Karting rolling start: rules and technique to keep your places
Updated: 3 days ago
In karting the race is often decided in the first hundred metres. The rolling start looks simple: two rows of karts, a slow lap, then the start. In reality there are precise rules, and those who know them well start better and get fewer penalties. Here is how it works and how to prepare it.
In short In a rolling start the karts line up in two rows and cover about one formation lap, during which overtaking is forbidden. Before the start line there are two 2-metre wide lanes bordered by white lines, with a yellow line 25 metres before the line. The start is given by the race director with the lights, once the formation is in order. Jumping or delaying the start, or leaving the lane before the lights go out, is penalised.
Rolling start: how it works
• Two rows: the grid is made up of two rows of karts.
• Formation lap: the karts cover about one formation lap before the start; the number of laps is announced at the briefing.
• No overtaking: overtaking is forbidden during the formation lap. The penalty given by the stewards is 5 seconds or disqualification from the heat.
• If you stop: a driver who stops on the formation lap must wait until the whole field has passed and restart at the back.
• The start: it is given by the race director with the lights, only when satisfied with the formation.
The start corridor and the lines
• The lanes: two 2-metre wide lanes, bordered by white lines, painted up to 110 metres before the start line.
• The yellow line: it is painted 25 metres before the start line.
• Stay in your lane: jumping or delaying the start, or leaving the lane before the lights go out, is penalised.
• Regaining your place: a delayed driver may regain his grid position only before the red line and only without impeding others.
Aborted start: what happens
If a driver is stopped by another driver's mistake, the race director can stop the formation lap and restart the procedure with the original grid, or let the driver regain his place. After repeated false starts or incidents he can stop the procedure with the red flag: the new procedure starts immediately or within 30 minutes, with the same grid. The meaning of all flags is in the guide to karting flags.
Technique: how to prepare the rolling start
• Tyres and brakes up to temperature: on the formation lap warm up tyres and brakes while staying in line and never overtaking.
• Watch the lights: not the kart in front. The start is given by the lights, not by the driver ahead.
• Stay close: arrive at the corridor close to the kart in front, with no gaps, but inside your lane until the lights go out.
• Engine ready: arrive at the start with the engine in its torque band, so it responds straight away. If it does not pick up out of corners, read why the engine bogs at corner exit.
• Think about the first corner: decide beforehand where to brake and which line to take: in the first corner the field is tight. Review the braking technique and the racing lines in karting.
The most common rolling start mistakes
• Jumping the start: going before the lights go out is penalised.
• Leaving the lane: changing lane before the start is penalised even if you only gain a few metres.
• Overtaking on the formation lap: it costs 5 seconds or disqualification from the heat.
• Skipping the briefing: the number of formation laps and the procedure details are given there. Each championship may have its own rules: to race you also need a karting licence.
Practise the start in a racing kart
With TKS RaceLab Arrive & Drive you try a racing kart with a Rotax engine and can work on your start with a technician on hand. Message us on WhatsApp for information.
Frequently asked questions
How does a rolling start work in karting?
The karts line up in two rows and cover about one formation lap without overtaking. The start is given by the race director with the lights, once the formation is in order.
How wide is the start corridor in karting?
In CIK-FIA races there are two 2-metre wide lanes, bordered by white lines, up to 110 metres before the start line, with a yellow line 25 metres before the line.
What happens if you overtake on the formation lap?
It is forbidden: the stewards give a 5 second penalty or disqualification from the heat.
Source: CIK-FIA 2026 sporting regulations, general prescriptions (art. 2.20a). Each championship may have specific rules: the briefing is binding.
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Read also: Karting flags: meaning and rules → · Racing lines in karting: the apex → · Karting licence ACI Sport →
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Author: Sergio, TKS RaceLab | Published: 18 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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