The National Karting Association (NKA)
The National Karting Association (NKA) stands as the cornerstone of UK leisure karting, with Teesside Motorsports’ legacy deeply woven into its foundation. Our founder, Bob Pope, was instrumental in establishing the NKA, helping create the standards that would shape the UK’s leisure karting industry. Today, this pioneering spirit continues under the leadership of his daughter and current owner, Kathryn Franklin, who serves as Chair Person of the NKA.
With over 25 years of operational experience informing NKA guidelines, the organisation’s commitment to excellence goes beyond mere compliance. The NKA’s partnership with Horsham District Council as Primary Authority Partner ensures that karting tracks across England and Wales benefit from both general health and safety guidance and specialist advice.
Enhanced Medical Preparedness
Under Kathryn Franklin’s chairmanship, the NKA has launched significant medical safety initiatives across member circuits:
- Updated first aid training requirements for all circuit staff
- Mandatory AED (Automated External Defibrillator) installation at circuits
- Standardised emergency response protocols
- Regular staff competency assessments
Safety First
The dedication to safety reflects the NKA’s comprehensive framework:
- Minimum of two qualified marshals with proper PPE when the track is active
- Mandatory NKA online training for all circuit staff within 6 months
- Integration with Atlas-hub for HSE and HR training
- First aid qualified staff are always on duty
- Track lighting exceeding the minimum 6 Lux requirement
- Comprehensive signage system, including detailed track diagrams
Advanced Safety Testing
Physical safety remains paramount with:
- Rigorous barrier testing programmes
- Impact absorption analysis
- Scientific approach to safety barrier development
- Regular review and updating of safety standards
European Leadership
The NKA’s involvement in CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) demonstrates its commitment to international safety standards:
- Active participation in developing European-wide karting regulations
- Contribution to the kart manufacturing standards
- Cross-border safety initiatives
- Harmonisation of safety protocols across European circuits
Insurance and Protection
Member circuits maintain insurance coverage that exceeds NKA requirements:
- Public liability insurance well above the recommended £5M
- £10M employer’s liability coverage
- Regular risk assessments and safety audits
- Continuous staff development and training
Community Impact
The NKA’s leadership extends beyond track operations. Through initiatives like Teesside’s “Motivate: Race to Talk,” karting is being used as a platform for community engagement and mental health support, demonstrating how motorsport can drive positive social change.
Looking Forward
As a founding member circuit of the NKA, Teesside Motorsports continues to help shape industry standards. The experience and innovation contributed by both Bob Pope and Kathryn Franklin have been instrumental in developing guidelines that ensure leisure karting remains both exciting and safe for the approximately 18,000 drivers who visit typical circuits annually.
Through this ongoing commitment to excellence and safety, the NKA continues to demonstrate why it remains the cornerstone of UK leisure karting safety. The legacy established by Bob Pope lives on through Kathryn Franklin’s leadership, ensuring that both Teesside Motorsports and the NKA continue to evolve and enhance the sport for future generations.
The combination of historical expertise, current innovation, and future planning ensures that the NKA remains at the forefront of karting safety, setting benchmarks that others aspire to match. As the industry continues to evolve, the NKA’s role in shaping its future remains as crucial as ever.
