Karting Champions League now welcoming 2026 Winter Series Entries
Karting Champions League now welcoming 2026 Winter Series Entries

Karting Champions League now welcoming...

Karting Champions League now welcoming 2026 Winter Series Entries

Karting Champions League now welcoming 2026 Winter Series Entries

Drivers from the national and international realms of X30 and KZ karting are now welcome to enter the Winter Series of the 2026 Karting Champions League, the championship that offers the ideal way for...
Numerous International Teams registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy
Numerous International Teams registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy

Numerous International Teams registered...

Numerous International Teams registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy

Numerous International Teams registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy

Just a few days after entries opened in early December, a strong number of teams have already registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy, promoted by CRG and scheduled for March 14–15 at the...
2025 Prokart Challenge Championship podium finishers honored
2025 Prokart Challenge Championship podium finishers honored

2025 Prokart Challenge Championship...

2025 Prokart Challenge Championship podium finishers honored

2025 Prokart Challenge Championship podium finishers honored

The 21st season of the ProKart Challenge concluded this past October, completing the five events with six rounds of competition for the Superkarts! USA regional program. Eleven different class...
ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change
ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change

ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change

ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change

ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change

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24 Hours Spa Karting: twice rather than once in 2026!
24 Hours Spa Karting: twice rather than once in 2026!

24 Hours Spa Karting: twice rather than...

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24 Hours Spa Karting: twice rather than once in 2026!

The 24 Hours Spa Karting is returning! Although the 2025 edition could not take place, organiser One Day Karting has decided to make up for it in 2026 with two events: one with a Sodikart fleet on 13...
Australian Hamish Campbell finishes seventh at  FIA Arrive & Drive World Cup
Australian Hamish Campbell finishes seventh at  FIA Arrive & Drive World Cup

Australian Hamish Campbell finishes...

Australian Hamish Campbell finishes seventh at FIA Arrive & Drive World Cup

Australian Hamish Campbell finishes seventh at FIA Arrive & Drive World Cup

The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will take place on March 15 in Castelletto (Italy)
The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will take place on March 15 in Castelletto (Italy)

The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will...

The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will take place on March 15 in Castelletto (Italy)

The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will take place on March 15 in Castelletto (Italy)

In recent days, CRG officially announced the date and location of its flagship rental event: the 24 Hours Karting of Italy will be held on March 14–15 in Italy at the Castelletto di Branduzzo...
New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE Series launches in style
New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE Series launches in style

New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE...

New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE Series launches in style

New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE Series launches in style

The Champions of the Future Academy Program UAE Series made its debut at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi, opening a new chapter for RGMMC’s global arrive-and-drive...
Superkarts! USA confirms location for 2026 Winter Series
Superkarts! USA confirms location for 2026 Winter Series

Superkarts! USA confirms location for...

Superkarts! USA confirms location for 2026 Winter Series

Superkarts! USA confirms location for 2026 Winter Series

Since its inception in 2018, the Superkarts! USA Winter Series has been situated in the state of Florida, hosting events at Ocala Gran Prix, AMR Homestead-Miami Motorplex Presented by MG Tires and,...
ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and calendar
ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and calendar

ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and...

ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and calendar

ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and calendar

With the 2025 ROK season coming to an end, all eyes are already on 2026, a year that promises to be exciting thanks to new developments and unmissable events!
Birelart: Korus Group is Born
Birelart: Korus Group is Born

Birelart: Korus Group is Born

Birelart: Korus Group is Born

Birelart: Korus Group is Born

The Group brings together eight leading Italian companies in an integrated motorsport ecosystem: the first capable of bridging the worlds of karting and racing cars.
Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart Championship
Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart Championship

Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart...

Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart Championship

Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart Championship

Karting Australia is pleased to confirm the dates for the 2026 Australian Kart Championship, setting the stage for another exciting season of top-level competition across the nation.
A major sporting and organizational success for the 2025 Rental Kart World Contest
A major sporting and organizational success for the 2025 Rental Kart World Contest

A major sporting and organizational...

A major sporting and organizational success for the 2025 Rental Kart World Contest

A major sporting and organizational success for the 2025 Rental Kart World Contest

New format, same outstanding success for one of the most prestigious events in CRG’s Rental calendar: the Rental Kart World Contest. The 2025 edition of this renowned international meeting,...
Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart Challenge
Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart Challenge

Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart...

Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart Challenge

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The 2025 season concluded for the ProKart Challenge following the action on October 11-12 at the K1 Circuit. The Winchester, California, facility welcomed the Superkarts! USA regional program to close...
Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting
Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the...

Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

The 23rd edition of the ROK Cup Superfinal, from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th October at the South Garda Karting track in Lonato, is on its way, and more drivers from all over the world will take...
Livetiming: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting
Livetiming: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

Livetiming: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at...

Livetiming: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

Livetiming: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

The 23rd edition of the ROK Cup Superfinal, from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th October at the South Garda Karting track in Lonato, is on its way, and more drivers from all over the world will take...
Prokart Challenge set for 2025 season finale at K1 Circuit
Prokart Challenge set for 2025 season finale at K1 Circuit

Prokart Challenge set for 2025 season...

Prokart Challenge set for 2025 season finale at K1 Circuit

Prokart Challenge set for 2025 season finale at K1 Circuit

The 21st season of the Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge is set to end following the sixth and final round of competition on October 11-12 at the K1 Circuit. For a third time this year, the SKUSA...
Sunday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track
Sunday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Sunday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations...

Sunday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Sunday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Today, the Tillotson T4 Nations Cup will take place at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track in Spain. Tillotson T4 Nations Cup – the best 4-stroke pilots from all over the world will...
Saturday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track
Saturday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Saturday live stream: Tillotson T4...

Saturday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Saturday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Today, the Tillotson T4 Nations Cup will take place at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track in Spain. Tillotson T4 Nations Cup – the best 4-stroke pilots from all over the world will...
Friday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track
Friday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Friday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations...

Friday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Friday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

This week, the Tillotson T4 Nations Cup will take place at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track in Spain. Tillotson T4 Nations Cup – the best 4-stroke pilots from all over the world will...

Birel ART Racing Team makes a successful comeback to competition: podium Riccardo Longhi

Birel ART Racing Team makes a successful comeback to competition: podium Riccardo Longhi Read more

Eighteen weeks after the last WSK in Lonato, the Birel ART Racing Team was back in competition at Adria for an intense week bringing together the third and fourth rounds of the Super Master Series.

Tony Kart Racing Team starts again with 2 titles and 4 victories

Tony Kart Racing Team starts again with 2 titles and 4 victories Read more

Simo Puhakka conquers the WSK Super Master Series in KZ2 winning both last two rounds. Nikita Bedrin wins the OK title with Tony Kart – Vortex material, always competitive in all classes.

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Livestream: BNL Kick-OFF 2.0 Reboot at Genk Read more

After exactly three months, they are back out on track, giving you the chance to restart your race engines once again at Karting Genk “Home of Champions”. Because it took so long, we will not be starting with the championship, which will return in August. However, they will start with the BNL Kick Off 2.0 Reboot.

Otk Chassis Dealers Network Germany

Otk Chassis Dealers Network Germany Read more

The sales network of OTK chassis for Germany is welcoming a new dealer: AK-Racing.

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Red Bull Junior Team driver Jüri Vips with KIC Read more

KIC Motorsport signed Estonian Red Bull junior program driver Jüri Vips - All three KIC Motorsport drivers in excellent pace at test days in Imola

Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix kart races cancelled for 2020

Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix kart races cancelled for 2020 Read more

ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS — With the uncertainty of when the state will reach Phase 5 of Restore Illinois, and with a strong commitment to the health and safety of the racers, volunteers, staff and spectators, the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race, has announced that this year’ Labor Day weekend event will not be held. Planning has already begun for 2021.

WKA Charlotte Karting Challenge Gets Underway This Weekend

WKA Charlotte Karting Challenge Gets Underway This Weekend Read more

With COVID-19 putting a hold on motorsports around the world for more than three months, it is finally time for the World Karting Association (WKA) to return back to the track. With the Charlotte Karting Challenge on the docket over the next two weekends, a return to the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway will kick off this weekend.

California ProKart Challenge returns to action in 2020

California ProKart Challenge returns to action in 2020 Read more

The ProKart Challenge returned trackside on June 12-14 with the second and third rounds contested on the kart track at the Willow Springs International Raceway. Racing for Superkarts! USA had been shut down since the March weekend of the SKUSA Pro Tour WinterNationals in New Orleans, but welcomed triple-digit numbers for each of the two rounds of regional racing program under almost-perfect weather conditions at in Rosamond, California. Attendees followed social distancing guidelines to help keep officials and competitors safe while enjoying the three-day event.

Racing siblings Bäckman once again part of the HMSG Customer Racing Junior Driver initiative

Racing siblings Bäckman once again part of the HMSG Customer Racing Junior Driver initiative Read more

Andreas and Jessica Bäckman have been selected by Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing to be part of their Junior Driver initiative that supports young racing drivers for the second year in a row. It feels super exciting to be one of the few chosen racing drivers for the Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing Junior Driver initiative once again, Andreas says.

BhaiTech announces Zdenek Chovanec for 2020 Italian F4 championship

BhaiTech announces Zdenek Chovanec for 2020 Italian F4 championship Read more

Zdenek Chovanec will join BhaiTech Racing for the 2020 Italian Formula 4 Championship. Born in 2004, Chovanec is making his series debut after entering the F4 UAE championship last winter. The young prospect will line-up alongside the already announced Sebastian Ogaard and Jesse Salmenautio.

 

Ferrari F1-star Charles Leclerc guest of the Leclerc by Lennox Racing Team + PHOTOS

Ferrari F1-star Charles Leclerc guest of the Leclerc by Lennox Racing Team + PHOTOS Read more

The resumption of racing is approaching also for Charles Leclerc by Lennox Racing Team, which has been engaged in test days at the South Garda Karting in Lonato for the last few weeks.

2020 BNL Karting Series Race Calendar

2020 BNL Karting Series Race Calendar Read more

The organisation of the BNL Karting Series is happy and proud to announce the new calendar for season 2020. “Recently we received good news from Karting Genk: Home of Champions. As from the 1st of July 2020 it is possible to race again on their circuit. Actually this means we will reboot racing on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of July.”

Parolin Racing South Africa eager to get back on track

Parolin Racing South Africa eager to get back on track Read more

The national lockdown in South Africa was recently downgraded to Level 3 which allowed for further restrictions to be lifted coming into effect on 1 June 2020, amongst others the return of kart testing at some circuits across South Africa.

Motorsport South Africa: COVID-19 communique

Motorsport South Africa: COVID-19 communique Read more

MSA is aware that the Regulations published on 28 May 2020 in the government gazette allow professional non-contact sport to continue under the published regulations “… as per directions issued by the Cabinet member responsible for sport….”. These directions are yet to be published.

Championships, ROK Superfinal Tickets and ROK the RIO Entry Packages on the Line in WKA Charlotte Events

Championships, ROK Superfinal Tickets and ROK the RIO Entry Packages on the Line in WKA Charlotte Events Read more

As part of the WKA Mid-Season Shootout, the competitors gaining the most cumulative points in Mini ROK, Junior ROK, Senior ROK and ROK Shifter after the Orlando, Florida, and two Charlotte, North Carolina events will receive ROK Cup Superfinal invitations. The rule that classes must average ten entries to receive these invitations has been removed ensuring that all class champions from these respective divisions will be headed to Italy as part of the WKA and ROK Cup USA partnership.

The first Karting Australia COVIDSafe Race Meeting is set for action

The first Karting Australia COVIDSafe Race Meeting is set for action Read more

The first Karting Australia COVIDSafe Race Meeting is set for action next Sunday. All of the NT Government requirements have been met in accordance with Karting Australia’s COVIDSafe Operational Procedures to ensure a safe environment for all attending.

STATEMENT from the Ministry of Sport of South-Africa

STATEMENT from the Ministry of Sport of South-Africa Read more

On Saturday 30th May 2020, the Honourable Minister Nathi Mthethwa announced details of the Directions for Sport, Arts and Culture under the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002) to the media and public.

Circuito Internazionale Napoli in Sarno! Sorrentino family: "We are taking the necessary precautions to restart our activities"

Circuito Internazionale Napoli in Sarno! Sorrentino family: "We are taking the necessary precautions to restart our activities" Read more

At the foot of the Vesuvius volcano, the Circuito Internazionale Napoli in Sarno is a great venue for kart racing which has been regularly included in the FIA Karting Competition calendar for many years. Under the guidance of Giuseppe Sorrentino, both the site and the track are constantly being improved to the delight of the competitors, who often cite it as one of their favourite circuits.

VIDEO Crash Karting: pile-up in the exit of the pitlane! The karts stack on top of each other!

VIDEO Crash Karting: pile-up in the exit of the pitlane! The karts stack on top of each other! Read more

For some drivers, it is very difficult to keep their patience as we can see in the following video! Already at the exit of the pitlane, there is a huge pile-up! Even before the kart drivers left the pitlane for some track action, they collided. The karts stack on top of each other!

PF International Kart Circuit in Brandon (UK) will be re-open for testing 5th and 6th june

PF International Kart Circuit in Brandon (UK) will be re-open for testing 5th and 6th june Read more

PFI are happy to inform you that we will be re-open for testing beginning on the Friday 5th & Saturday 6th June! Following these dates, if everything goes well we will be open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, but pre-booking will be required and we will only be running with limited numbers for TVKC Members only.

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James Wharton 2020 - FIA Karting European Championship - OK, Sarno (ITA) - Round 2 - A magnificent gain for Wharton
Mitchell Koolen
/ Categories: News, International

James Wharton 2020 - FIA Karting European Championship - OK, Sarno (ITA) - Round 2 - A magnificent gain for Wharton

Competitiveness and combativeness are the two words that could sum up the weekend of the talented driver James Wharton, racing in the FIA Karting European Championship in the OK category. During the second event in Sarno, Italy, the young Australian made one of the best progressions of the 36 finalist drivers, coming back from 27th to 12th place! James Wharton has scored his first points and doesn't intend to stop there...

For James Wharton, the race at Sarno started with significant performances in the Free Practice sessions. "Throughout the sessions we have constantly improved our lap times thanks to the important work done with the Parolin Racing Kart team", said the Australian driver. "Everything was in place for the Timed Practice and I was able to set the 2nd fastest time in my group, which placed me 8th overall out of a total of 55 competitors."

On the very fast international circuit of Naples, the Qualifying Heats were to be much harder than usual, with many crashes in the pack. "A lot of drivers were very nervous this weekend. Generally, it is important to ensure consistent results in the heats to ensure a good place on the starting grid for the Final. For my part, I was involved in incidents twice, which meant I dropped to 27th in the intermediate classification." However, his result in the A/C heat showed his level of performance, with 2nd place under the chequered flag.

On Sunday afternoon, James Wharton continued his effort throughout the 30 km of the Final of the OK category. "My start was excellent! Afterwards, I raced at a fast pace and I gained several more places. All in all, it was a good race. Thank you to the team, to my engine builder and to all my partners!"

With 12th after starting from 27th place, James could be proud of his progress in this very tough situation. At just 14 years old, he is taking part in his first OK season and was able to register his first four points in Italy in the FIA European Karting Championship. Next stop Wackersdorf in Germany from 9th to 13th September for the final event...
    
ABOUT JAMES WHARTON

James Wharton is a 14-year-old Australian kart driver currently competing internationally in his first season in the premier class, OK, with the official Parolin Racing Kart factory team.

James started racing karting in Australia at the age of seven. He then shone in the most important single-brand world challenges before making his debut in FIA Karting competition. 13th in the World Junior Championship in his first season in 2018, he also won the KA 100 Junior class in Las Vegas at the SKUSA SuperNationals.

In 2019, in his first full season in OK-Junior, he achieved top results: 9th in the European Championship, 4th in the Italian Championship and 2nd in the legendary Winter Cup in Lonato. Despite an injury, he was fighting for victory in 2nd place in the World Championship when he was stopped by a mechanical problem. He was again victorious at the SKUSA SuperNationals in Las Vegas in the X30-Junior category.

An official Parolin Racing Kart driver, James is involved in the development and tuning of the equipment thanks to a very good rapport with Albino and Marco Parolin. His discovery of OK, the top category in karting, was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. He restarted competition in July 2020 with the aim of making it into the international top five.

James Wharton plans to continue his career as a single-seater driver with a first step into F4 as soon as he reaches the required age.

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