Snippets of karting news, from here and abroad. Have you got news? Tell us so we can tell the world.
MORE SHIFT, LESS SPEND – The FZ Shifter brand has officially launched in the USA. Through a partnership with Yamaha Motor Co, FZ Shifter is being touted as a “cost-effective shifter kart engine for all ages”. Its spec-engine program commences with FZ65 Mini (yes, gearbox karts for cadet-aged drivers) at USD$4850 (approx AUD$7350). There’s then FZ85 for Junior Shifter (same price) and FZ125 for Senior Shifter classes (USD$5295 / AUD$8030). An FZ250 is in the pipeline for long-track applications. eKarting news says the company’s core philosophy is centred on affordability with a unique leasing program – more on EKN HERE.
PLUG PULLED – Rotax has confirmed its electric categories, E20 Senior and E20 Masters, will not contest the final round of the RMC Euro Trophy at Sarno in September. No reason was specified in the press release announcing the news. As such, the meeting will cater for the traditional 2-stroke classes Mini MAX, Junior MAX, Senior MAX, DD2, and DD2 Masters with 10 Grand finals tickets to be awarded.
RANKED – The FIA’s Karting Ranking now has a National ranking for Australia. For the first time in 2025, results from the Australian Kart Championship are being recognised in the FIA Karting Rankings, with each round contributing to the National Ranking system. For the full standings visit https://www.fiakarting.com/…/international-karting…
LOTS OF LOLS – Ultimate Kart Academy has been running a batch of brilliant adverts featuring Derek and Mika clashing over kart setup. Very entertaining! More: https://www.ultimatekartacademy.com/
QUICK CHANGE – Geelong Kart Club has installed a tyre changing machine for use by its members. With this, the club plans to offer a tyre changing service for those who struggle to dismount and mount their tyres.
ANNUAL REPORT – Karting Australia published its Annual Report for 2024 recently. The report states that “licence numbers across Australia remained steady”, but – once again – does not declare what those numbers are, just percentage breakdowns by licence type and by state. The 58-page PDF can be downloaded from the KA website HERE.
YIKES! – A frightening accident where a driver’s helmet came off marred the OK-Junior European Championship round at Viterbo last month. According to Vroom, first lap contact in a heat race saw a kart climb over the top of Luuk Taal, ripping the helmet from his head and inflicting a deep wound. Thankfully, this was the only injury and young Luuk was back at the track the following day (see video, below). The FIA has confiscated the helmet and is conducting an investigation. More on Vroom HERE.
CLYDE CASH – A great cash prize pool is on offer at Lithgow for the Clyde Marshall Winter Cup. Early bird entries went into a draw for a Bathurst 1000 pack (2 x 3 day entry tickets plus pit tour of the Bendix/Nick Percat V8 Supercar).
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DANNY DROP-IN – Daniel Ricciardo made a surprise visit to Buckmore Park (UK) last month. The eight-time Grand Prix winner was doing a meet and greet with the young drivers who contest the Daniel Ricciardo Series. “It was really exciting to meet Daniel and have my helmet signed by him” said local driver Charlie Simmonds. “I’ve looked up to him since before I first started racing and getting the chance to meet him in person has made me want to push even harder to follow in his footsteps.”
MASTER POLL – Result of last week’s reader poll about Masters at AKC: 79% say Yes, 21% say No.
REPUBLIC SOCIALS – DPE Kart Superstore remind punters that social media posts for Kart Republic Australia & NZ news and information is via DPE Kart Superstore social media accounts.
Instagram: @dpekartsuperstore
Facebook: DPE Kart Superstore
NEW OTK – Another container load of OTK karts has arrived in Sydney recently and there are more on the way! Contact the OTK Kart Group Australia (0438 664 626) or their dealers.
NO PLANET SAVING – Blue Shock Race founder Artis Daugins has offered a refreshingly pragmatic view in a recent interview: electric karts aren’t here to save the planet. “When I started this company, I wasn’t trying to ‘save the environment’, I just wanted to expand the racing landscape” he said. “You’ve got two-strokes, air-cooled, water-cooled, four-strokes, direct drive, shifters – and now, you have electric. That’s it.” Read the article on Vroom HERE.
RICH ROCK – The annual Rock Island Grand Prix street race in the USA will be paying out a decent cash prize in the three feature “King Of The Streets” classes. Open Shifter, 100cc and Briggs 206 will receive USD$1000 for the win, $500 for second and $250 for third. Registrations have opened for the August 30-31 event. It caters for a range of 2-stroke, 4-stroke, shifter and vintage classes.
FAKES – The Fakes are still popping up from time to time… “Australian Kart Championship 2025” is NOT an official entity of KA or the AKC. Further, any kayotv.online links are nothing to do with Kayo or watching karting – the AKC is streamed for free on 7Plus! Stick with the official Karting Australia and Australian Kart Championship Facebook pages, plus (of course!) KartSportNews!
RED PLATES – Red plates and a big CASH prize pool is up for grabs at this years 2025 Pirtek Shepparton Australasian Kart Titles at the Goulburn Valley Kart Club, August 30th and 31st. The meeting is also a great opportunity for Golden Power Series karters to get track time prior to the final round on November 8th and 9th.
HIRE KART WORLDS – Entries are being taken for the CRG Rental Kart World Contest 2025. 120 drivers will compete in a Sprint format on the Saturday across three categories – Junior (14-18yrs), Pro (over 18) and Silver (drivers over 85kg and/or 45 years). Sunday is the 6-hour Endurance Cup (with Pro and Silver divisions) for teams made up of 3 to 6 drivers. The event takes place at the Castelletto circuit (Italy) on October 18-19. Any Aussies going? Let us know!
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