From 1st January 2027, competitors across relevant Race, Stage Rally and Rallycross competition will need to have an Impact Data Recorder (IDR) fitted to their vehicle.
The requirement was confirmed in last week’s update to the Motorsport UK National Competition Rules, and IDRs are available to order ahead of the new season.
If you’re affected by the change, here’s what you need to know.
What is an IDR?
An Impact Data Recorder is a small, lightweight device fitted inside your competition vehicle. Its job is simple: if your vehicle experiences a high-G impact, the IDR records data from the incident.
It weighs just 20g and there’s no wiring or charging required. Once it’s correctly fitted and activated, it works automatically in the background – essentially, it’s designed to be ‘fit and forget’.
Each device has a lifespan of two years and can record up to 80 incidents.
Why are we introducing them?
The reason for introducing IDRs is safety.
Following an incident, officials can scan the IDR and download the impact data as part of the accident reporting process.
This gives us objective, real-world information to better understand what happens during incidents and how safety systems perform.
For example, the data can help identify where components such as seats or harnesses may have been subjected to significant forces, as well as helping us understand where safety equipment or vehicle design could potentially be improved.
Over time, building a bigger picture from incidents across the sport can help inform improvements to cars, circuits and safety systems.
IDRs have already been used across British, National and Junior Championships. During the 2025 rollout, 470 devices were deployed, recording 58 impact triggers and contributing to 138 safety reports.
The IDR does not contain GPS tracking technology and does not track your vehicle’s location. Following an incident, recorded information can be accessed by Motorsport UK’s Safety and Technical Teams for further analysis.
What do I need to do?
If you compete in an affected category of Race, Stage Rally or Rallycross, you’ll need to have an IDR correctly fitted and activated before you compete from 1st January 2027.
IDRs are now available to pre-order through Impact Detect for £38.40 (£32.00 excluding VAT). Motorsport UK receives no revenue from the sale of the devices.
If you compete in more than one vehicle, you’ll need an IDR fitted to each vehicle. Even if your vehicle already has a data logger, G-force sensor or tracking system, an IDR is still required.
When you pre-order, we recommend providing the date of your first planned competition in 2027. This will help ensure your IDR is delivered in time for your first event.
What happens when it arrives?
Fitting and activating your IDR is straightforward.
The device is attached to the vehicle using an adhesive pad, so there’s no wiring or connection to the vehicle required. Once fitted, you’ll need to download the FIA IDR App and scan the unique QR code on your device to activate it.
After that, there’s nothing you need to do. Your IDR will remain active in the background unless it is needed following an incident.
If you already have an IDR fitted – for example, if you’ve competed internationally – you can check when your existing device is valid until through the Impact Detect app.
Get ready for 2027
You don’t need to wait until the new season to get sorted. IDRs are available to pre-order now, giving you plenty of time to have your device delivered, fitted and activated before your first competition of 2027.
For more information on fitting, activation, how your data is used and answers to common competitor questions, read our IDR Frequently Asked Questions and IDR Competitor Guide.
You can also read the latest National Competition Rules.
If you have any questions or need support, contact [email protected].