Comfortable clothes and trainers. That’s the whole answer for most people, and you can stop reading.
The rest of this is the detail that catches people out: what’s actually provided, the footwear rule that gets people sent home, and why every single track bans scarves.
What the track gives you
Almost universally: a race suit and a helmet. Many tracks include gloves.
Race suits go over your own clothes rather than instead of them, so you don’t need to change into anything special. They’re generously sized. Helmets are provided in a range of sizes, and staff will check the fit.
Some tracks lend out waterproof suits in bad weather. Karting at Haynes does this, and so does Bayford Meadows.
What you bring
Closed shoes. This is the one that gets people turned away. Trainers are ideal. Sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, ballet pumps and heels are all refused, and the reason is straightforward: your foot is inches from a moving pedal assembly. Bayford Meadows puts it plainly, requiring shoes that cover the whole foot.
Comfortable clothes that fit under a suit. Jeans and a jumper is the operator’s own advice at Bayford. Avoid anything bulky. In summer, remember you’ll be wearing overalls and a helmet, so dress lighter than feels right.
A balaclava, if you have one. Most tracks require one for hygiene and sell them at the counter if you don’t bring your own. Nottingham Raceway charges £2, Aviemore £1.50, Karting at Haynes £5 for a balaclava and gloves together. They’re reusable and cheap online, so if you’re going more than once, buy one.
Hair tied back. Long hair goes up and inside the helmet.
A change of clothes, if it’s an outdoor track and the forecast is poor. Waterproof overalls keep the worst off, but you’ll still get damp underneath.
What you take off
Scarves. Every operator bans them, and they mean it. In 2022 a girl died at a UK kart track when her scarf caught in a kart. It’s the one rule on this page with a body behind it, and staff will not negotiate.
Jewellery, particularly anything dangling. Necklaces, hoop earrings, loose bracelets.
Hooded tops with drawstrings. Bayford Meadows specifically asks people to avoid hoodies. Anything that can be caught by a rotating part is a problem.
Sashes and novelty accessories. Worth flagging if you’re organising a hen party, because they will have to come off before anyone gets on track.
In winter, at an outdoor track
Most outdoor circuits run all year, and most run in the rain. The karts stay on slick tyres regardless, which makes wet sessions genuinely slippery and, frankly, quite good fun once you commit to it.
For a January booking: thin thermal layers rather than thick ones, since bulk makes the suit uncomfortable and the belts less effective. Thermal or waterproof gloves are the single best addition, and Bayford Meadows recommends them specifically. Your hands are the part that gets cold and the part you need working.
Bring a towel and a spare pair of socks. You’ll be glad of both.
Bringing your own helmet
Most tracks accept your own helmet if it meets the standard they specify.
Karting at Haynes states BS6658:1985 with the BSI Kitemark. Nottingham Raceway asks for a full face helmet, and accepts motocross helmets with goggles and a chin piece. That’s fairly representative, but standards differ by venue and Motorsport UK competition has stricter requirements again, so check before you travel rather than after.
Your own race suit, gloves and boots are welcome nearly everywhere.
Contact lenses, glasses and medical points
Glasses are generally fine under a helmet, though contact lenses are more comfortable if you have them.
Tracks will ask you to declare pregnancy, recent surgery, back or neck problems and heart conditions. Nottingham Raceway is explicit that pregnant drivers cannot race. Most circuits also set a maximum weight, commonly 18 to 20 stone, and a maximum height around 6ft 4in to 6ft 6in, because the seat is a fixed size.
If you’re near any of those limits, ring ahead. Several tracks, including Absolutely Karting, will let you sit in a kart to check the fit before you book.
The short version
Trainers, comfortable clothes, hair up, no scarf. Bring a balaclava if you have one, gloves if it’s cold. Everything else is provided.
Each track’s own requirements are listed on its page, along with anything compulsory you’ll be asked to buy at the counter.