High-Back Kart Seats On The Way?

A special "FIA In Safety" report was released earlier this year. The 40-page report has a section regarding the FIA Institute's kart safety program where it states "new high seat designs, a collapsible steering column and improved body protection are all on the agenda for introduction into karting competition in the near future."

FIA Institute’s Head of Research Hubert Gramling said: “Safety cannot be achieved by a single measure. The new rear bumpers reduce the risk of launching the karts but there are other reasons for this than wheel contact. That is why we have a high seat which gives the occupant some survival space if a kart turns over and a high performance helmet to protect the head."

In certain conditions, there is no doubt a high-back seat could lessen or prevent injuries. However, under other conditions a high-back seat could easily severly injure a driver that would otherwise have been unharmed. Renowned seat manufacturer Steve Tillett was very vocal about this very issue a couple of years ago.

The report also details a grant through the Motor Sport Safety Development Fund will be used by the Federation of Automobile Sports of China for a three-stage karting safety programme for young drivers. Also, the Automobile & Touring Club of Mozambique has invited South African instructors to the country to train young drivers about safe karting practices. The safety workshops, aimed at drivers aged 15 to 20 years old, will seek to improve overall awareness of health and safety issues both on the track and on ordinary roads.

The full report can be viewed on the fiainstitute website HERE.

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