of Road Rally Clerk of the Course licences from 2026, applying to specific permit types

• Clerks may now rescind 5 second/10 second track limits penalties after the race if onboard footage (that has remained fully under the control of the Organiser) clearly shows that the judgement was flawed and provides evidence for mitigation of the breach
• Penalty scale for track limits re-confirmed (warning → 5s → 10s → drive-through → black flag). Clerks must ensure signals are displayed before escalating
• New clarity that dishonesty allegations go straight to the National Court, removing this burden from Event Officials
• A technical breach can no longer rely on the defence of “no advantage gained.”

• All doctors, paramedics, nurses and medical assistants must be ASN-licensed and professionally registered, with strict insurance requirements.
• Introduction of “Doctor (S)” supervised licence and Observer roles (students and newly-qualified practitioners)
• Every treated person must have an ASN Patient Report Form completed
• New Rescue Pathway with specific reference to minimum crew requirements

• Race stoppage rules clarified: discounted laps won’t count for track limits, but other infringements may still be penalised
• Two-way radios (in circuit racing) permitted only for specific national championships, international races or driver-change races
• Updated seeding rules for multi-venue forestry stage rallies, prioritising anticipated performance while managing risk to less experienced crews

• Organisers may now publicise events before a permit is issued
• Championship organisers are solely responsible for ensuring no third-party IP rights are infringed
• Clerks of the Course are required to have an Official’s licence at select Road Rally permitted events

• Updated membership rules now allow Clubs to exclude under-16s from voting at AGMs

• New road rally requirements for Control Boards, Code Board visibility, and the display of official board examples at signing-on
• Road rally Quiet Zones are now formally defined, with clear marking requirements and monitoring expectations
• New stage rally seeding rules reduce the risk of inexperienced crews running first on forestry stages

• Rescue Pathway updated to reflect new licencing structure. Minimum crew requirements also updated
• Technical non-compliance procedures for karting now allow competitors to waive hearings when not contesting the report

• The wearing of a balaclava is now mandatory for drivers competing in race and some Sprint and Hill Climb categories
• Karting:
  • Only helmet-manufacturer-made visors are allowed; non-approved accessories are prohibited

• Race neutralisation rules in karting changed (use of Yellow/Black quarter flag replaced with SLOW board procedures)
• Cross Car (XC) included in more disciplines under defined technical standards
• New rally regulations:
  • Notional time rules revised for interrupted stages
  • Class requirement clarifications for historic and modern rally cars
• Revised practice requirements:
  • Circuit Racing: drivers must have raced the configuration in the last 24 months or complete three practice laps
  • Sprint and Hill Climb: same 24 month rule or one familiarisation run

• No longer permissible to argue “no performance advantage” in technical eligibility
• Competitors can waive hearings for uncontested technical breaches in short-circuit karting