As the 2023 racing season starts to wind down and head into relaxed Christmas events, with just two more major events to come this weekend in the first round of the WPKA Goldstar Series, plus Superkart racing at Hampton Downs, teams will be looking forward to 2024 kicking into life.

As previously announced, from January 1^st, all classes in sprint or Superkart racing currently utilizing the Dunlop DFH tyre will move to the MG SH tyre. This means, for all competitive karting, whether a club day, regional or national event, the use of Dunlop dry tyres will no longer be permitted. However, for those wishing to get the most out of their leftover tyre stock, the DFH tyres may be used for non-competitive purposes, being practice, have-a-go karts or vintage/classic events until Jun 30^th 2024.

As previously notified to the trade, and in a move to align with modern times, KartSport New Zealand will not be setting a recommended retail price for the MG SH tyre. Trade will be free to set tyre prices and package offerings whichever way best suits their business and customer needs. However, to offer fair access to tyres nationwide, all approved trade suppliers will be afforded the same purchasing and freight conditions.

Though there will not be a set RRP, as KartSport New Zealand will continue to sell and manage the tyres for all National events, we are able to provide the pricing that tyres will be sold for as part of the entry form at these events. This being a Senior set at $395 incl. and a Cadet set at $362.41 incl.

All current tyre stockists have been invited to apply for a trade account with KartSport New Zealand and will soon have access to their online ordering portal. As an initial ordering spike is to be expected, we encourage all competitors to advise their local kart shop as to their initial order quantity requirements. This will further help the rollout of the new tyre, with shops able to lodge pre-orders for dispatch.

Trade are also being encouraged to limit their ordering frequency from next year in a move that would offer significant benefit to the sport. Not only does this offer a reduction in the sport’s environmental impact, but any efficiencies found in shipping will also now have a direct and positive effect on investment in the sport. All licence holders can help improve in this area by keeping your local kart shop well informed of your tyre needs.

Though stock is expected to be available to trade late December, this is a reminder, as per rule L3.5 the current DFH tyre is still the contract tyre and must be used until December 31^st.

Article added: Friday 24 November 2023