Statement From The Australian Karting Association

press release

The Australian Karting Association Inc (AKA) would like to make the following statement regarding the regulations of the AKA, the Association’s insurance coverage and alternative Karting groups.

Over the past weeks the AKA has received numerous enquires relating to certain Karting events and in particular a series being promoted within NSW.

It has become apparent that there are other groups conducting Karting events in Australia, which due to the names of classes and also event names, that could appear to be in a similar class structure outlined in the 2009 Karting Manual.

It should be recognised that the 2009 Karting Manual and previous publications is the intellectual property of the AKA and cannot be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the AKA.

One such category is the TaG 125 class which is designed to incorporate the increasingly popular TaG categories (Leopard, Rotax, PRD, Biland, and SQ Cheetah) into one class and in 2009 the TaG Super Series is being contested in conjunction with the 2009 Premier State Cup in New South Wales. This should not be confused with the Super Series that is being currently promoted by private groups.

All AKA events and series conducted in Australia are contested under the rules outlined in the 2009 Karting Manual, which is published by the AKA and subject to the International Sporting Code of F.I.A (Federation Internationale de L’Automobile) and recognised by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS).

Also there have been comments made that these groups have the same insurance levels as the AKA. The AKA cannot confirm the validity of these comments.

The AKA National Executive would like to advise its members and the wider community that the AKA’s Insurance Policy, issued through Trans-West Insurance Brokers, not only offers AKA Clubs, officials, volunteers, employees, licence holder and competitors with public and products liability to the limit of $50 Million but also personal accident insurance to other various specified limits.

The AKA is the only motorsport organisation in Australia that pays the premium for a personal accident policy for its officials, drivers, pit crews and voluntary workers.

This policy covers for bodily injury resulting from an accident which occurs whilst engaged in the following activities:

- engaging in official kart club activities including championship titles, club or State representative titles/activities;
- engaging in official organised training or practice for activities as described in (i) above
- travelling directly between the activities (i) or (ii) above, and their residence or place of employment or the premises of the insured;
- engaging in administrative or organised social activities of the AKA.
- Staying away from their home district during a tour for the purpose of participating in such activities.

For a comprehensive understanding regarding the depth of coverage provided by the AKA’s insurance refer to the 2009 Karting Manual in chapter 3.

“The AKA is one of the longest running governing bodies in Australian motorsport and operates to promote and protect the sport of Kart Racing it’s members volunteers and employee’s in Australia” said AKA National President Richard Erdmann.

“As an Association we pride ourselves on a high level of protection provided by our insurance coverage for our members, association clubs, licence holders and volunteers, but also the rules that we operate under which provides protection and justice for all persons associated with the Association.

“We have over 7,500 licence holders in the AKA with 92 clubs across the country and along with thousands of officials and volunteers they are all covered under the Association’s insurance policy.

“Should our licence holders or officials wish to participate in events conducted by other organizations I would strongly recommend that they make themselves fully aware of what insurance coverage they are being provided and also what rules they may be operating under. They should request a copy of the rules and insurance policy or policies to satisfy themselves that they have adequate protection. Do not accept a verbal undertaking from any individual or group, verbal statements do not protect you should you be injured or have a grievance regarding rules.”

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