Event Format & Rules

The 2026 AUS PEV Nationals will be contested across three championship heats per class using ESRA’s Evolving Grid format. This format is designed to reward strong racing across the full weekend, with grid positions updating heat by heat based on rider results. Qualifying sets the starting grid for Heat 1, the finishing order from Heat 1 sets the grid for Heat 2, and the finishing order from Heat 2 sets the grid for Heat 3. Points are awarded in each championship heat using the ESRA points system, with final class standings determined by total points scored across all three heats.

Racing will take place across three different track variations at Coffs Harbour Kart Club, creating a championship that tests speed, consistency, and adaptability across different layouts and conditions. Friday will focus on arrival, check-in, qualifying, and the opening novice championship sessions on Track E, before the weekend progresses through additional championship racing on Track A and Track G. Novice classes will not race on Track A.

Qualifying

A qualifying session will be held to determine the starting grid for Heat 1. The fastest valid lap sets a rider’s qualifying position. Track limits apply during qualifying, and dangerous riding or avoidable contact may result in penalties. Friday includes a dedicated novice-only qualifying window, followed by open qualifying for Pro and Challenger classes.

Evolving Grid Format

The championship uses a progressive grid system:

  • Qualifying sets the grid for Heat 1

  • Heat 1 finishing order sets the grid for Heat 2

  • Heat 2 finishing order sets the grid for Heat 3

This means every championship heat directly shapes the next one, rewarding riders who continue to perform and adapt across the weekend. Riders who do not start or do not finish a heat will be placed at the rear of the next heat’s grid. Where required, ties are resolved by previous heat result, then qualifying result.

Points System

Championship heats are scored using the unified ESRA points system:

  • 1st: 15 points

  • 2nd: 12 points

  • 3rd: 9 points

  • 4th: 6 points

  • 5th: 3 points

  • 6th and below: 0 points

Final class standings are determined by total points accumulated across the championship heats. Where riders are tied on points, tie-breakers are resolved by the better result in the later heat(s), then qualifying if required.

Briefings & Rider Requirements

All riders must be registered, signed on, and attend the official rider briefing before accessing the track for any practice, qualifying, or race session. Riders arriving late cannot access the track until individually briefed. Riders are responsible for ensuring their vehicle is race-ready, mechanically safe, and compliant with event requirements. Officials may inspect vehicles at any time and deny track access to any machine considered unsafe.

Safety Equipment

All riders must wear a full-face helmet certified to a recognised safety standard during all on-track sessions. Closed-toe footwear is required at all times. Additional protective equipment including body armour, gloves, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads is strongly recommended.

Starts, False Starts & Grid Conduct

Riders must follow the designated start procedure for each session and remain stationary until the official signal is given. In sessions using a standing start, a false start will trigger a restart. Repeat false starts attract escalating penalties, beginning with a grid drop, then a move to the back of the grid, and ultimately disqualification for repeated offences.

Contact, Conduct & Track Limits

Contact between riders is prohibited and is assessed by Operations based on severity, consequence, and safety impact. Penalties may range from warnings and grid adjustments through to point deductions, heat disqualification, event exclusion, or suspension for serious or deliberate incidents. Riders must remain within track limits at all times and rejoin safely if they leave the circuit. Unsafe riding, abusive behaviour, or refusal to follow official instructions may result in penalties or removal from the event.

Medical & Safety Authority

Any rider involved in a significant crash or injury may be required to seek first aid and obtain clearance before returning to the track. Safety decisions made by Operations or medical staff are final and not subject to protest.

General Event Notes

The Nationals weekend will also include vendor activity, community sessions, and selected non-championship racing. Any novelty, exhibition, or special race formats will be clearly declared by Operations and do not count toward championship standings unless stated otherwise.

Please refer to the full ESRA Rulebook for any specific rules not listed above: ESRA RULEBOOK (updated March 2026)