Section 6000.305  Racing Go-Karts

 

a)         Vehicle Requirements

 

1)         All vehicles shall be equipped with driver padding and passenger padding, if applicable, including, but not limited to, steering wheel pad, headrest pad, steering wheel support post and seat cushions.

 

2)         All vehicles shall be guarded to prevent interlocking of wheels during operation.

 

3)         All vehicles equipped with seat belts shall be equipped with a roll over protection system.

 

4)         Vehicles shall be equipped with a guarding system that covers or encloses all rotating parts of the drive mechanism except the tires.  The exhaust system shall be located or guarded to protect the passenger when entering or exiting the vehicle.

 

5)         Vehicles with fuel tanks shall have the tanks mounted and/or guarded in a manner that provides protection to the passenger during operation and if an accident should occur.  Fuel tank caps shall conform to ANSI SAE J-1241 and be designed and maintained so as not to leak.

 

6)         Wheels shall be retained by a castellated nut and cotter pin or other positive method recommended by the manufacturer.  Nuts with inserts of nylon or other material shall not be re-used.

 

b)         Track and Course Requirements

 

1)         The surface of the track or course used by go-karts shall be of a solid and binding material.

 

2)         A barrier system shall be installed around the inner and outer edges of the track or course used by go-karts and shall extend the entire length of the track or course.

 

A)        When rubber tires are used for a barrier system, these tires shall be free of the rims and/or wheels.  They shall be fastened together to form a continuous train.  Tires shall never be stacked over two high.

 

B)        If a metal or fiberglass rail is used as the barrier, the rail surface shall be kept free of sharp or protruding edges or seams and shall be maintained so that there are no loose or unsecured areas.

 

C)        A barrier system shall be installed to designate and protect the pit area or passenger loading area.

 

D)        Access to the entire track shall be restricted.

 

3)         A fence or railing system shall be installed at maintenance buildings or areas, driveways, pit areas, and fuel storage/pumping areas to keep patrons awaiting rides and spectators from entering these track areas without the permission of, or direction by, track personnel.

 

4)         No intersecting course configurations, including but not limited to a figure 8 course or opposing traffic configuration, shall be permitted.

 

c)         Operation

 

1)         The attendants or assistants shall be able to clearly view the entire course.

 

2)         Fire extinguishers shall be charged and readily available to the track personnel at all times.

 

3)         The refueling of the vehicles with internal combustion engines or the recharging and/or exchanging of batteries shall take place in the pit areas. 

 

4)         All storage containers of gasoline and other flammables shall be in accordance with Section 6000.190 (Fire Prevention and Protection).

 

5)         Beginning at twilight, track lighting is required and lighting is required for indoor tracks at all times during operations.

 

6)         Monitoring

 

A)        A signal system shall be installed to safely alert the drivers of the vehicles to a caution situation or to stop the vehicles in case of an emergency.  This signal system may consist of, but is not limited to, a hand-held flag system or a set of lights visible to the drivers.  The system shall be explained to the drivers before operating any vehicle.

 

B)        Effective January 1, 2006, each vehicle shall be equipped with a throttle control device that can be activated from the ride attendant's station.

 

7)         A separate and distinct maintenance log shall be kept for each vehicle.  The maintenance logs shall be kept on a daily basis and kept available for inspector review.  All replacing of parts should be noted.  A comment section should be provided.  The track mechanic shall sign each log sheet indicating that the vehicle is ready to operate.  This log shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:

 

A)        Brake inspection;

 

B)        Tire wear and pressure;

 

C)        Steering inspection;

 

D)        Body inspection;

 

E)        Padding inspection;

 

F)         Lubrication and engine oil check; and

 

G)        Drive mechanism.

 

8)         Only one patron per seat shall be permitted in each vehicle.  No in-line riding shall be permitted.

 

9)         Personal Safety Equipment.  Drivers of karts that are not equipped with seatbelts and roll bars shall wear the following personal safety equipment while on the track or course.

 

A)        Drivers of karts shall wear the following personal safety equipment while on the track or course:

 

i)          Head Gear – A full-face helmet with head sock complying with a Snell Foundation test specification as published in the Snell Helmet Safety Standards is mandatory.  A full-face shield is mandatory.  The helmet must be secured by a chinstrap.

 

ii)         Neck Brace – The use of unaltered collar-type neck brace designed for racing is mandatory.  Any driver losing his or her neck brace shall immediately precede to the pits and may, upon replacing the missing neck brace, return to the track.

 

B)        Drivers of indoor karts that are not equipped with seatbelts and roll bars, and that go less than 7 mph, are not required to wear personal safety equipment as stated in this Section and are called kiddie karts.

 

d)         Special Circumstances/Waiver of this Section

 

1)         The Director may approve an operating permit for an existing facility that does not meet the requirements of this Section if the following apply:

 

A)        A written request for waiver is submitted to the Director; and

 

B)        The facility requesting waiver was built and licensed prior to January 1, 2007.

 

2)         If, after January 1, 2007, any modifications are made to an existing track that would have otherwise been exempt under this Section, the existing track with the modifications shall not be eligible for a waiver and shall comply with this Section.

 

3)         Tracks constructed on or after January 1, 2007 shall comply with this Section and are not eligible for a waiver under subsection (d)(1).

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)