The pre-grid procedure will return for this year's Craigs Investment Partners KartSport New Zealand National Sprint Champs, with tweaks and additions to further enhance the process, as detailed below.

PRE-GRID & OUT GRID PROCEDURE

• When the Out-Grid exit gate is closed (all karts on track), the Out-Grid entry gate will open and the class within the Pre-Grid may move onto the Out-Grid. Once moved onto the Out-Grid Competitors may not return to the Pre-Grid.

• When the Out-Grid entry gate is closed the Pre-Grid entry gate will open.

• The Pre-Grid entry gate will close at the following time periods after the out-grid class has entered the track.
  • Heats - 6 Minutes
  • Pre-Final - 9 Minutes
  • Final - 16 Minutes
• When the Pre-Grid entry gate is closed, competitors within the Pre-Grid will be shown the 3 MINUTE board notifying the closing of the Out-Grid entry gate. At the conclusion of this 3-minute period, competitors must move onto the Out-Grid immediately & in entirety.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• No starting of engines is permitted in the pre-grid compound.
• Engines are only to be warmed up in your pit site. Only those in the tar sealed area east of the tech shed can warm there karts up in that area.
• Entry to the pre-grid will be restricted to the driver and one crew member only.
• Each competitor will be provided two colour-coded wristbands for each class they compete in. One for the driver, and one for a single mechanic. Wristbands must be worn the entirety of Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s event.
• One representative from each major team, and/or KartSport New Zealand coaches, approved by KartSport New Zealand pre-event, will receive an all-access colour-coded wristband to attend the pre-grid and out-grid at any time. KartSport New Zealand reserves full discretion on the distribution of these wristbands. These personnel are permitted to work on their relevant classes karts, supporting customers.
• The Pre-Grid on Out Grid will be managed by a KartSport New Zealand official. Their decisions and instructions are final. The Official may use sole discretion in exceptional circumstances to allow a non-wristband person to enter the Pre-Grid assisting a competitor. However, the rule of one mechanic per competitor must be maintained.

Article added: Monday 14 April 2025