Which helmet standard do I need for karting?

For CIK-FIA licensed races: helmet according to Snell K2020 or FIA 8858-2010/2018. For Rotax MAX Challenge additionally: helmet must not be older than 5 years. For club and rental races: DOT or ECE 22.05 sufficient. Motorcycle helmets are also allowed for karting — but must have a chin guard (open-face is not permitted).

When do I have to replace my helmet?

Rule: at latest 5 years after the date of manufacture (sticker inside). After every hard impact immediately — even if the outside is undamaged. Symptoms of aging: soft inner lining, brittle chin strap, cracks in the shell. Never buy a used helmet: hidden damage from impacts cannot be seen from the outside.

CIK-2013 or CIK-2019 racing suit?

CIK-2019 is the current standard, mandatory for championship races from 2026+. CIK-2013 suits can still be worn in training and club races. Buying new: always CIK-2019 — investment protection, and stiffer material offers more protection. Look for the CIK label sewn in the neck area.

Which racing gloves are approved for karting?

CIK-FIA licensed: gloves with CIK-2020 label. For everyday karting: any glove with tear-resistant palm and reinforcement at the wrist. Fabric or leather gloves are permitted, motorcycle gloves not (too stiff, too little feel for the steering wheel).

Do I need rib protectors and neck brace?

Rib protector: mandatory in CIK-FIA licensed races, in practice heavily recommended for every driver — reduces bruising and rib injuries. Neck brace (Leatt or similar): mandatory for young drivers up to 15 years old in many series, otherwise recommended. Rib protector must fit exactly — too tight restricts breathing, too loose is worthless.

Racewear & Helmets

Kart racewear, helmets & protective equipment

Without proper protective equipment you cannot drive on any race track — and beyond that, good racewear protects against injuries in crashes and during long training sessions. At keep-racing you will find complete racewear sets and individual components in all FIA-CIK and CIK-compliant standards.

What you will find here

Helmets — FR, MT, MOTO and keep-racing® helmets in DOT, ECE and CIK certification, various sizes and visor options.
Overalls & wet suits — CIK-2013 and CIK-2019 standard, also rain and children's overalls.
Gloves — with grip coating, short and long.
Kart shoes — with thin soles for better pedal feel.
Protectors — rib protector (mandatory in many series), neck, knee and elbow protectors, balaclavas (100% cotton, AZO-free), mouthguards.
Helmet bags and accessories — inner pads, visors, clear sprays.

Standards briefly explained

FIA-CIK overalls carry a homologation label with a test number — required in official races. For training karts a DIN-compliant overall is sufficient. For helmets ECE 22.06 is the current standard. DOT is the US certification, CIK the international kart standard. Questions about regulations? Call us.