2024 SUPERCOMP SERIES CLASS REGULATIONS

The Gateway Kartplex SuperComp series provides the experienced karter with a challenging environment to further hone their driving skills and race craft. SuperComp class rules allow all chassis manufactures, softer tire compounds and have both 4-cycle and 2-cycle engine options. Many of our Ignite drivers also participate in SuperComp to maximize their seat time.

CLASS STRUCTURE

SUPERCOMP RULES

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS REQUIREMENTS

• Racers must start a minimum of 6 races to qualify for the year-end championship
• A racer’s best 8 finishes (of 12 races) will count towards their championship points total (in the event the season is shorter than 12 races, drivers will count approximately 70% of the total number of races, rounded to the nearest full race)
• Racers must be present at the awards banquet to receive year-end awards

AGE REQUIREMENT GUIDELINES

The following guidelines should be followed as a general requirement with the exception of extraordinary circumstances.

A racer’s competition age is determined by the age of the driver on the first scheduled Kartplex race day of the season. If a driver ages out of a class before the first scheduled Kartplex race day of the season, they are required to move up to the older class. If a driver will attain an age into an older class during the course of the Kartplex race season, they may choose to stay in their current class or move up to the older class (at any time, including the start of the season). Once a driver has raced in a class, they may not move back to a younger class. Upon request, the competition committee may choose to issue an age exception for a driver whose birthday falls after the completion of the Kartplex race season but within the calendar year.

Per 2021 updates to Ignite Karting rules, if a driver moves to an older class (specifically from Kid Kart to Rookie, Rookie to Junior, or Junior to Senior) at any level of Ignite competition, it will affect their eligibility in all other levels of Ignite competition – once you move up, you cannot move back. This covers club races such as the Kartplex’s Ignite Series, all Ignite Challenge events, and all Major races.

Note: Your “Competition Age” is relative to the individual racing series. It is legal to be different from Ignite and SuperComp.

Possible extraordinary circumstances that would justify an age waiver exception:

• If, at the sole discretion of the competition committee, in the interest of safety for the driver, as well as the other competitors, a driver who has not shown adequate race craft or maturity to advance into the next age-appropriate class will be asked to remain in their current class for another season, or until they show necessary improvement to warrant moving up to the next age-appropriate class.
• If, at the discretion of the competition committee and the driver’s parents, a young driver has shown the required driving competence, that driver may be invited to move into the next age-appropriate class before they qualify by rule. The qualities used to evaluate this competence include general kart control, on-track racing patience, consistently high finishing positions, and conducting themselves with general maturity both on and off the racetrack.

NOVICE DRIVERS

A novice driver is defined as having no experience at the Kartplex and/or limited karting experience elsewhere. For at least the first 3 events a novice driver competes in at the Kartplex, they must start at the back of the field for each practice, qualifying and race session. Such drivers must also display a clear and visible “X” on the back of their helmet as well as on their rear bumper. Painter’s tape will be available at tech or inside the SpeedCenter for any drivers who need an “X.” The completion of 3 races does not guarantee the removal of a driver’s “X.” The Race Director and Kartplex Management have final discretion to determine when an “X” may be removed, as well as any waivers of novice driver restrictions based on performance or previous experience.

90 SECOND RULE

Once the track is clear and starting grid is ready for release, the grid will be held to accomadate any racer that is unable to make it to the grid on time or has a mechanical issue for a maximum of 90 seconds. This applies to all competitive on track sessions.

BLIND TUCKS ARE PROHIBITED

The driver must maintain eye contact with their surroundings at all times! Any driver seen in the Blind Tuck position will be Black Flagged immediately. The Black Flag may be rolled or waving at the discretion of the Race Director.

RESTARTING ENGINES AND EXITING THE KART WHILE ON TRACK

Competitors are not to exit their karts while on track unless directed to by a corner worker or race official. If a competitor can safely restart their kart without getting out of their seat, they may do so. Corner workers and race officials are also permitted to restart motors. Any competitor who has restarted their motor must ensure they rejoin the race traffic in a safe manner.

RE-ENTERING THE TRACK

During any official ontrack session, once you exit the track to the pit lane or scales, your session is complete. You may not re-enter the track during that session or in the next group (if there are multiple groups for your class)

ENGINE CLAIMING

At the Race Director’s discretion, the Kartplex may “claim” a competitor’s engine at any time. The track will supply the competitor with a new, factory-sealed engine in direct exchange for the competitor’s “as raced” engine. If the competitor fails to comply with the claim request, the competitor will be excluded from participating in Kartplex races for one calendar year and will forfeit all points acquired to date.

TECH INSPECTION/TECH AREA

The only personnel allowed in the Tech building are competitors and race officials. Crew and family members are prohibited to enter the Tech building at any time without permission from race officials or Kartplex Management. During the race program, no one is permitted to approach or interact with a kart/driver in pit lane or the Tech area until after that driver has gone across the scales. This includes a prohibition on passing any items to or from a driver prior to weighing.

No adjustments to a kart are permitted until after karts are released from impound.

All karts need to be shut off before entering the Tech building. ABSOLUTELY NO DRIVING ONTO THE SCALES! A race official will be available to assist drivers as needed.

The Head Tech Inspector or The Race Director may require any competitor to submit to technical or safety inspection at any time. Failure to submit to an inspection will result in loss of all points and awards for all classes run at that event and will also result in a suspension from the following FOUR race events at the Gateway Kartplex. Any competitor that fails to submit to an inspection a second time, will result in a one year suspension from any race event at the Gateway Kartplex.

WEIGHT BALLAST

Non-structural weights added to meet minimum kart/driver weight requirements must be bolted securely to the kart using bolts at least 5/16″ in diameter. Weights in excess of 7 lbs. must use two or more 5/16″ bolts. All bolts must be cotter-keyed, safety wired or double nutted. All bolt-on weights must be white in color for visibility. It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure weights are securely fastened. Losing a weight during any on-track session is considered a safety issue and may result in a penalty or disqualification at the Race Director’s discretion. 

HELMETS AND HELMET-MOUNTED CAMERAS

Helmets must meet one of the following ratings: Snell M 2010, SA 2010, CMR 2016, CMS 2016, M 2015, SA 2015, SA 2020; SFI Youth 24.1 2010, 2015 or 2020; SFI 31.1 2010, 2015 or 2020; SFI 41.1 2010, 2015 or 2020.

The use of helmet-mounted cameras is prohibited.

BODYWORK

Any CIK homologated bodywork manufactured by KG Karting is acceptable. All bodywork must be in safe, presentable condition. Briggs classes may utilize non-CIK homologated front fairings and side pods. Only the use of CIK homologated plastic front nose cones are permitted.

REAR BUMPER

Rear bumpers must cover at least one-half of the rear tires on both sides. The use of both metal and plastic rear bumpers are permitted.

SEATS

The bottom of the seat must be located within the left and right frame rails laterally. The seat may not extend beyond the vertical plane of the rear axle. Seat height requirements are as follows (measured from the ground to the top of the seat): Sportsman – 10″, Junior – 12″, Senior – 13″. Lay-down-style seats are not permitted.

FLOOR PANS

Front floor pans are required. Rear floor pans are permitted but may not extend laterally beyond the left- and right-hand frame rails.

SPROCKETS

Any class can use a #35 or #219 pitch chain. Skip tooth sprockets are not allowed.

TIRE TREATING & ADDITIVES

ANY ALTERING OF THE MANDATED TIRE THROUGH PREPPING, DOPING, CHEMICAL TREATING OR CUTTING IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN. ANY COMPETITOR FOUND TO BE ALTERING THE TIRE OR ATTEMPTING TO ALTER THE TIRE FROM THE AS-SUPPLIED CONDITION WILL BE IMMEDIATELY DISQUALIFIED, EJECTED FROM THE FACILITY, BANNED FROM THE FACILITY FOR THE PERIOD OF ONE YEAR AND WILL FORFEIT ALL SERIES POINTS. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN FOR PREPAID ENTRIES. POSSESSION OF TIRE PREP, DOPING COMPOUNDS OR OTHER TIRE TREATMENTS IS CAUSE FOR EXPULSION AND BANNING FROM THE PREMISES. WE WANT TO BE VERY CLEAR THAT TIRE ALTERING OF ANY KIND IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN AND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Tire warming blankets, hotboxes or other warming devices are prohibited.

On-track tire warming is prohibited. On-track tire warming may result in driver penalties.

DOUBLE FEATURE QUALIFYING FORMAT

The qualifying session will determine the starting grid for Race 1.

The Race 2 starting grid will be determined by the fastest lap in Race 1.

INCOMPLETE RACES AND INCLEMENT WEATHER DURING RACE PROGRAMS

In the event of inclement weather in the middle of a race program, we will evaluate the situation (including the severity and likely duration of weather, as well as estimated time until competition could resume). If the race program is called for the day, the event will be considered complete and full points will be awarded to any run groups that have completed qualifying sessions and/or races. Classes that do not complete qualifying and/or a race will not receive any points.

If it is not possible to complete a race for reasons of time, weather or other extenuating circumstances, the Race Director may act upon their discretion. If none of the scheduled race laps have been reached and the race is called, the official finish will be determined by qualifying times. The finishing order of races completed due to a red flag or completed under a full course yellow will be the running order of the last completed lap. Competitors responsible for the red or yellow flag will be scored at the rear of the last completed lap they were running or be disqualified.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Gateway Kartplex requires all competitors, family members, crew, spectators, sponsors and guests to abide by a code of conduct and behave in a respectful, orderly manner. Penalties may be assessed for inappropriate actions on or off the track and can be incurred by anyone required to abide by this code of conduct. Drivers are responsible for the control and actions of their pit crew and family members. Unacceptable actions of crew or family members may subject a driver to penalty or disqualification from an event.

It is always our goal to have clean, safe and fair racing, and we are more than happy to listen to any questions, concerns or complaints. Certain actions, however, are not appropriate. Physical violence, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation or excessive foul language will be subject to immediate disciplinary action by the Race Director or Kartplex Management. Such disciplinary actions may include disqualification and expulsion from the event, removal from the facility, suspension from the track, permanent ban from the facility or other penalties.

As we frequently remind drivers and race attendees, race officials and approved personnel are the only individuals allowed to approach the Main Flagstand/Timing and Scoring or step onto the track during the race program. Race officials need to focus on what is happening on track. Individuals who disrupt race officials may be subject to penalty. If you have a question, concern or complaint, please address it to either the cashier or the grid marshal, who will radio the appropriate person and should provide either an answer or an indication of when and where someone will be available to address your matter.

SOCIAL MEDIA CONDUCT POLICY

When differences of opinion arise regarding Gateway Kartplex rules and regulations, decisions by race officials, Kartplex policies, or between the competitors (and/or their charges), communication and discussion of these differences are best handled privately and directly between the parties involved. Attacking parties on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter is unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action if race officials or Kartplex Management determine that the communication is not in the best interest of the Gateway Kartplex and its series. Resulting penalties may be disqualification, ejection from the event and possibly from Gateway Kartplex until further notice.

PENALTY PROCESS

During a race program, race officials are in constant communication. If there is an incident on or off the track, it is up to the Race Director and/or Kartplex Management to determine if there will be any penalties, and if so, what those will be. Such decisions are not taken lightly and are discussed prior to being levied. Videos and photographs from competitors will not be considered as evidence in on or off track calls or penalties unless requested by the Race Director. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SUBMIT VIDEOS OR PHOTOS THAT WERE NOT REQUESTED BY THE RACE DIRECTOR. The Race Director/Kartplex Management may assess penalties up to 7 days post-event completion after further discussion with race officials. All decisions by the Race Director and/or Kartplex Management are final and not open to appeal.

FLAGS

Green Flag

The green flag is used during practice and the race to indicate that the track is clear. It is used to start a race and to restart a race after a yellow or red flag.

Yellow Flag

The yellow flag indicates an unsafe condition on the track. Under the yellow flag, drivers are to reduce speed and proceed with caution. Passing is not permitted. In sprint racing, when a yellow flag is displayed in a corner, it may only pertain to that corner.

Red Flag

The red flag indicates that all drivers are to stop as quickly and safely as possible at the point designated by the race officials. Drivers may not race back to the start/finish line. Disobeying the red flag will result in immediate disqualification. All karts are to proceed slowly to a place on the track or grid as designated by the Race Director or Flagman.

Blue Flag

The blue flag tells a driver that he or she is being lapped and must yield the racing line to allow lapping karts to pass. Failure to obey the blue flag will result in disqualification.

Black Flag

The waiving black is used to tell a driver that he or she has been disqualified due to an on-track infraction such as bumping, pushing, blocking, rough driving, or other unsafe or unsportsmanlike activity. If it is given during qualifying or a pre-final, the driver will start at the rear of the next round of competition. If it is in the final, the driver will receive zero points for the race. Based on the severity of the infraction, the Race Director will inform the driver immediately if further penalties are being assessed. Failure to leave the track within two laps after receiving the black flag may also result in additional penalties. When the black flag is displayed, scoring will cease as of the lap on which the flag is first displayed. A rolled black flag is a warning regarding unsafe or unsportsmanlike driving. Ignoring a warning will result in the use of a waiving black flag.

Meatball Flag (Black with Orange Circle)

A waiving black flag with an orange circle is known as a meatball flag. The meatball flag is used during practice, qualifying, and racing to signal the driver of a technical or mechanical infraction (i.e. missing neck brace, broken muffler, loose bodywork, etc.). It should be displayed along with the offending kart’s number. Failure to leave the track within two laps after receiving the meatball flag on two consecutive laps may result in disqualification or suspension. When the meatball flag is displayed, scoring will cease as of the lap on which the flag is first displayed. If the flag is displayed for a technical violation that could potentially improve performance (e.g. muffler falling off), and the violation occurred during qualifying or the pre-final and the violation can be corrected, the driver will start at the rear of the next round of competition after exiting the track.

Crossed Flags

Crossed flags indicates the race is half over.

Two Rolled Flags

Two rolled flags indicates two laps remaining in the race. Use is optional.

White Flag

Indicates that one lap remains in the race. The white flag is a courtesy flag and its use is not required.

Checkered Flag

The checkered flag is used in practice to indicate that practice laps are over. When displayed in a race it indicates that the race is complete, and drivers are to proceed to pits or scale/impound area. If the white flag is used, the checkered flag must follow the white flag.