Rules for Umigo
Why rules? Safety and performance is our focus. Karting is a non-contact sport, and since motor sports can be dangerous, rules and regulations are enforced for your safety and enjoyment. It is your responsibility as a driver to know and follow our rules and system of flags.
If over 16 years old and have a drivers license, there is no previous training nor special licenses required to experience the thrill of wheel-to-wheel competition. If you are from 10 through 15 years old, see our
Youth Racing Page for details. All racers must be at least 4 feet 10 inches tall and not over 300 lbs in weight. All participants need to sign our electronic release form at the center.
A parent or legal guardian must sign for those under 18 years of age.
Arrive and be ready to go twenty (20) minutes prior to your scheduled race time. Prior to your first experience, each and every driver must attend the race and rules briefing video, so add an extra 5-10 minutes for this.
Never drive under the influence of intoxicating substances. Same rule applies here. If you appear intoxicated by any substance, we reserve the right to refuse race time or to remove you from the track without refund.
Obey the flags and the flag marshals at all times. Our marshals are there to ensure a great time on the track, but they are also responsible for maintaining a safe track environment. During the race, they communicate with you through flags and non-verbal gestures. They will also provide direct verbal instructions which you are responsible to follow. Feel free to ask any questions if something is not clear. No question is out of bounds, we are here to help you have a great experience.
Notify us if you are having a problem or a concern. Sometimes the driver is the best resource for problem spotting. It is your responsibility and commitment that if something does not feel right or if you are uncomfortable with anything, you immediately pull off the track to either the Pit Area or the Sin Bin and notify the nearest Umigo Staff Member of your concern. We will attempt to mitigate any problems, but it is your responsibility to leave the restricted track area if you are not satisfied with the resolution of staff. Ask for Umigo Management and we will work with you to ensure your satisfaction given the circumstances.
Once out on the track, Stay in your kart. Never get out of your kart on the track unless directed by Umigo Staff. If you spin out or stall you must stay in your kart. If stuck, do not try to manuever the kart with your hands or feet as this can lead to a serious injury. Our marshals are there to help you, let them.
No bumping, pinching, pushing in the karts. Umigo karting is high performance racing, not bumper cars. Occasional unintentional bumping may occur and the karts are built and maintained to handle this, but the rules are no bumping, no nudging and no pushing each other into barriers. We will warn you with a Black Flag and a discussion in our Sin Bin if you are clearly bumping other drivers intentionally. If the behavior persists, we will penalize you by slowing your car with our remote control speed governor. If you continue to disobey this rule we will remove you from the race.
No retaliation. Aggressive driving may occur and the Umigo Track Marshals are there to manage this for you. However, if you feel that another racer is being uncomfortably aggressive and Umigo Staff has not noticed it, then it is your responsibility to alert Umigo Staff to the issue. You can simply wave and point out the offending driver/kart or come into the Sin Bin or Pit Area and talk it through with Umigo Staff. It is absolutely wrong and dangerous to retaliate or become aggressive back to the offending driver. If Umigo Staff does not solve the issue to your satisfaction, ask for the Umigo Manager in charge.
Do not use the brake and the throttle at the same time (power braking):
Never use the brake and the gas pedals at the same time. You will heat up the clutch and brakes, which will make your car go slower and will increase the possibility of kart equipment failure or heat injury to the racer. Our marshals will warn you with a Black Flag and a discussion in the Sin Bin if you are clearly power braking (the acrid smell of the burning brake linings is a dead give-away!).
Do not damage or alter the Umigo equipment or facility:
If you damage a kart or our facility you could be held financially responsible for damages.