2023 Technical Rules & Regulations
Table of Contents
1. Aims
2. General Principles
2.1. Codes of Conduct
2.2. Regulation Adjustments
3. Engines Specifications
3.1 Starter
3.2 Battery
3.3 Air Box
3.4 Carburetors
3.5 Fuel Pumps
3.6 Ignition and Electrical System
3.7 Piston / Rings / Cylinder Heads
3.8 Exhaust System
3.9 Clutch
3.10 Cooling System
3.11 Internal Modifications
3.12 Reed Gage, and Reeds
3.13 Exhaust Flex Tubing
3.14 Bearings, Seals, Gaskets4.0 Engines
4.0 Engines
4.1 Mini Swift
4.2 Mini Rok
4.3 Leopard
4.4 Parilla Leopard USA MY 09
4.5 Parilla X-30
4.6 Rotax
4.7 X125T-MX
4.8 Honda CR 125
4.9 KZ
4.10 ROK GP
4.11 ROK Shifter
4.15 Class Structure Overview
5.0 Chassis Specification
5.1 AXLES
5.2 BRAKES
5.3 BODYWORK
5.4 CHASSIS ELIGIBILITY
5.5 CHASSIS INTEGRITY
6.0 TIRE SPECIFICATIONS
6.1 TIRE MANUFACTURER / COMPOUND
6.2 TIRE SIZES-
6.3 TIRE SIZES
6.4 NO MODIFICATION
6.5 TIRE USAGE
6.6 SPARE TIRES
7.0 Authorized Racing Equipment
7.1 MAXIMUM EQUIPMENT PERMITTED
7.2 RADIO COMMUNICATION
7.3 TELEMETRY
7.4 GAUGES
8.0 Fuel
8.1 RACING GASOLINE
8.2 OIL
1. Aims
This manual contains the rules, regulations and technical requirements that govern The F-Series Gearup Challenge Championship. This rulebook provides pertinent information to assist in the preparation of racing karts for competition, in addition to, an overview of the rules that apply to The F-Series racing program.
2. General Principles
2.1 Codes of Conduct
Unless optional equipment or modifications are specifically permitted by this rulebook, they are prohibited. Everything not specifically specified within these regulations will be covered by the CIK/FIA International Karting Regulations. The intent of the rules is determined by The F-Series. Each written rule contained herein will override a competitor’s interpretation of said rule. Verbal approval, regarding the interpretation of a rule and/or procedure, from The F-Series, without a written statement from the Technical Department, will be deemed invalid.
2.2 Regulation Adjustments
The F-Series strives to provide clear regulations and to maintain minimal manual changes throughout the season. The F-Series will make all attempts to provide 15 day notices for rule changes, however, if it is necessary to implement a rule immediately, an effective date will accompany said changes. All changes can be located on www.thefseries.com.
3. Engine Specifications
Note: Any part may be verified against a known stock part supplied by the manufacture through the chain of distribution, this purpose is allowed for the means of determining the legality of a part and or component. Some specifications may not be attainable, and modifications are not allowed to achieve the specification posted.
3.0 STARTER
Entry must have all the starter components intact. The aftermarket Eclipse starter is approved and should be used as intended without any modifications; it may not be allowed within the RMAX series. If a competitor comes to the grid and is unable to start his or her kart he or she may at the discretion of the race director or club use an auxiliary starter to start without being penalized. Only if announced at the drivers meeting by the race director.
3.2 BATTERY
Is non tech, but must be of the same size and shape and must be of the same amperage and voltage as OEM.12 volt / 6.5 – 9.5 Amperage Hour. Kart may only have one battery installed and connected to engine. Any battery found to be cracked or broken and leaking will be removed from the event.
3.3 AIR BOX
Air boxes are are specific to classes, check engines fiches to ensure legality. Classes with open airbox rules and regulations will be made to follow this section. All air boxes may not be modified although the rubber flange may be trimmed on the inside of the air box to the flange lip. Aftermarket internal foam air filters are allowed as long as no modification is made to the air box itself. The position of the air box is non-tech. The new KG air box with internal filter is allowed- CIK homologation is 37-38/SA/15 and must remain as manufactured. The air box/cleaner cup adapter must be the OEM as manufactured; some manufactures have multiple adapters due to very early manufacturing. NO aftermarket adapters are allowed. No modifications are allowed to the adapter. Rotax Max FR125 – AS PER RMC RULES
3.4 CARBURETORS
OEM as supplied from the engine manufacturer; jetting is open unless specified. Washers may be added to the stock needle jets for the purpose of tuning, must be the OEM needle jets. The way the throttle cable connects to the arm and the bracket that holds the cable are non-tech, you must not modify the manifold or the carburetor. The arm, throttle shaft and butterfly are OEM with no modifications. The slide assembly is included in jetting but must retain OEM replacement parts. Surface finish of venturi and bore must remain as manufactured. Butterfly type: Must be of original manufacture and stock. The Welch plugs are non-tech but must 6 be of the same size and shape that comes in the overhaul kits, the fuel may only pass-through stock metering orifices.
Any means taken to bypass fuel to the engine in any other manner is not allowed. Any components not specified herein must be stock appearing. Inlet springs are non-tech item. Machine work to the throttle shaft is not allowed. Surface finish of venturi and bore must remain as manufactured. Carburetors must be matched to engine as homologated. All pumper style carburetors are single pumpers with plastic fuel cap. All Iame engines must use blue cap. Fuel adjustment needles must be stock from the needle top to the “O” ring step. Needles may be modified beyond the “O” ring step to attach needle extensions. No remote carb adjusters or triggers. The Carburetor may be installed upside down for the purpose of tuning on the track as long as there are no modifications to the carburetor, manifold, or any other component related to completing this change. Rotax Max FR125 – AS PER RMC RULES
3.5 FUEL PUMPS
Must be of diaphragm pulse type, manufacturer and location are open unless specified in engine fiche. No electric fuel pumps and no secondary pumps allowed. Rotax Max 125 must utilize stock pump location.
3.6 IGNITION and Electrical SYSTEM
OEM, as supplied and per factory specifications (Battery non-tech). Electrical harness and starter control must be as manufactured. Static timing must be at the factory settings, key must be in place, with no modifications allowed. Spark plug must have the washer intact unless a head temp sensor is used then the washer may be removed. The spark plug wire and cap are non-tech items. Rotax Max 125 – AS PER RMC RULES
3.7 PISTON / RINGS / CYLINDER HEADS
OEM as supplied by engine manufacturer only no Interchange is allowed. Wrist pin must be made of ferrous material. No plating or ceramic coatings permitted.
3.8 EXHAUST SYSTEM
A. Exhaust and silencers OEM as supplied by manufacturer. No plating or ceramic coatings permitted. Header and pipe: No interchange allowed. Pipe and header must be of original manufacture with no modifications. Exhaust system must start and complete race intact as intended for use by the manufacturer. Connector pipe where applicable must be round and of proper O.D. as to connect pipe to header as supplied by manufacturer. Connector pipe length non-tech unless otherwise specified. Addition of exhaust gas temperature lead and/or O-2 sensor is legal, but hole must be plugged if either sensor is not used. No welding for repairs allowed unless approved by F-Series Tech Director.
3.9 CLUTCH
OEM, as supplied with engine from manufacturer and as per factory specifications. Non-adjustable, single disk or shoe type clutch only. Clutch engagement not to exceed 7,000 RPM for the Cadet, and 6000 RPM for all other classes. To be tested with remote RPM meter attached to the spark plug lead. Test procedure from a dead stop driver will accelerate at full throttle for approximately ten feet and clutch may not exceed posted RPM limit. Clutch drum gear (number of teeth on drive sprocket) is non tech unless specified. Although you may not make any modifications to the OEM clutch drum, only 7 factory clutch drums from the manufacture will be allowed. All engines must have the clutch and drive chain covered. This is for the purpose of safety and this will be mandatory technical item.
3.10 COOLING SYSTEM
Coolant may not contain any Glycol based material. Water wetter or other surfactants may be added. Radiator OPEN used as supplied by manufacturer, or after-market product. (Must be mounted to right or the left of the driver) Aftermarket water pumps are allowed, but must be driven by the rear axle, unless motor is equipped with internal pump either option it must be of the same type as OEM.
3.11 INTERNAL MODIFICATIONS
All internal modifications of any kind are strictly prohibited. (This includes adding and or deleting of parts, i.e., gaskets, nuts, bolts etc.) Example: if the manufacture calls out a 10 thousand gasket you may not use two 5 thousand gaskets as a replacement.
3.12 REED CAGE, and REEDS
Will be OEM with no modifications. Must retain stock reeds and reed screws with no modification. Fiberglass reeds only unless specified.
3.13 EXHAUST FLEX TUBING
Exhaust Flex tubing is a non-tech item. (Must be Flexible Tubing only) PRD will use the OEM solid pipe. Some engines require a controlled exhaust flex length X30 will require new exhaust pipe and Leopard 15 3/4 inches min. The measurement will be from backside of the header flange at the cylinder around the right side of the exhaust to the first weld of the large cone on the pipe. Only the USA my 09 leopard may run the solid exhaust pipe as per pdf, the 09-exhaust pipe may not be used on older leopards
3.14 BEARINGS, SEALS, GASKETS
Bearings are open but must be of the same type, material and design as the OEM bearings. Replacement bearings must be standard type, conventional bearings with steel or plastic retainers. They must be of the same width and outside diameter as original bearings. Ceramic or angular contact bearings are not allowed Seals are open, but they must be unmodified, and must be installed as the manufacturer intended. Combustion Chamber Volume (CCV) will be checked to the top of spark plug hole. Rotax Max FR125 – AS PER RMC RULES
3.14.1: Base Gaskets Open
4.0 Engines
4.1 IAME Swift F-Series IAME Swift PDF
Engine Specifications Drive Gear 11 /10 Tooth ONLY
Spark Plug Specifications OEM
4.2 Mini Rok
Engine specifications F-Series ROK-Mini-PDF
Spark Plug Specifications NGK B8EG, NGK B9EG, NGK B10EG
4.3 Iame Leopard
Engine Specifications F-Series Leopard PDF
CCV 9.5 cc
Minimum squish 0.026
Exhaust Port Height Max 1.380 Check with LAD Tool
Carburetor HL 334A, HL 334AB and HL 334AA
Venturi 0.905
Carburetor bore 1.005
Reed Thickness 0.012 + or – .002
Ignition Selettra 4 pole or Digital K
Crank complete weight 1875g – +/- 3%
Jr-Restrictor Exhaust Exhaust Header 30mm opening
Controlled exhaust flex length 15 3/4 inches min.
Note: Air cups must be the square only (see spec. sheet). Must say USA on cylinder. (see Leopard spec. sheet, serial numbers) P.N.-10381 – Screws M3 x 4.5-Gold finish original – the threaded portion of the screw is: 4.60mm- 4.85mm – the diameter of the head is: 4.80mm- 4.90mm P.N.-10380 – Screws M3 x 4.5-Silver finish sold as spares. – threaded portion of the screw: 4.40mm – 4.60mm – diameter of head: 5.00mm – 5.50mm.
The base gaskets are open but the thickness must remain as manufactured, the two allowed gasket thickness are .008 and .015. The only IAME filter adapter being manufactured is the 10771-c this is the only allowed and approved filter cup adapter (square version) all other cups are deemed not legal.
All new ‘P’ series engines that come with the new Digital K Ignition must use the Digital K Ignition. You may not install the old-style ignition on a ‘P’ series engine. You may remove the three tabs as this will allow the Digital K Ignition to be retro fitted into an old case.
4.4 Parilla Leopard USA MY 09
Engine Specifications F-Series Leopard My09 PDF
CCV 9.5 cc
Minimum squish 0.026
Exhaust Port Height Max 1.380 Check with LAD Tool
Carburetor HL 334AB
Venturi 0.905
Carburetor bore 1.005
Reed Thickness 0.012 + or – .002
Ignition Selettra 4 pole or Digital K
Exhaust JR 30 mm inner dia. (IAME JR header pipe)
Controlled exhaust flex length 15 3/4 inches min.
Note: Air cups must be the square only (see spec. sheet). Must say USA on cylinder. (see Leopard spec. sheet, serial numbers) P.N.-10381 – Screws M3 x 4.5-Gold finish original – the threaded portion of the screw is: 4.60mm- 4.85mm – the diameter of the head is: 4.80mm- 4.90mm P.N.-10380 – Screws M3 x4.5-Silver finish sold as spares. – threaded portion of the screw: 4.40mm – 4.60mm – diameter of head: 5.00mm – 5.50mm. The base gaskets are open but the thickness must remain as manufactured, the two allowed gasket thickness are .008 and .015. OEM thickness. The only IAME filter adapter being manufactured is the 10771-c this is the only allowed and approved filter cup adapter (square version) all other cups are deemed not legal.
4.5 Parilla X-30
Engine Specifications F-Series X30 FICHE PDF
CCV 10.6 cc
Port Height Lad Tool 1.380
Minimum 0.035 squish
Carburetor Tillotson-HW-27A
Venturi 26mm
Carburetor bore
Reed Thickness 0.012 + or – .002 (Fiberglass reeds ONLY)
Crank complete weight 2150g – +/- 1%
SELETTRA DIGITAL “K” IGNITION as manufactured, PVL is not allowed.
New Exhaust
4.6 Rotax
Rotax engine rules must comply with Rotax Max Rules for 2023
Non Evo Engines must comply with latest no evo Rules and Regulations
Formula Junior Rotax Evo engine must comply with 2023 Rotax Max Junior rules.
4.7 X125T-MX
Engine Specifications F Series X125T Homologation PDF
CCV 11.0 cm
Exhaust 180 degrees
Boost 172 degree’s
Minimum squish .84mm
Carburetor Tillitson # HL334AB
Venturi 30mm
Carburetor bore 24mm
Reed Thickness .25mm carbon. 1 stiffener must be as supplied
Ignition as MFG – PVL
Crank complete weight + or – 2120 grams
4.8 Honda CR 125
Engine Specifications F- Series Stock Moto Honda PDF
2 Hole maximum airbox CIK/FIA only
Mandatory Foam/Fabric air box filter element
All stated items must be present during all on track sessions, if rules are disregarded this will result in disqualification from event.
4.9 KZ FIA
Engine Specifications
Rules specific to KZ class https://www.fiakarting.com/page/technical-regulations
Rules specific to Formula Shifter Ironman F-Series Ironman KZ Rules
Technical drawing No. 7.pdf
Mandatory Foam/Fabric air box filter element
4.10 ROK GP
Engine Specifications F- Series Rok GP PDF
4.11 ROK SHIFTER
Engine Specifications F-Series SHIFTER_ROK PDF
4.15 Class Structure Overview
FORMULA CADET
Age 7 to 12 years Drivers under 8 years of age must submit racing resume and apply for F-Series competition license to obtain race clearance.
Vortex Mini 60 -245 lbs.
IAME Swift 60 -250 lbs.
Tires LeCont Red
Engines, Karts and class specific details per F-Series / Rok Cup Tech manual. Gearing will be 10 or 11 Front Driver only Chest protector is mandatory.
FORMULA JUNIOR
Age 12 to 15 years
IVortex Rok GP Junior 330 lbs
X30 (New Style) 320
Tires LeCont Red
Gas & Oil only.
Restrictions will be done by the exhaust header per F-Series Tech Manual.
FORMULA TAG
Age 15 and up
Rok GP 365lbs
X-30 365lbs
Rotax Evo 365lbs
Tires LeCont White
Gas & Oil only
Engines, exhaust and karts per F-Series Tech manual.
FORMULA 125
Age 15 and up
Vortex ROK GP 380lbs
Tires LeCont White
Gas & Oil only engines, exhaust and karts per F-Series Tech manual. Any CIK approved airbox will be allowed for use.
KZ 2
Age 15 and up
Weight 385 lbs
Tires: LeCont White
Gas & Oil only
Engine Rules and Regulations as per FIA
Formula SHIFTER (Rok ONLY)
Age 15 and up
Weight: Rok 395
Tires: LeCont Prime & Option
Gas & Oil only
Formula SHIFTER IRONMAN
Age 40 and up
Weight Honda 405 – Rok 415 – KZ 425
Tires: LeCont Prime & Option
Gas & Oil only
Please check documents for detailed rules for allowed engines.
5.0 Chassis Specification
Round tubing only.
5.1 AXLES
Maximum diameter of 50 mm.
5.2 BRAKES
Cadet, Junior, Senior rear systems only. Front wheel systems are permitted in Shifter Division ONLY. A dual rear system is allowed.
5.3 BODYWORK
As per current CIK Homologation, or as per approved by TAG™ Racing International. Scribner Plastics part #6010, #6020, #6030L, #6030R.and #6050 rear are currently approved.
Rear width: Maximum 1340mm Minimum 1040mm
In all conditions the external plan of the rear tire/wheels cannot be inside the external plan of the rear bumper. During a rain race any part of the bodywork may not extend past the external plan of the tire/wheel.
5.4 CHASSIS ELIGIBILITY
As per current CIK Homologation or as per approved by The F-Series. US manufactured chassis meeting current US safety and technical specifications must be approved Non CIK approved Chassis must be submitted to and approved for competition by The F-Series officials prior to competing in an F-Series event
5.5 CHASSIS INTEGRITY
Any chassis found to be cracked or broken will be disallowed from competition. Repair–may be welded or replaced only. Final repair will be subject to technical inspection prior to reentering track.
6.0 TIRE SPECIFICATIONS
6.1 TIRE MANUFACTURER / COMPOUND
Manufacturer Slicks for SR Division
LeCont White
LeCont Red
Wet compound LeCont Purple or White
6.2 TIRE SIZES-Formula Junior and Senior classes 4.5 front / 7.10 rears in all classes.
6.3 TIRE SIZES-Cadet classes – 4.5 front / 4.5 rears.
6.4 NO MODIFICATION – or tire treatment of any type is permitted.
6.5 TIRE USAGE – A maximum of ONE set (four tires) per event. Tires used for qualifying must start the race.
6.6 SPARE TIRES – Are permitted on a one for one basis due to uncontrolled damage. Replacement is based on competitor’s safety. Regular wear during competition shall not be a consideration for replacement. Replacement is permitted only by decision of the Race Director.
7.0 Authorized Racing Equipment
7.1 MAXIMUM EQUIPMENT PERMITTED – by competitor per each event. – Maximum one (1) Chassis – Maximum two (2) Engines – Maximum one (1) Set SLICK tires – Maximum one (1) Set RAIN tires – Maximum one (1) FRONT / one (1) REAR SPARE tire * * Spare tires replaced for damaged originals only, as per race director. *Equipment used in qualifying MUST then be used in all heats, pre-final and finals. ** Helmet, Driver suit, neck collar, gloves must comply with current national safety standards.
7.2 RADIO COMMUNICATION – Is permitted in Sprint divisions by race control only. And is also permitted in road race divisions.
7.3 TELEMETRY – Absolutely no communication will be allowed between the data acquisition system and any other item or system during any sanctioned F-Series event (practice, time trials, or racing).
7.4 GAUGES – Data acquisition systems are allowed in all classes. Sensor type and number of sensors is open. If a sensor needs external power, the sensor may be powered from the data acquisition system or from the kart battery. All sensor data must be recorded on the data acquisition system. Any sensor not sending data to the data acquisition system must be removed from the kart. The data acquisition system must NOT be powered from the kart battery; it must be powered by its own power source. Data acquisition systems used during any sanctioned F-Series event (practice, time trials, or racing) will be limited to only the collection, display, and storage of data.
Absolutely no two-way communications will be allowed between the data acquisition system and any other item or system during any sanctioned F-Series event (practice, time trials, or racing). Any system that is capable of modifying/activating, ignition timing, air or fuel ratio mixtures, traction control, throttle position, or any other setting on the vehicle are expressly forbidden. The race steward, race director, and or tech officials may require that any or all data acquisition devices or sensors be removed or disabled during any sanctioned F-Series event (practice, time trials, or racing). Downloading of the data stored on the data acquisition system to a computer for data analysis after an event is permitted.
All teams shall provide any, and all, of the data to the race steward, race director, and or tech officials upon request during any sanctioned F-Series event (practice, time trials, or racing). Loss of data or failure to produce data when requested may result in loss of qualifying times and/or finishing position, or other penalties
8.0 Fuel
8.1 RACING GASOLINE – Only fuels allowed are Sunoco 112. Methods of testing will be determined by tech official and will be prior to events. Rotax which will run as per current national RMAX rules.
8.2 OIL- ENI OILS are permitted. Excluding Rotax engines which run per current Rotax Max rules fuel & oil mixture- Oil 4 ounces minimum to 8 ounces maximum per one gallon racing gasoline.
