To all Sprint & Hill Climb Event and Championship Organisers
Within the last six months, the Motorsport UK Board have approved some changes to PPE requirements for Sprint and Hill Climb competitors. One of these was for implementation from 1st January however we have become aware that few Competitors were aware of the change and had been arriving at Events without the correct equipment.
Below are notes of the changes for your awareness and you will also see these duplicated in the next Club Bulletin. We would recommend that you please make your members aware of these changes if you have not already done so to assist them in their preparations.
Sprint & Hill Climb - Balaclavas
Following several fires across a range of motorsport disciplines, which resulted in burns, the Sprint & Hill Climb Sub‑Committee reviewed all personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements during 2025. As a result of this review, a proposal was made to introduce a mandatory requirement for flame‑resistant balaclavas for competitors in Modified, Sports Libre, and Racing Cars.
This proposal was approved by the Board in June 2025, following consultation, and came into effect on 1 January 2026. However, it appears that many competitors remain unaware of this change, and organisers are therefore encouraged to help promote awareness of the requirement.
Exemptions remain in place for Standard Cars, Road Cars, and open bodywork Period Defined Vehicles.
For full details, please refer to Chapter 14, Appendix 2, Article 4.3.
Sprint & Hill Climb - PPE
From 1 January 2027, Ch.14, App.2, Art. 4.3 will require competitors in Modified, Sports Libre, and Racing Cars to wear flame‑resistant shoes in compliance with Chapter 9, Article 12.4.
Competitors in Standard Cars, Road Cars, and Period Defined Vehicles must wear suitable footwear that fully covers the foot and enables adequate control of the vehicle. The use of plastic footwear (such as trainers) should be avoided.
You are encouraged to ensure that competitors are made aware of these requirements ahead of 2027 so that they can be suitably prepared.
If you have any queries please get in touch with Motorsport UK.