Regulations for SMSA Sanctioned Kart Events

Thinking of participating in karting competitions in Singapore?
Here's what you have to know and comply with.

As of 1st January 2008, Personal Protective Equipment is compulsory for all SMSA events. This applies to the race itself, qualifying and practise sessions.
Helmets are of to be FIA, SNELL British Standards Institution or SFI homologation standards.

Suits have to conform to FIA, CIK or SFI standards

Gloves and Shoes are to conform to FIA 8856-2000 standards.

A license is required as well. You would apply via SMSA. A restricted license will be issued if you are a 1st timer to races. After 3 race, you may convert your license to an Asia zone license which allows you to race anywhere in Asia. Beyond that, you may later upgrade to a class C license.


You will need to 1st join SMSA which costs SGD $ 80. Forms can be found at :
http://www.smsa.org.sg/forms/Membership%20&%20Renewal%20Form.pdf

Next you have to pay for your competition license. Forms can be found at:
http://www.smsa.org.sg/forms/Comp%20License%20Appl.pdf

In Singapore, riders and drivers are NEED to have a Government Issued driver's licence before you can apply for a competition licence. So in that sense, the age limit is limited by the government. The exception to the rules are:

(1) Already racing abroad e.g. 15years, too young to have a road licence but have results from abroad.
(2) Have been trained or can show some proof of decent closed circuit riding expertise to competition secretary who will appeal on your behalf and on a case-by-case basis.

Regulations

When it comes to go kart races organised by official governing bodies, safety is paramount and never compromised. This is especially pertinent as the competition at such events is fierce.

Thus, when purchasing equipment, you have to bear in mind what purpose you need your apparel for. For this reason, most people will have a set of overalls, shoes, gloves, etc for practise purposes, and another set for competition purposes. Repeated use will wear down the fabric, especially around the crotch and joints.

So, let us take a look at the regulations:

SMSA events
- Flame Resistant Clothing
1) All participants must wear racing overalls homologated to FIA, FIA/CIK or SFI.
Thus it is very important to check the apparel provider with the list of approved companies. The list can be obtained from the FIA website. Many retailers profess FIA certification when they really just mean that they conform to the regulations but ARE NOT certified. The onus is upon yourself to check or you will be barred from taking part in events
Furthermore certification will expire, and this to you will have to check with the certification body. I.e. FIA/ CIK / SFI

2) Gloves must be homologated to FIA 8856-2000

3) Shoes must be homologated to FIA 8856-2000

4) Helmets must be homologated to FIA8860-2004 or SNELL SA 2005 / SNELL SA 2000, or SFI31.1A / SFI31.2A or BS6658-85 type A/FR


For your reference always check the certification bodies:

SFI Foundation Inc. - http://www.sfifoundation.com/
Federation Internationale de l'Automobile – http://www.fia.com
CIK/FIA - http://www.cikfia.com
Snell Memorial Foundation - http://www.smf.org/
SMSA – http://www.smsa.org.sg/
www.obracing.sg