Motorsport UK has confirmed that competitors in affected Race, Stage Rally and Rallycross categories must fit and activate an Impact Data Recorder before competing from 1 January 2027. The governing body published implementation guidance on 20 October following an update to the National Competition Rules.
The 20-gram device records data when it detects a high-G impact. Motorsport UK says it requires no wiring or charging, and each unit can record up to 80 incidents over a two-year lifespan. If a competitor races more than one vehicle, each car needs its own recorder, even if it already has a data logger or G-force sensor.
Motorsport UK reports that 470 recorders were deployed during the 2025 rollout, registering 58 impact triggers and contributing to 138 safety reports. The devices are pre-orderable for £38.40 including VAT, according to the governing body.