The July 2026 Clerks’ & Stewards’ Bulletin brings together the latest updates, guidance and reminders to support officials and organisers in delivering safe, fair and well-run events. This edition includes important updates on pit exit blend line management, National Competition Rule changes covering tobacco advertising, safeguarding, karting regulations, track licence procedures, medical reporting, steward documentation and upcoming health and safety training opportunities.
Pit Exit Blend Line – Competitor Conduct and Management
A reminder that the NCR does not specifically regulate drivers crossing the pit‑exit blend line when rejoining the circuit.
Following review recently by Race Committee it was agreed that the management of pit‑exit blend lines should remain a matter for Supplementary Regulations and always at Clerk of the Course’s discretion. The practice of crossing the blend line is considered undesirable and should be actively discouraged in the interests of safety and fairness and Clerks are therefore encouraged to:
- Clearly brief competitors on pit‑exit blend line expectations during competitor briefings; and
- Apply appropriate scrutiny and intervention where necessary, in line with the event Supplementary Regulations and general sporting principles.
Clubs may continue to address pit‑exit blend line behaviour through their Supplementary Regulations, and Clerks should ensure that any local requirements are communicated clearly to competitors during the briefing.
NCR Updates: 2026 Edition 4: Chapter 6: Tobacco Advertising
Edition 4 of the National Competition Rules introduces a clarified provision within Chapter 6 relating to the display of historic or period-correct tobacco advertising on competition vehicles.
https://ebooks.motorsportuk.org/najd/p218
The amendment reinforces that responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002, and any other applicable legislation, remains solely with the Entrant.
For event Officials, the key point is that they are not expected to provide legal advice or determine whether the display of such advertising is lawful. Where tobacco advertising is identified on a vehicle at an event, Officials need only to reiterate the responsibility of the entrant to ensure compliance with NCR Chapter 6 Article 8.1.e.
The inclusion of tobacco advertising within Motorsport UK or FIA vehicle identification documentation does not constitute approval of that advertising and should not be regarded as evidence of compliance with the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002.
This bulletin will be published in parallel via the Scrutineers Bulletin (2nd July 2026).
Karting Update
Please be aware that there has been an amendment to the Karting Summary of Penalties as there is now the provision to give a reprimand to Competitors who have missed a drivers briefing for the first offence, before moving into the standard fine system of £50 multiplied each time. Please also note that the ‘Failure to obey an Official of the meeting’ wording has been updated from Race DSQ to Session DSQ to incorporate more than just Race sessions.
Safeguarding On-Call Service Update
We wanted to make you aware of some changes to the Safeguarding On-Call Service.
Following feedback received during the pilot phase, alongside a review of service usage and the resources available within the Safeguarding Team, the operating hours of the service have been updated. The revised hours are:
- Thursday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Friday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am – 9:00pm
- Sunday: 9:00am – 9:00pm
These changes will continue to be monitored, and the service provision will be reviewed regularly. If demand requires it, operating hours may be extended in the future. A reminder that the safety on-call line continues to be available at all times over the weekend.
Reminder for Clerks and Stewards
Any safeguarding concerns raised at an event should continue to be referred to the event’s Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) in the first instance. The CSO remains the primary point of contact for safeguarding matters and can seek advice and support from the Safeguarding Team where required.
Thank you for your continued support in helping to promote a safe and positive environment across our sport.
Track Licence Changes
It is reminded that under no circumstances can any changes be made at the event to the track licence without the approval of the Safety team. Stewards can use the Emergency number to discuss any proposed changes.
Medical Statistics
A reminder the medical statistics form must be completed fully and accurately. If no patients were seen, a signed and dated nil return form is required. This will be communicated in the next Club News and Rescue, Recovery and Medical Bulletin.
Safety Rocks Webinar
Think health and safety is just a tick-box exercise? Think again.
Join, Safety Rocks, our Health & Safety Training Partner for two webinars that bring professional health and safety techniques to life through real-world motorsport scenarios. Designed specifically for Motorsport UK volunteers and officials, these sessions will help you see risk assessment and equipment management in a practical, engaging and relevant way. You’ll leave with new knowledge, greater confidence and a fresh perspective on keeping our sport safe.
Places are free, but registration is required.
To find out more and register, please see the links below:
- Friday 7 August @13.00 – https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7717827264920/WN_W85GryrhQ4CxoAojTdwQLQ
- Friday 21 August @17.00 – https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6317827312357/WN_-Br4E_Y6QnCHxjbPZjOFbg
The webinars will be recorded and available on the Learning Hub from September.
Steward Report Documentation
We have recently contacted the Motorsport UK Stewards regarding the rise of documentation issues we are seeing with the Steward reports that are sent back to Motorsport UK post event. Many of these issues include outstanding documentation, missing information and documentation not signed and dated where applicable. Please note that Stewards have been advised to reject any incorrect documentation or other documentation with issues. This information will also be added to the Club newsletter.