Electric Vehicles
What does homologation mean?
Homologation is the process which a piece of equipment is required to go through to be certificated to race in a given league or series.
Type approval or certificate of conformity is granted to a product that meets a minimum set of regulatory, technical and safety requirements.
Generally, type approval is required before a product is allowed to be sold in a particular country, so the requirements for a given product will vary around the world.
In the UK, the standards for motorsport are determined by the FIA, the world’s governing body for all motorsport where four wheels or more are used.
Does the homologation change?
Yes, it does. The accepted standards change over time, and a new homologation reference is allocated each time. Currently there are two valid homologations for race suits, FIA CIK-Level 1 and FIA CIK-Level 2.
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 kartsuits?
Unlike race suits that are made of Nomex, kart suits are not made of fire-retardant fabrics.
FIA CIK-Level 1 suits are typically made of a single layer of cotton and are suitable for indoor use only.
FIA CIK-Level 2 suits are designed for outdoor racing and provide two layers of protection. They are made from more abrasion-proof materials for skin protection in the event of an accident.
Do kart suits have a limited life?
Yes, they do. All kart suits have an expiry date on their label. They are given an accepted life of five years from their manufacturing date, after which they are no longer deemed suitable for use in any FIA sanctioned competition.
Do I have to wear a Level 2 suit to race on a track?
Yes. Level 2 kart suits are mandatory in any organised club or national events that require a karting license to participate.
Why are size guides inconsistent?
Each manufacturer produces their own guidance for size guides, and as with shoes or fashion clothing, some have a different fit to others. If you’re ordering from us online, you’ll find a link to the size guide as approved by the appropriate manufacturer next to the product description.
How do I ensure I get the best fit for me?
Even using the right size guide will not necessarily give you the right answer! With multiple dimensions to measure… height, weight, chest, waist, arm length, inside leg etc, very few of us match up on every measurement. We recommend the best route for you is to base your selection on the height first, then get as close as you can on the other dimensions.
Do you have kart suits designed for women and junior karters?
Yes, we do. Our range of leading brand kart suits include options for lady youths, bambino, cadet and junior karters.
What if I need a perfect fit?
We hold stock of most of our popular kart suits at our showroom at Silverstone. If you are new to the sport, why not drop in to get some great, free advice on the most appropriate equipment, and to try your suit on before you buy. Our Customer Service Team can also support you in making your purchasing decision over the phone. Give them a call on 01327 855 585 for friendly, unbiased advice.
Are race suits and kart suits the same?
No, they are quite different. For help choosing the right race suit, please refer to our Race Suit Buying Guide or call our Customer Service Team on 01327 855 585.
