karting news from here and around the globe…
ELECTRIC MINI – On the eve of the RMC Grand Finals, Rotax confirmed there will be a 36-driver grid of Rotax E10 Mini electric karts added to the 2026 Grand Final. Like the petrol-powered categories, drivers must earn their seat through selected race events and initiatives throughout the year. Further information on qualification criteria will be revealed at a later date.
STATE SUPERKARTS – Four Australian superkart clubs have collaborated to organise an extra series in 2026, the
“Triple State Challenge”. To be held over four rounds in four states, only the best three events will count towards a driver’s total. The four clubs have each nominated a race meeting on their state calendar to count towards the series. The schedule is:
- Round One, South Australia: At the Adelaide GP, The Bend in June
- Round Two, NSW: At the Steve Aaron, One Raceway in July
- Round Three, Queensland: At the QLD Cup, QLD Raceway in August
- Round Four, Victoria: At the Gold Nugget, Winton in October.
COTF’26 – The 2026 Champions Of The Future Euro Series dates have been announced, over five rounds:
TEKA DATES – TEKA has announced a seven round series of endurance races for 2026. Every round is at a different venue in NSW, kicking off at Lithgow in February and concluding at Orange in November.
24-HOUR ITALY – CRG has confirmed the date and location of its flagship rental kart event for 2026. The 24 Hours Karting of Italy will be held on March 14–15 at the Castelletto di Branduzzo circuit. This takes place using a fleet of CRG Centurion karts equipped with Honda 390cc engines. Around 40 teams, made up of at least three but up to 10 drivers, will compete in two categories: PRO, for the most experienced drivers, and SILVER, for more amateur teams.
THE GRINCH WIPES OUT SANTA – Santa versus The Grinch at Orange during the Six Track Challenge…
BLACK SQUISHY THINGS – WSK Promotion has confirmed tyre renewal contracts with Vega and LeCont for the 2026 season. Vega tyres will be used in MINI, OKJ, OK-NJ and OK-N. LeCont (Prime) will be used in KZ2 and OK.
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GREEN JUICE – Further, Aspen+ (an alkylate fuel from Aspen Group France) will be the official fuel for all WSK races in 2026. A WSK press release states Aspen+ is classified non-CMR (non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic and non-reprotoxic), therefore drastically reducing emissions of harmful substances, limiting health risks for drivers, mechanics and everyone at the track. Distribution will be managed by Panta, a long-standing partner of WSK Promotion. “Combining the pursuit of maximum performance with ecological responsibility and health protection is our priority” said WSK CEO Luca De Donno.
NQ CASH – There’s to be $30k of prizes up for grabs over the three round NQ Series next year – info below:
KARTS to PORSCHE – Two standout American kart racers (one ‘teenager’ and one ‘adult’) will have their entry fees waived for a full season of Porsche Sprint Challenge racing. Porsche Motorsport North America and K1 speed race centres are in partnership to offer a direct transition from indoor karting to professional-level sports car racing. Candidates will be selected from the K1 Challenge GP, K1 Speed’s international competitive karting league structure.
NEW DISTRIBUTOR – There has been a change of Rotax distributor in the United States. Karting Solutions Group (KSG) will take over the responsibilities of both existing distributors – RTX USA and J3 Competition. “This is a pivotal moment for the Rotax brand in the USA”, stated KSG owner Duke Vander Ark (left in the handover photo, with Gonzalo Alenaz). “By uniting the distribution network, we are creating a powerful, singular focus dedicated entirely to the success of our dealers and racers.”
MOVED – IKD has ceased doing business from 4 Pullman Place. “Today IKD is saying goodbye to our factory which we have called home for more than 25 years” the organisation posted. “As this chapter ends the journey continues on with our new premises officially ready to go for 2026!” Importantly, the IKD retail showroom location remains unchanged at Unit 4, 3 Pullman Place, Emu Plains.
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