Edition 4 of the 2026 National Competition Rules was released yesterday incorporating a number of regulatory amendments and clarifications across the National Competition Rules, the details of which can be found via the Approved Changes section of the Motorsport UK website:
https://motorsportuk.org/the-sport/regulations/approved-changes/
Regulation amendments taking effect from 1 January 2027 can be found within National Competition Rules Chapter 22:
https://ebooks.motorsportuk.org/najd/p789
National Competition Rules Updates: 2026 Edition 4: Chapter 9: Competitor Personal Safety Equipment
Edition 4 of the National Competition Rules includes a clarification to the requirements for flame-resistant clothing contained within Chapter 9.
The amendment confirms that FIA homologated garments may be either single-layer or multi-layer constructions, depending on the FIA standard to which they have been approved. The previous reference to “two layers” relates specifically to garments manufactured from materials complying with ISO 6940, where the standard addresses the flame-resistant properties of the fabric rather than the construction of the garment itself.
The regulation has also been updated to remove references to the registration of garments with Motorsport UK. Motorsport UK does not operate a registration scheme for flame-resistant clothing, and where FIA homologation is required, compliance is demonstrated through the relevant FIA approval standard and homologation label.
National Competition Rules 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 Scrutineers, 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 National Competition Rules Chapter 6 Article 8.1.e.
Officials involved in Vehicle Passport and Historic Eligibility inspections should note that, where a vehicle is presented with historic tobacco advertising, the Applicant is responsible for providing supporting evidence demonstrating that the vehicle type, model or period-correct competition specification competed with that livery in period. The role of the Scrutineer is limited to ensuring it is recorded as part of the application process. 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 Clerks & Stewards Bulletin (01 July 2026).