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

The 2025 ROK season came to the end with the Rok Festival, which took place on November 29 and 30 at the Franciacorta Karting Track, and now all attention is on the 2026 ROK calendar.
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...

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

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

Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart Challenge

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...
Livetiming: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track
Livetiming: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Livetiming: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at...

Livetiming: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Livetiming: 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...

World Karting Association Launches A-Maxx Racing WKA eSports Series Presented by Summit Racing Equipment

World Karting Association Launches A-Maxx Racing WKA eSports Series Presented by Summit Racing Equipment Read more

Keeping up with the changing times in our world, the World Karting Association is pleased to announce the A-Maxx Racing WKA eSports Series Presented by Summit Racing Equipment. Set to go green on April 27th, WKA racers will have the opportunity to compete in a five-race series via the popular iRacing platform and pilot a Skip Barber F2000 car on familiar WKA road racecourses.

Young Aussie Dominates Second Kartsport NZ ‘Virtual Club Day’

Young Aussie Dominates Second Kartsport NZ ‘Virtual Club Day’ Read more

Talented young Sydney karter, Jackson Harlow dominated KartSport New Zealand’s second ‘Virtual Club Day’ on the iRacing sim (simulator) platform in Saturday night – prompting top Kiwi finishers Cameron Dance  (2nd) and Billy Frazer (3rd) to promise to double down on their efforts ahead of next weekend’s Giltrap Group and Carter’s Tyre Service sponsored event.

Provisional calendar - French FFSA Karting Championships 2020

Provisional calendar - French FFSA Karting Championships 2020 Read more

The French Cups are canceled to focus on the smooth running of the French Championships while freeing up dates for regional races. A provisional calendar for the French Championships has been drawn up subject to the future arrangements of the administrative authorities.

Enthralling climax to Motorsport UK Karting Esports Finale

Enthralling climax to Motorsport UK Karting Esports Finale Read more

After thousands of Hot Laps and two demanding Semi Finals, the Motorsport UK Karting Esports Finals were to be an exciting affair on Thursday evening (16 April). The virtual PF International circuit was to be the host of the finals for the Motorsport UK and Motorsport UK under 12 classes and the Motorsport UK Open category – open to non-licence holders, with several drivers from around Europe taking place.

Kartsport Canada releases 2020 regulations

Kartsport Canada releases 2020 regulations Read more

While the start of the 2020 karting season rightly remains in limbo due to the ongoing fight against the spread of novel coronavirus, industry leaders have continued to collaborate in preparation for the upcoming season.

ROK Cup Sim Challenge Presented by Conrad Group Insurance Agency

ROK Cup Sim Challenge Presented by Conrad Group Insurance Agency Read more

Registration for the ROK Cup Sim Challenge Presented by Conrad Group Insurance Agency is now open. With the first series taking place April 20th – 26th and featuring ten ROK Cup classes, entries are now open and will be capped at 24 entries per class.

KartSport New Zealand’s first ‘Virtual Club Day’ a great success! 3-time former NZ Kart champion Chris van der Drift 8th place and Brendon Hartley 11th

KartSport New Zealand’s first ‘Virtual Club Day’ a great success! 3-time former NZ Kart champion Chris van der Drift 8th place and Brendon Hartley 11th Read more

KartSport New Zealand’s first ‘Virtual Club Day’ was held on Easter Sunday evening and its success – on all sorts of different levels – means more are already being planned, says the organisation’s National President.

CRG Karting: A season that could be revolutionized

CRG Karting: A season that could be revolutionized Read more

As all the sectors of International sports, including F1 and football, karting has to face the Covid-19 emergency trying to evaluate all the options available to save the season, despite still there are no certainties on the time needed to end this sanitary emergency and all the restrictions imposed by the Governments of all over the globe.

WKA Confirms June and July Events to Replace Charlotte Karting Challenge and Bring Karting Community Together

WKA Confirms June and July Events to Replace Charlotte Karting Challenge and Bring Karting Community Together Read more

With COVID-19 news dominating the airwaves, World Karting Association (WKA) officials have been burning up the phone lines in an effort to make it easier for competitors once karting returns.

The two ACI RAcing Weekends of Monza May 15/17 and Imola May 29/31 postponed td TBD date

The two ACI RAcing Weekends of Monza May 15/17 and Imola May 29/31 postponed td TBD date Read more

ACI Sport also confirms that it has prepared alternative solutions that currently allow the program of Formula Regional European Championship, all the Italian championships, and single-brand trophies, included in the ACI Racing Weekends 2020, to be carried out in the number of races scheduled.

2019 FIA Karting Best-Of: Two girls on track thanks to Richard Mille

2019 FIA Karting Best-Of: Two girls on track thanks to Richard Mille Read more

In 2019 Maja Weug and Julia Ayoub were able to participate in a full FIA Karting season with the Birel ART Racing Team thanks to the support of Richard Mille watches.

FIA Karting: Sarno Competition postponed

FIA Karting: Sarno Competition postponed Read more

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic currently spreading throughout much of the world and the extended period of quarantine in Italy, the CIK-FIA has postponed the date of the next event in Sarno.

New Motorsport UK Karting Esports Championship launches

New Motorsport UK Karting Esports Championship launches Read more

Motorsport UK in association with KartSim, Alpha Live and Motorsport Games will be launching the Motorsport UK Karting Esports Championship (Easter Series) – Britain’s premier Karting Esports series on Monday 6 April, and the best thing, it’s open to all.

Date uncertain but Arena 45 Grand Prix not in question

Date uncertain but Arena 45 Grand Prix not in question Read more

In these difficult times, the prognosis for the sporting schedule is uncertain. One thing is certain, the Arena 45 Grand Prix will take place at Valence, even if the date has to be postponed to better times. In the face of the changing health situation, opening entries is no longer a priority. Arena 45 will announce a new date as soon as the situation becomes clearer. As to whether the Arena 45 Grand Prix can take place as planned from 5th to 9th August 2020, it is too early to say. In any case, the flagship event at Valence is not in question. If the date has to be postponed, it will be postponed and the organisers will follow the decisions taken by the authorities.

CIK-FIA 2020 Homologations extended to 2021

CIK-FIA 2020 Homologations extended to 2021 Read more

The CIK-FIA homologation process for chassis, brakes and bodywork, which represents about 110 products and about 50 manufacturers from 10 countries, is due to start on 1st August 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most nations in Europe and around the world are facing production difficulties and it will be difficult, if not impossible, for all manufacturers to complete the development of their new products and put them into production before August. In light of these exceptional circumstances, the CIK-FIA has decided to strongly support the industry and the future of karting by automatically extending the validity of all currently homologated products (chassis, brakes, bodywork) for one year until 31st December 2021. Manufacturers will therefore have the possibility of homologating a new product or to re-homologate it during the 2021 homologation process.

World Karting Association launches new website

World Karting Association launches new website Read more

Looking to better streamline their program and provide ease of use for their customer, the World Karting Association (WKA) is pleased to confirm the launch of their new website. As the promoter of several series including the Speedway Dirt Series, Florida Winter Cup, Manufacturers Cup, Road Racing Series and E-Kart (electric) Series, WKA is excited to announce the launch of their new multi-series website, WorldKarting.com

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, WKA officials have rescheduled the upcoming Charlotte Karting Challenge

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, WKA officials have rescheduled the upcoming Charlotte Karting Challenge Read more

As the world continues to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, World Karting Association (WKA) officials have been carefully monitoring information updates from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the World Health Organization. Following orders to shelter in place across the country, including in the North Carolina area, the Charlotte Karting Challenge has been rescheduled. “We are finalizing some rescheduling details and will be able to announce on my Thursday night Facebook Live with the President,” explained Kevin Williams. “However, I can mention now that we have rescheduled both the Speedway Dirt Series and Road Racing Series events at Charlotte Motor Speedway for July 3rd through the 5th with the 5th reserved as the rain date for the Dirt program, and are working with multiple other organizations to ensure the best possible scenario for the competitor. We have solidified new dates for Manufacturers Cup and Sprint racing and will be able to announce this exciting news next Thursday evening.”

Remo Racing Iame X30: IAME Series Australia cancelled for 2020

Remo Racing Iame X30: IAME Series Australia cancelled for 2020 Read more

With the situation changing rapidly with the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic & with State Government laws about closing borders and not allowing interstate competitors to compete, we have had to cancel the IAME Series Australia planned this year.

UPDATED Statement: British Kart Championships

UPDATED Statement: British Kart Championships Read more

In light of recent developments in the COVID-19 crisis, and following the address to the nation by the Prime Minister on the evening of 23rd March, Motorsport UK has today extended its suspension of all organising permits and Certificates of Exemption for motorsport events until at least 30th June.

First2627282931333435Last
Exciting heats come rain or shine in the Flying Finn Race
Bas Kaligis
/ Categories: International

Exciting heats come rain or shine in the Flying Finn Race

There was an exciting day of qualifying heats in mixed weather conditions at the Flying Finn Race on Saturday, as drivers battled to be in contention for the FIA Karting World Championship titles in OK and OK Junior. On home ground at the PowerPark circuit at Alahärma near Kauhava, in the event organised by AKK, Finnish drivers came to the fore in the OK category. Juho Valtanen won three of his four heats on Saturday and Nikolas Pirttilahti won two, while Rasmus Joutsimies is also among the leading contenders, consistently inside the top four in his heats.

In OK Junior, the going was tougher for some of the local contenders despite some strong performances. The Dutch duo of Thomas ten Brinke and Laurens van Hoepen starred together with the Brazilian driver Rafael Chaves Camara.

 

OK: Valtanen leads the way

After Friday’s qualifying practice there were two Finnish drivers among the top four, with Juho Valtanen second to Gabriele Mini and Nikolas Pirttilahti in fourth behind Joshua Dufek. Valtanen (Kohtala Sports) promptly won his first heat (in which Pirttilahti had to retire) before taking fifth in his second. In the afternoon, after the heavens opened, the two Finns came into their element, dominating proceedings and taking a pair of wins each.

Valtanen is currently top of the standings with just one more heat to run on Sunday. While Pirttilahti (CV Performance Group) is making up places after his difficult start and is 22nd, Rasmus Joutsimies (Energy Corse) joins Valtanen inside the top six after a second, two third-places and a fourth during the day.

Dufek (Sauber Karting Team) is Valtanen’s closest challenger after a win in his third heat, with reigning World and European champion Lorenzo Travisanutto also in a strong position despite being yet to win. Dilano Vant'hoff (Forza Racing) won a heat and was always in the top four, with the Russian driver Kirill Smal constantly in the top five. Mini (Parolin) suffered an early setback before beating Taylor Barnard to win a particularly exciting heat, contested on slick tyres on a wet track.

- The whole day has felt good, three wins and one fifth. In both wet and dry conditions, we have been able to win heats, so I’m very happy. I was actually surprised about my speed especially in wet, I was very good. Now I’m the leader in the heat points, and tomorrow we’ll have the last heat. Let’s try to make it as good as possible to get pole position for the final. Then it’s flat out and we’ll see where it will take me eventually; hopefully to a good result, but we’ll see about that tomorrow! Said Valtanen.

- It was quite a good day. We had some technical difficulties and I had to start the first race from the pits. After the start I overtook some drivers, but after a good moment I hit another driver. In the second heat I had a good start and I was first but dropped to the fourth place. One driver went off the track and came straight back on in front of me. The last two races were wet: the first one was an easy win, the second was a bit tighter. I have good speed in both weather conditions so it doesn’t matter which one we have. Let’s continue tomorrow from where we ended today, Pirttilahti adds. 

 

OK Junior: Three apiece for Ten Brinke and Chaves Camara

The Dutch drivers flew out of the blocks, with Thomas ten Brinke and Laurens van Hoepen notching up five consecutive heat wins between them for Ricky Flynn Motorsport. They ended the day first and second in the points, ten Brinke finally beaten in his fourth and final heat of the day by the Brazilian Rafael Chaves Camara, who matched his tally of three wins by excelling in the wet.

Second in qualifying practice, the Forza Racing driver took the first of his wins in a race that had to be suspended after two laps due to torrential rain. Andrea Kimi Antonelli also looked good in the rain, ending his day with two wins to finish in the top five along with Josep Marti, winner of his first heat in the morning. Behind them, the American Ugo Ugochukwu, Austrialian James Wharton and the Russian Nikita Bedrin, who had been fastest of all on Friday.

The Finns enjoyed a strong start to the day in OK Junior, with Samuli Mertsalmi and Tuukka Taponen placing second and third in the opening heat. Taponen was fifth and sixth in two of his other heats but had a spin in another in soaking conditions, leaving him 30th in the points at the end of the day. Mertsalmi is the highest Finn in 16th, with Veeti Rajala, Patrick Hakala, Hugo Heinonen and Henri Sääskilahti all currently joining Taponen in the top 30.

Results of OK         Results of OKJ

More photos of Flying Finn Race here 

 

Finnish FIA Karting World Championship Medalists
2017 Juho Valtanen, bronze
2009 Aaro Vainio, silver
2000 Heikki Kovalainen, bronze
1995 Kimmo Liimatainen, bronze
1993 Risto Virtanen, bronze

 

Previous Article Heartbreak for James Wharton at World Championship
Next Article The CRG drivers very competitive but unlucky at the OK and OKJ World Championship
Print
9645 Rate this article:
No rating
Please login or register to post comments.