Clubs and circuits that operate under Karting Australia need to comply with new thunderstorm regulations and might need to install special lightning rods and grounding devices to track structures.
An entire Lightning and Thunderstone Management chapter has been added to KA’s 2026 rule book, plus an ‘Appendix 8’ that contains the operational requirements and procedures.
When an identified weather risk is forecast, the Clerk of the Course or another appointed official must act as the Lightning Safety Officer to monitor risk and make the call on event suspension and resumption.
This responsibility extends to KACS for social karting.
Further, the rules now stipulate all venues must comply with the engineering and protection requirements of KA’s Circuit Regulations and ‘Appendix 8’.
Track activity must stop immediately if:
- Lightning is detected or forecast within 10 km; or
- Flash-to-bang time is under 30 seconds; or
- The CoC/Stewards or KAC determine lightning is at immediate proximity.
Everybody at the venue is to proceed to “Lightning Safe Shelters”. Nobody is to shelter under trees, tents or metal structures, unless those structures are signed as Lightning Safe Shelters.
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‘Appendix 8’ recommends installation and maintenance of AS 1768:2021-compliant Lightning Protection Systems and Surge Protective Devices for critical assets (timing systems, race control, comms infrastructure etc).
Of note, a standard residential house in Australia is generally not legally required to have a lightning protection system (such as lightning rods or specialised grounding).
The new regulations underpin Karting Australia’s commitment to proving a safe environment and experience for its members and participants.
More information is contained in the 2026 Karting Australia Manual and KA’s updated Circuit Regulations & Guidelines.
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