LED floodlighting for outdoor kart tracks
For night operation, the CIK-FIA licence criteria give 200 lx on the track and 150 lx each in the run-off areas and the servicing park. They count as a typical requirement for new tracks with an FIA licence from 2025, in all three licence levels. No separate value is known for pure leisure tracks; the figures are a good benchmark for planning there.
As of:
Enquiry for your kart trackWhat matters on a kart track
A long, narrow ribbon
Depending on the level, a track with an FIA licence is at least 800 to 1,100 m long and 6 to 8 m wide, so the light has to follow a long, narrow ribbon.
Light the run-off areas too
Not only the track needs light: for the run-off areas the CIK-FIA gives 150 lx. Anyone who leaves the track therefore stays within the lit area.
Do not forget the servicing park
The criteria also give 150 lx for the servicing park, because work on the karts is done there at night.
Clarify the licence first
In Germany, events requiring approval only take place on kart tracks with a valid DMSB or CIK-FIA track licence.
Light does not replace signals
Light panels for race control are a separate topic: for levels 1 and 2 they are mandatory on new tracks, for level 3 recommended.
Consideration for neighbours
The light belongs on the track and run-off area, not on the surroundings.
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The bend in view, not the floodlight
Depending on the section of track, drivers look in changing directions and look far ahead into bends. We determine mast location, tilt and optics so that as few floodlights as possible lie in these lines of sight.
- Mast position
- Tilt
- Optics
Light for night operation
| Average illuminance | Playing level | Lighting class | Uniformity | Glare rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200lx | Track | |||
| 150lx | Run-off areas | |||
| 150lx | Servicing park |
What do the values mean?
Lux tells you how much light reaches the pitch. Uniformity shows how evenly it is distributed, and the glare rating how strongly the floodlights cause glare.
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Illuminance (lx): How much light falls on a surface. 1 lx equals 1 lumen per square metre. For sports facilities, the average horizontal illuminance on the playing area is usually given.
Uniformity (U): Lowest divided by average illuminance. The closer the value is to 1, the more even the light.
Glare rating (GR): Assesses how strongly floodlights cause glare at outdoor facilities, on a scale from 10 (no glare) to 90 (unbearable glare).
Frequently asked questions
How many lux does a kart track need?
For night operation the CIK-FIA gives 200 lx on the track and 150 lx in the run-off areas and the servicing park. Information on uniformity and measuring direction is not given in this document. We clarify it for your track before the lighting calculation.
What applies to a leisure track with rental karts?
The CIK-FIA values serve as a guide. Indoors, licht.wissen 08 treats go-karting like a general sports hall with 200 lx for leisure use, because the requirements are not higher.
Does DIN EN 12193 also apply?
Yes, licht.wissen 08 refers to Table A.18 of DIN EN 12193 for outdoor go-kart tracks. We clarify which values are decisive for your track before the lighting calculation.
Do the values also apply to existing tracks?
The table describes typical requirements for new tracks homologated from 2025. Existing tracks move to the new system on licence renewal or on application. For details, the national motorsport federation is the right contact.
What applies to light towards the neighbours?
In Germany, the guidance of the Federal/State Working Group on Immission Control (LAI) is the benchmark. In residential areas, the guideline value for brightening at the window is 3 lx until 10 pm and 1 lx afterwards. Ask your immission control authority in each individual case.
Enquiry for your kart track
Tell us how long the track is and whether racing or leisure use takes place there. We will get back to you with an initial assessment.
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