What you need for a kart race

A kart race needs more than karts and helmets. Before race day, gather the equipment for starting groups, timing, safety, registration and the waiting area. Plan supplies for every participant, plus spares for damaged numbers, missing cables or a kart that becomes unavailable. This checklist also covers catering and power, two areas that are often arranged too late. Confirm what the track already provides before buying or transporting bulky equipment.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Table skirtsqty 4
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Kartsqty 12
Reserve kartsqty 2
Race helmetsqty 20
Race start numbersqty 20
Racing overallsqty 20
Rib protectorsqty 12
Start flagsqty 3
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4
Bib vestsqty 6

Equipment

Timing computer
Timing transpondersqty 20
Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Mobile phoneqty 2
Megaphone
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Power banksqty 4
Camera

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's hatsqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Bread knivesqty 2
Food warmersqty 2

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 6
Finish arch
Stage blocksqty 3
Prize table
Bannersqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Safety vestsqty 8
Earplugsqty 50

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee creamer - 2 boxes
- Teaspoons - 2 packs
- Stir sticks - 1 pack
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Carbonated water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Bread rolls - 80 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Salted crackers - 6 packs
- Nut mix - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Mini pastries - 80 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Allergen stickers - 2 sheets
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Kitchen gloves - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Drinking straws - 1 pack
- Wooden cocktail picks - 2 boxes
- Paper bread bags - 100 pieces
- Diet biscuits - 4 packs
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan spread - 1 kilogram

Tips

Count one helmet, race number and bib vest per participant, then bring a few spare numbers and at least one reserve helmet if the track does not provide them.
Prepare the timing setup before leaving: charge the laptop, timing computer, mobile phones and power banks, and pack extension cords and power strips for the equipment area.
Bring clear start and safety markers, including flags, cones and barrier tape. Pack a megaphone or walkie-talkies so instructions can reach every starting group.
For catering, match reusable cups, coffee cups and plates to the confirmed participant list, then add roughly 10% extra for spills, damaged items and late additions.
Pack a printer and spare paper if you need printed participant lists, results forms or start numbers on site. Test the printer and cables at least one day before the race.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a kart race?: At minimum, arrange karts, reserve karts, race helmets, race numbers, start flags and timing equipment. Add safety markers, communication equipment and power supplies so the race can run even if a cable, kart or printed list fails.
How many karting helmets do I need?: Plan one helmet for every person driving, plus at least 2 spare helmets for a group of up to 20 racers. Confirm the track’s available sizes and hygiene requirements no later than 7 days before the event.
How many cups and plates should I buy for a kart race?: Use the confirmed participant count as your base and add 10% extra. For 30 participants, prepare at least 33 cups and 33 plates, with additional coffee cups if drinks are served before or after the race.
When should I prepare the kart race shopping list?: Make the first list at least 2 weeks before race day, when the participant count and catering order are becoming clear. Recheck quantities and pack the equipment 1 day before the event.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.