KART WEAR SUITS GUIDE
NEW FIA 8877-2022
Protective Clothing for Karting Competitors
This new standard replaces the former CIK-FIA (N 2013-1) Level 1 & 2. Now all karting suits, shoes & gloves are required to be FIA tested & homologated….
WE RECOMMEND YOU CHOOSE A FIA HOMOLOGATION BECAUSE SUITS, SHOES & GLOVES ARE NOW TESTED FOR RESISTANCE TO ABRASION, TO TEARING, FOR TENSILE STRENGTH (SEAMS) & IN ADDITION MUST SURVIVE A MINIMUM RESISTANCE TO CONTACT HEAT of 100°C, (for a duration of 10 seconds.)
The suits, shoes & gloves are now all FIA tagged (including a hologram) & with an expiration date.
Grade 1 Karting Overalls ensure a high degree of protection against abrasion in case of an accident. These Karting Overalls are intended to be used in short circuit karting competitions.
Grade 2 Karting Overalls that ensure a higher degree of protection against abrasion than Grade 1, in case of an accident. These Karting Overalls are intended to be used in long circuit karting competitions.
The previous Kart Suits CIK-FIA N2013-1LevelS 1 & 2 no longer exist.
FIA 8877-2022 SPECIFIES GRADE 1 & GRADE 2
FOR THE USA - MANUFACTURERS ARE GRADUALLY INTRODUCING THEIR FIA 8877-2022 TAGGED APPAREL
EXEMPTION ZONES HAVE BEEN SIMPLIFIED
Construction of The Karting Overalls shall be constructed in one piece. They shall extend to cover the neck and be close-fitting at the wrists and ankles. It is permitted to incorporate materials that do not meet the requirements ... on condition that these materials are incorporated into the Abrasion Exemption Zones …The Abrasion Exemption Zones are defined in points a) to e) see left image.
The Floating Sleeve. This zone is intended to increase the comfort of the wearer on the shoulders, either by adding Stretchable Materials or Mesh Materials.
Inner Sleeve. This zone is intended to increase the comfort of the wearer under the arm, either by adding Stretchable Materials or Mesh Materials
Lower Back This zone is intended to increase the comfort of the wearer in the kidney area, by adding Stretchable Materials. - FIA
CIK-FIA TO FIA 8877-2022 TIMELINE
The new homologation started June 29, 2022 and manufacturers began to prepare and introduce their products for homologation process.
January 1, 2024 FIA mandates the use of 8877-2022 approved Karting Gloves and Shoes in FIA karting championships and cups, provided there are at least two different manufacturers offering products at prices similar to current offerings by December 31, 2023. This has been achieved - Alpinestars, OMP and Sparco have (although very limited) introduced new FIA 8877-2022 gloves, shoes and suits.
December 31, 2024 Karting gear made to CIK-FIA 2023-1 level 2 standard can no longer be produced by the manufacturers. However, the items can still be worn. Suits manufactured before December 31 2024 will be accepted in accordance with the label on the overalls. This will not extend past 31 December 2029.
January 1, 2025 –The mandate expands to include all Karting Competitions on the FIA International Sporting Calendar. Gloves and boots made to the 8877-2022 standard will become mandatory in all karting competitions within the FIA International Sporting Calendar.
December 31, 2029 – The end of CIK-FIA and the FIA’s full adoption of the 8877-2022 standard.
January 1, 2030 – FIA Standard 8877-2022 are the only type accepted in competitions which comply with FIA safety regulations.
