2027 Rule Change – Roof Rams

From the start of the 2027 season, all Stoxkarts must be fitted with a hydraulic-type roof ram capable of supporting the roof and preventing it from falling unexpectedly.

The reason for this change is straightforward. Stoxkart roofs are regularly raised while a driver is getting into or out of the kart, and they may also be raised while mechanics, officials or other people are leaning into or working around the cockpit.

If a roof is not properly supported, it can fall without warning. Because of the weight of the roof and its framework, this creates an unnecessary risk of head injuries and trapped or crushed fingers and hands.

We tried putting a minimum opening size in the 2026 rulebook but that has not worked as we have had a couple more injuries,

The hydraulic-type ram provides positive support for the roof while it is in the raised position and greatly reduces the possibility of it accidentally falling while somebody is entering, exiting or working around the kart.

Mounting the Roof Ram

The ram must be fitted using welded mounting brackets, or suitable tube clamps.

The roll cage must not be drilled to mount the roof ram. Drilling holes into roll-cage tubing can weaken the structure and will therefore not be permitted.

Where a kart already has holes in the roll cage from a previous roof-ram installation, those existing holes must be properly filled before the kart is presented for 2027 scrutineering.

The photographs above show examples of the type of installation required.

Roof Ram Kits

Team Haywood are supplying kits which include a suitable ram and the required mounting brackets. Please contact Team Haywood directly for prices, availability and further information. They will do ram and brackets only or will also fit and weld.

Drivers are not required to purchase the Team Haywood kit, although theirs is tried and tested on several Stoxkarts already. Alternative components may be used, provided the installation complies fully with the 2027 Stoxkarts Rulebook.

This change is being introduced to remove a simple but avoidable risk around the kart. The roof should remain safely supported whenever it is raised and should not be capable of unexpectedly dropping onto a driver or anybody working around the cockpit.