THE EXHILARATING SPORT FOR ALL AGE GROUPS
Karting is an exhilarating sport that caters to all age groups and families alike, welcoming beginners eager to hit the track and experienced drivers craving speed in a safe and controlled environment.
Whether you’re aiming to hone your racing skills, immerse yourself in the thrill of competition, or create lasting memories with family and friends through an unforgettable experience, karting is the sport for you!
Karting is grassroots motorsports at it’s best. Race at your home club, at neighbouring clubs, across your state and across Australia – one Karting Australia licence lets you do it all!
An inclusive sport, offering high-octane excitement and a strong sense of camaraderie, Karting makes for a fun, high energy and immersive sporting experience for everyone.
Midgets
- 5 – 7 years
- Honda GX35 (or approved clones)
Notes
The youngest introductory class designed to teach children the basics of kart control and safety. Midgets do not compete for points or positions – the focus is on track awareness, learning racing lines, and building confidence. The engine must remain completely stock with no modifications allowed. All karts must meet minimum safety standards, and parents/guardians play a large role in supervision. When the driver turns 7, they must progress into Rookies unless an exemption is granted.
Rookies
- 7 – 11 years
- Yamaha KT100J with 13 mm restrictor plate (AIDKA stamped)
Notes
Rookies are still considered non‑competitive, with emphasis on skills development. The restrictor plate reduces power, ensuring controlled progression from Midgets. Drivers may elect to move into Juniors from age 9 if they are ready for competition, or stay until age 11. Races are structured for learning starts, overtaking, and handling close racing scenarios. Engines and restrictors are closely checked for compliance.
Juniors
- 9 – 15 years
- Yamaha KT100J
Notes
This is the first competitive class, with race results counting towards club and state titles. The KT100J provides a manageable step up in speed and handling compared to restricted Rookie engines. At age 14, drivers can choose to move into senior classes early, which is often done by experienced juniors. Junior racing teaches advanced race craft, consistency, and introduces drivers to competitive championships.
Statesman
- 40+ years
- Yamaha KT100S
Notes
A class designed for older drivers who wish to continue racing in a more balanced field. Statesman has the same engine and kart rules as KT but restricts entry to competitors aged 40 and above. This creates a more social and level playing field for experienced racers who want less pressure than in open KT.
KT (Senior Light/Medium/Heavy)
- 14+ years
- Yamaha KT100S
Notes
The most popular and competitive senior category. The KT100S engine offers consistent performance and affordability, making this the core of many club grids. Classes are divided into Light, Medium, and Heavy to maintain parity across driver sizes. KT racing is known for large fields, close competition, and being the foundation for many dirt kart careers. Strict compliance on weights, tyres, and exhaust is enforced.
125cc (Light/Medium/Heavy)
- 16+ years
- IAME Parilla RL, Parilla X30, Rotax FR125 Max, PRD Fireball, PRD Galaxy
Notes
These are high‑performance engines offering more horsepower than KT classes. Drivers are grouped into Light, Medium, and Heavy categories by weight. The engines are water‑cooled, clutch‑equipped, and provide a significant step up in speed. 125 racing is very competitive at state and national levels, often drawing large entries. Strict scrutineering applies to engine specs, restrictors, and exhausts.
100cc Open
- 16+ years
- Any CIK‑homologated single‑cylinder 100cc engine (air or water cooled, +10% tolerance)
Notes
This class allows flexibility in engine choice, drawing from a range of homologated 100cc motors. It provides variety and tuning challenges compared to the one‑make KT and 125 classes. Performance depends on preparation and tuning skill. As an open class, rules focus more on safety than uniformity.
KT Twin
- 17+ years (A‑Grade licence)
- Two Yamaha KT100S engines (one may be left‑hand conversion)
Notes
A high‑power specialist class for experienced drivers. Running two KT100S engines provides significantly more speed and requires advanced handling skills. Clutches are not permitted. A rear‑of‑field probation applies to new entrants. This class is known for its noise, speed, and close‑quarters racing, often attracting spectators.
200cc Open
- 17+ years (A‑Grade licence)
- 130–200cc (+10% tolerance) engines, no clutches allowed
Notes
This class allows flexibility in engine choice, either single or twin engines within the allowed 200cc capacity. It provides variety and tuning and set up challenges compared to the one‑make KT and 125 classes. These karts are very high horse powered and a great class to watch with speed, revs and excitement.
OUTLAW
- 17+ years (A‑Grade licence)
- • Motorcycle manufactured single cylinder 2 or 4 stroke engines up to 250cc (+10%)
Notes
The only winged and gear box class on the list. The 250cc power and wings set them apart from any other class. Powerful but low maintenance costs. Drivers are very experienced and changing gears throughout race just adds to the excitement of racing these machines.
General Rules & Notes Across Classes
- Midgets and Rookies are non‑competitive and focused on development. No points are awarded.
- Weight classes (Light, Medium, Heavy) are strictly enforced with minimum weight checks after heats/finals.
- Gear ratios and restrictor plates are defined in the AIDKA rulebook and used for Midget and Rookie Classes
- Probationary drivers must start rear of field until signed off by officials.
- All engines must comply with AIDKA homologation and inspection standards.
- Outlaw, KT Twin, and 200cc Open require an A‑Grade licence due to speed and skill demands.
- All karts must pass scrutineering for safety: brakes, steering, tyres, chassis condition, and bodywork.