What You Need to Go Karting: Equipment and Documents
First time on track with a racing kart? Great. But before you get in, you need to know two things: what to wear and what to bring. Equipment is not a cosmetic detail: it is what protects you at speeds you really feel.
Here is the complete checklist: the mandatory driver equipment and the documents you need to go on track legally.
In short For a racing kart you need a homologated helmet, suit, gloves, kart boots and a rib protector; for races also the ACI Sport licence and a medical certificate. Homologations expire: always check the ACI Sport lists for the season.
Driver equipment (mandatory)
For a real racing kart you need homologated equipment, the kind that really protects you:
Homologated helmet. This is the most important item: it must be a helmet homologated for karting, according to the official ACI Sport / CIK-FIA lists. There are dedicated homologations for younger drivers.
Homologated suit. Kart suit with FIA homologation. Since 1 January 2025, the new FIA 8877-2022 standard for suits, gloves and boots has been required in FIA Karting races.
Gloves. Karting-specific; with the new FIA 8877-2022 standard, gloves are also part of the requirements for FIA competitions.
Boots. Kart boots, high at the ankle, also covered by the FIA 8877-2022 standard for championship races.
Rib protector. Protects the ribs from impacts against the steering wheel and from lateral loads. It has its own homologation (a standard introduced from 2021) and is particularly important, and normally mandatory, for younger drivers.
The lists of homologated products and the standards valid for the season are published by ACI Sport (“Homologated karting helmets and clothing”): always check there what is allowed in your class, because homologations have expiry and renewal dates. Outside Italy, check the lists of your national federation and of the FIA.
Documents
As well as equipment, for sporting activity you need:
ACI Sport licence / membership card, for amateur or competitive activity.
A valid medical fitness certificate (competitive or non-competitive, depending on the activity).
For races: entry to the event and the kart's documents (homologation forms for chassis and engine).
→ Read also: Karting licence: how to start racing with ACI Sport
Rental or racing kart: what changes
For pure rental karting you usually need much less: the helmet is often provided by the track and comfortable clothing and the will to have fun are enough. For a real racing kart, on the other hand, full equipment is not optional: it is safety, and it is required by the regulations.
Our advice: try first, without buying everything
If it is your first time in a racing kart, you do not have to buy everything straight away. You can try the real experience bringing only your personal equipment, and decide afterwards whether and what to buy. It is the smartest way not to spend money before you have understood what you need.
Want to try without any hassle? With our Arrive & Drive you get the kart, the track and the technical support of the TKS RaceLab team, at Lonato, Franciacorta, Cremona and Ala. → Discover Arrive & Drive →
Frequently asked questions
What do you absolutely need to go on track with a racing kart?
A homologated helmet, suit, gloves, boots and rib protector; plus the ACI Sport licence and a medical certificate for sporting activity.
Is a motorcycle helmet OK for karting?
No: you need a helmet homologated for karting, according to the official ACI / CIK-FIA lists. There are dedicated homologations for young drivers. Do not improvise on the helmet.
What is the FIA 8877-2022 standard?
It is the new homologation standard for suits, gloves and boots, mandatory in FIA Karting races from 1 January 2025. Check the ACI lists for what is valid in your class.
Is a rib protector mandatory?
It has its own homologation and is strongly recommended for everyone, normally mandatory for younger drivers. It protects an area that is very exposed to impacts: do not go without it!
Do you need all the equipment for rental karting?
No, rental karting usually requires much less (the helmet is often provided). It is different for racing karts, where full equipment is mandatory.
Conclusion
Going on track legally is simple if you know what you need: homologated equipment that really protects you, plus a licence and medical certificate for sporting activity. Start from the official lists, leave nothing to chance on safety: and if it is your first time, try before you buy everything.
TKS RaceLab runs the Arrive & Drive Pro service: 2026 karts with Rotax Senior MAX and DD2 engines, Alfano 7 telemetry and trackside technical support at Lonato, Franciacorta, Cremona and Ala.
Data checked against: ACI Sport (“Homologated karting helmets and clothing” lists) and the FIA Karting 8877-2022 standard. Always check the homologations valid for the season and the class.
Questions about this topic?
Message us on WhatsApp: we answer personally, with the experience of people who live at the track. And if you want to drive a real racing kart, with Arrive & Drive you get into one of ours, ready on track. The right spare part? You will find it in the shop.
Arrive & Drive Pro by TKS RaceLab: 2026 karts with Rotax Senior MAX and DD2 engines, Alfano 7 telemetry and trackside technical support at Lonato, Franciacorta, Cremona and Ala. Message us on WhatsApp for information and availability.
TKS RaceLab | Performance Engineering Karting | tksracelab.com
Read also: Karting flags and track rules → · Karting licence: how to start racing with ACI Sport → · Buying your first kart: new or used? →
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Author: Sergio, TKS RaceLab | Published: 28 July 2026 | Updated: 8 October 2026
TKS RaceLab is the Italian online store dedicated to karting: spare parts, accessories and everything you need to get on track. With Arrive & Drive you arrive at South Garda Karting (Lonato), Franciacorta, Cremona or Ala and find your kart ready to go. No hassle, just driving.
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