In 2026, it is mandatory for all karts competing in FIA Karting events to be fitted with an Impact Data Recorder – a small device mounted to the chassis that records impact forces.
Competitors must acquire these devices (around $100AUD each + shipping + fitting kit) which have a 2-year lifespan.
FIA Karting’s IDR press release is below.
from FIA Karting
Impact Data Recorder becomes mandatory in FIA Karting – what you need to know
In 2026, it becomes mandatory for all karts competing in FIA Karting events to be fitted with the innovative Impact Data Recorder (IDR) – a small and cost-effective safety device that records impact forces.
The IDR produces real world data to assist in the development of the safety advancements of tomorrow including circuit layouts, barrier positioning and equipment innovation. The device was developed with the support of the FIA Foundation and was successfully deployed in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy last year providing invaluable data throughout the season.
The device will therefore be a mandatory requirement to race across all FIA Karting categories from the 2026 season (OK, Junior, OK-N, OK-N Junior, KZ, KZ2, KZ2 Masters, Academy Trophy Junior & Senior and Arrive and Drive Junior & Senior). The IDR must be purchased by the competitor or team and mounted using a separate mounting kit purchased from the chassis manufacturer and installed according to the relevant technical regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I purchase an IDR for FIA Karting?
To purchase an IDR for karting please visit: https://secure.impactdetect.com/
For more information, please see Technical List n.º 113 at https://www.fiakarting.com/page/technical-lists
Which categories require an IDR to be installed?
In 2026, all FIA Karting categories require an IDR to be fitted on every kart competing (OK, Junior, OK-N, OK-N Junior, KZ, KZ2, KZ2 Masters).
It is the responsibility of the competitor or team to ensure an IDR is purchased and correctly installed.
Academy Trophy Junior & Senior and Arrive and Drive Junior & Senior competitors will have an IDR fitted as part of their kart equipment. No further purchase will be needed by these competitors.
How big is the device?
The device weights 12 grams and is 45mm wide and 60 mm long with a thickness of 14.5mm.
How do I fit the device to the kart?
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When purchasing an IDR, you will receive the sensor itself with a sticky pad on the back. This should be attached to the fixing kit which is not included with the IDR.
The fixing kit specifications depend on the chassis tube shape and the tube diameter. Therefore, the fixing kit must be purchased separately from the chassis manufacturer.
The IDR must be installed on a flat surface located in the specific area defined in the CIK-FIA Technical Regulations Appendix 12 which you can find below. The arrow-shaped tip must be pointing forward in the direction of travel and aligned with the X (longitudinal) axis of the kart.
It is forbidden to make any modifications to the IDR installed and it must not be removed during its validity.
If major repairs to the chassis are necessary, the fixing kit can be removed to avoid damaging the IDR.
The system must be easily removable, meaning that if the competitor is changing their chassis, the IDR and its fixing kit can be moved to the new chassis.
The same system can be used on different chassis brands as long as the CIK-FIA Technical Regulations requirements are respected.
Where do I mount the device?
For full guidance on the fixing kit design, please refer to the CIK-FIA Technical Regulations. Appendix 12 includes a diagram of the position where the IDR must be mounted:
Which technical regulations cover the installation of the IDR?
Art. 4.1.5 specifies the IDR requirements.
View the Technical Regulations
How long does an IDR last?
IDRs have a lifespan of 2 years, after which they should be replaced with a new IDR.
If an IDR has a date of validity expiring in the course of an event, the FIA Competitor shall make sure that the device is replaced before that event. IDRs are shipped with a sticker specifying the date of validity.
Can I swap an IDR with an IDR Karting?
No, the two devices work similarly but the IDR Karting is specifically tuned to be deployed in karting and cannot be used in a race car, and vice-versa.
Karting competitors must buy the IDR Karting which is distinguishable by a QR code with a red background.
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