The FIA has officially released new guidelines for grassroots touring car racing, offering a flexible framework that governing bodies and organizers worldwide can adopt to meet essential safety standards while hosting championships. Announced on March 26, 2025, these regulations are not mandatory for new closed-cockpit car categories but cover critical areas such as safety cages, fuel systems, cockpit access, brakes, tires, suspension, and towing. Designed to be adaptable to specific car types, the guidelines can be tailored based on a vehicle’s performance and size, ensuring both safety and practicality.

The move reflects the FIA’s commitment to enhancing motorsport at the club and grassroots levels while keeping it accessible. Alan Gow, Chairman of the FIA Touring Car Commission, emphasized the dual purpose behind the initiative. “As the FIA, one of our key roles is to share expertise and know-how with our member clubs, raising standards at the club and grassroots levels,” Gow explained. “At the same time, we recognize that grassroots touring car racing must remain approachable and suited to local conditions.”

A Focus on Safety and Flexibility
These guidelines prioritize safety without stifling creativity or imposing rigid rules. By focusing on core safety standards, the FIA empowers its member clubs to shape their championships according to local needs while ensuring participants are protected. Even countries with well-established motorsport scenes, such as the United Kingdom, stand to benefit from this structured yet adaptable approach. However, the framework is expected to be particularly valuable for regions where motorsport is still emerging, and organizers may lack the experience to develop new racing programs from scratch.

For example, authorities in Mozambique are already eyeing these guidelines to bolster club-level motorsport in the African nation. Miguel Tiago, Director of the Mozambique Automobile and Touring Club, highlighted the importance of this development. “In Mozambique, where motorsport is still growing, we need to make compromises to ensure the sport is accessible, affordable, and sustainable—safety standards are fundamental for us,” Tiago said. “When people see robust safety measures in place, they’re more likely to get involved in racing, which is our primary goal.”

Bridging the Gap for Emerging Motorsport Regions
The FIA’s latest guidelines are part of a broader effort to boost motorsport participation, especially in areas where the sport has historically been underdeveloped. By providing a clear yet flexible blueprint, the FIA aims to encourage local governing bodies and organizers to launch touring car championships with confidence. This initiative aligns with the introduction of the FIA’s TC Lites concept, unveiled last year as an entry-level stepping stone to the popular TCR racing category. The new regulations are designed to prepare drivers for this progression, offering a structured pathway into competitive touring car racing.

For emerging motorsport markets like Mozambique, the guidelines could be a game-changer. They address the unique challenges faced by organizers in such regions—balancing cost, accessibility, and safety—while fostering growth. Tiago’s comments underscore how safety can act as a catalyst, inspiring confidence among potential racers and spectators alike.

Why This Matters for Motorsport Fans
The FIA’s announcement signals a significant step toward making touring car racing more inclusive and widespread. For fans, it means more opportunities to witness grassroots talent in action, potentially unearthing the next generation of racing stars. Established motorsport nations will benefit from refined safety standards, while developing regions gain a practical toolkit to kickstart their own racing scenes. The adaptability of the guidelines ensures that local flavor and innovation remain intact, whether it’s a championship in the UK or a fledgling series in Africa.

This initiative also highlights the FIA’s forward-thinking approach. By linking these guidelines to the TC Lites category, the organization is laying the groundwork for a seamless transition into higher-tier touring car racing. It’s a strategic move to grow the sport globally, ensuring that grassroots racing isn’t just a niche activity but a vibrant feeder system for professional circuits.

Looking Ahead
As the motorsport world digests this development, all eyes will be on how member clubs implement these guidelines. Will they spark a surge in grassroots racing participation? Could regions like Mozambique become unexpected hubs for touring car talent? For now, the FIA’s focus on safety, accessibility, and progression has set the stage for an exciting new chapter in touring car racing—one that promises to bring the thrill of the track to more corners of the globe.