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The National Competition Rules 2026

Motorsport UK is continuing its work to make motorsport simpler, safer and more accessible for everyone. As part of our ongoing governance review, a number of updates have been approved across the National Competition Rules (NCR) for the 2026 season.

These changes apply from 1 January 2026 and support our shared commitment to keeping motorsport safe, fair and fun.

Click here to view the NCR or search ‘Motorsport UK’ on your smartphone app store to access.

What you need to know. Key changes for officials:

Clerks of the Course

Judicial Process

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.”

Medical & Emergency Officials

Race, Rally & Cross Country Regulations

What you need to know. Key changes for clubs and organisers:

Event Governance

Club Administration

Rally Organisation & Route Setting

Rescue, Medical & Safety Responsibilities

What you need to know. Key changes for competitors

Safety Equipment & Personal Protective Equipment

Competition Procedures

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

Eligibility, Technical and Judicial

To make it easy to find the information that matters to you, here’s a quick refresher of what each chapter in the National Competition Rules covers:

Chapter 1:	General Governance and Establishment	Chapter 12:	Race
Chapter 2:	Judicial	Chapter 13:	Rally
Chapter 3:	Organisers	Chapter 14:	Sprint, Hill Climb & Hot Lap Challenge
Chapter 4:	Championships	Chapter 15:	Drag Race
Chapter 5:	Officials	Chapter 16:	Autocross & Rallycross
Chapter 6:	Licensing	Chapter 17:	Trials
Chapter 7:	Competitor Vehicles & Vehicle Safety Equipment	Chapter 18:	Karting
Chapter 8:	Permitted Fuels, Tyres & Testing	Chapter 19:	Autotest
Chapter 9:	Competitor Personal Safety Equipment	Chapter 20:	Cross Country
Chapter 10:	Circuits & Venues	Chapter 21:	Land Speed Records
Chapter 11:	Emergency & Medical Services	Chapter 22:	Future Regulation Changes

Each chapter is designed to help you quickly navigate to the rules that apply to your discipline — keeping the sport clear, consistent and accessible for everyone.

Stay in the know

The National Competition Rules are shaped by the expertise of Motorsport UK’s Specialist Committees, with input from every corner of our sport. Draft changes are shared with the community for consultation, refined through the Rules Committee, and finally approved by the Board.

Because we listen, review and improve, you can expect new or amended rules to be released at regular intervals throughout the year — keeping our regulations clear, current and aligned with the needs of our whole motorsport family.

Updated NCR are expected to the released on the:

2 February
6 April
22 June
5 October
1 December (for 2027)

Please note, the above dates are subject to change.

Here to Support You – Every Step of the Way

Our team is here to guide you through any part of the NCR. Whether you’re a competitor with a technical query, an official looking for guidance, or a club seeking help to deliver an event, we’re here to make your motorsport experience smoother, safer and more enjoyable.