Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 520 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY › Title 520 CMR 5.00 - AMUSEMENT DEVICES › Section 5.12 - Concession Racing Karts and Facilities

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
520 CMR 5.12 applies to the design, manufacture and operation of concession karts and their associated operating facilities where qualified drivers (driver) can take part on concession kart racing and/or lapping sessions.
520 CMR 5.12 does not apply to vehicles specifically offered for use by the General Public to replicate competitive motor sports in an amusement facility setting (concession go-karts), sanctioned racing or racing schools (race karts) or used for general purpose by private owners (fun karts).
Significance and Use
. 520 CMR 5.12 is intended to delineate information for the design, manufacture and operation of concession racing karts and related track facilities.
(1)
Definitions
.
Barrier System
. A device installed on the concession racing kart track which defines the boundaries of the track and/or run-off areas and whose primary purpose is to contain the vehicles within pre-determined boundaries.
Concession Go-kart
. A motorized vehicle with four wheels that is driver controlled with respect to acceleration, speed, braking and steering. This vehicle operates within the containment system of a defined track and is intended to simulate competitive motor sports for members of the general public for a fee. A concession go-kart has a maximum capacity of two persons and no cargo capacity.
Concession Racing Kart
. A motorized vehicle with four non-aligned wheels in contact with the ground, two of which control the steering while the other two transmit the power. A concession racing kart is a vehicle, with or without bodywork, controlled by the driver with respect to acceleration, speed, braking and steering. Concession racing karts are classified by speed and are driven and/or raced on tracks. Speeds for Class One and Class Two concession racing karts shall not exceed 35 mph and 55 mph respectively. Speed qualification of concession racing karts shall be based upon speed measured on a flat and level track surface.
Concession Racing Kart Track Staff
. Staff required to operate a concession racing kart facility. Duties include, but are not limited to, registering and briefing drivers, assisting drivers in and out of karts and managing all track operations.
Discussion
. Specifically excludes similar devices that are intended for use in an amusement facility setting (concession go-karts), race schools or sanctioned racing (racing karts), devices such as electronically or rail guarded amusement rides and bumper cars or other similar amusement devices that operate under circumstances where there is no defined direction of travel.
Driver
. The person who manipulates and controls the direction of travel, braking and speed of a concession racing kart.
In order to drive a Class One concession racing kart, the driver shall have either attended a class and taken and passed a practical test to establish his or her competency or be 18 years of age or older and hold a valid internationally recognized drivers' license.
In order to drive a Class Two concession racing kart, the driver shall either hold an applicable valid competition license from a recognized motor sport sanctioning body, have taken part in a minimum of six competition events in a Class One concession racing kart or have attended a class and taken and passed a practical test.
In all cases the driver (and his or her parent/legal guardian if the driver is 18 years old) shall sign a full release and waiver of liability and acknowledgement that he or she are taking part in competitive motor sports and understands the risk of possible injury and/or death.
Fun Kart
. A motorized vehicle with four wheels, sold commercially as consumer goods and intended for private personal recreational use by the consumers for off-road use on suitable terrain, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Lapping Session
. Any laps driven at a concession racing kart facility in either a race or practice session.
Pit
. A defined area for the purpose of drivers getting in and out of the vehicles at the beginning, during or end of any lapping session and where refueling of concession racing karts may take place.
Race Kart
. A motorized vehicle with four wheels designed for use in either Sanctioned Racing on tracks, streets, or other areas of competition or in a Racing School facility. Racing Karts are defined and classified by recognized motor sports sanctioning bodies, such as FIA, CIK, WKA, IKF, MSA, SCCA,
etc
. Anyone operating such vehicles shall comply with the requirements for safety equipment as mandated by the Sanctioning body.
Track
. A defined path for the operation of concession racing karts that has either a concrete or asphalt surface.
Significance and Use
. 520 CMR 5.12 is intended to delineate information for the design, manufacture and operation of concession racing karts and related track facilities.
(2)
Concession Race Kart and Safety Equipment Specification
.
(a)
Chassis
.
1. Concession racing karts shall be of an adequately strong construction and shall present no undue hazard to its driver or other driver. In particular, steering, brakes, and wheels shall be adequate for speeds that are likely to be attained.
2. The concession racing kart chassis shall be constructed from magnetic steel tubing. Cross section is free. It shall be of one-piece construction either welded or brazed.
3. Any form of chassis frame control, which includes pivots, dampers or similar devices, is prohibited. Any form of suspension, either by electrometric material or by any pivot is prohibited.
4. Concession racing karts shall have protected covers or component placement for moving or heated components of the engine and drive train system to prevent or inhibit the driver from inadvertent contact with these components while seated in the intended position for operation.
5. Concession racing karts shall incorporate a bumper system that encloses all four wheels in such a manner that the wheels from one concession racing kart cannot engage or override the wheels of another concession racing kart operating under normal conditions. The bumper system shall be designed in such a way that under normal operating conditions a concession racing kart shall be inhibited from climbing, separating or going under a barrier system.