Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two
Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two

Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart...

Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two

Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two

Jac Preston has taken his first ever SP Tools Australian Kart Championship round win in KZ2 at Murray Bridge, South Australia, while Ky Burke broached the top step of the podium in KA2 for the first...
Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo
Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo

Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with...

Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo

Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo

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IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition

IPK strengthens its presence in...

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Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne

Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as...

Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne

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Young Queenslander, Cooper Folley has stunned the field in his first KA2 Junior round at the opening SP Tools Australian Kart Championship, presented by Castrol event sweeping to the win at the...
Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy
Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

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Great weekend for Kalì Kart colours at the 36th Margutti Trophy that took place this weekend in Lonato. In the OK Junior category, Ilia Berezkin dominated the OK Junior by winning all 3 qualifying...
Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener
Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener

Italian Champion to line up in...

Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener

Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener

Italian Champion Moritz Ebner is set to make his Australian debut at the opening round of the 2025 SP Tools Australian Kart Championship presented by Castrol in Melbourne next weekend (March 28-30).
Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne
Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne

Stars of Karting take centre stage in...

Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne

Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne

Melbourne’s Grand Prix week started off with a bang with the Stars of Karting Event at Port Melbourne’s Todd Road facility on Monday. The short and sharp format saw qualifying followed up...
Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit
Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit

Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double...

Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit

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The first event of the 2025 ProKart Challenge program was held on the February 28-March 2 weekend at the new K1 Circuit. The Winchester, California facility welcomed the Superkarts! USA regional...
Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy
Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy

Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025...

Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy

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Karting Australia is proud to announce that Annabel Kennedy (Brisbane, QLD) and Hamish Campbell (Gold Coast, QLD) have been selected to represent the nation in the 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy...
WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026
WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026

WKA Realigns National Road Racing...

WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026

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With a very busy Road Racing Calendar and events so close to each other throughout the year, racers have expressed their concerns that some events are simply not feasible to attend.  Responding...
2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga
2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga

2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury...

2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga

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Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne
Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne

Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1...

Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne

Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne

More than 100 of Australia’s top kart racers will take centre stage at the Go-Kart Club of Victoria on Monday, March 10, as the Stars of Karting event launches "Race Week" for the...
2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon
2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon

2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the...

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Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!
Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!

Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the...

Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!

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Back in 1978, The Blues Brothers took the world by storm with a skit on Saturday Night Live. A movie followed in 1980, then a sequel and some albums as Dan Aykroyd (Elwood) and John Belushi (Joliet...
Kalì Kart: Zvarich brothers confirmed for 2025
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Kalì Kart: Zvarich brothers confirmed...

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Iron Dames reveal full 2025 racing programme: 16 drivers, multiple disciplines, one mission

Iron Dames reveal full 2025 racing...

Iron Dames reveal full 2025 racing programme: 16 drivers, multiple disciplines, one mission

Iron Dames reveal full 2025 racing programme: 16 drivers, multiple disciplines, one mission

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Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge sets 2025 schedule
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24 Hours Karting of Italy: the entry list becomes increasingly international

24 Hours Karting of Italy: the entry...

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Registration of the teams coming from all over the world for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy, the reference Rental kart event among international endurance races, scheduled for next March 1-2 on the...
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Andrea Margutti Trophy: The celebratory event “1990-2020” on March 1st Read more

On track categories MINI, OKJ, KZ2, Iame X30 Senior and X30 Junior. Entry lists to open on February 3rd 2020. The “Andrea Margutti” Trophy continues to honour the memory of the young karting promise Andrea Margutti with the 31st edition of the event that started back in 1990. The 2020 event will take place as usual at the South Garda Karting Circuit in Lonato on February 27th – March 1st with the organization by Parma Motorsport. Entry lists to open on February 3rd.

Italian ACI Karting 2020 Championship: validity, calendar, tracks and categories

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14 Years-old Jamie Day Handpicked to become factory driver for Charles Leclerc in Lennox Racing Team Read more

Last month Scuderia Ferrari Formula One driver Charles Leclerc launched his own kart brand in association with Birel ART, and local Dubai Kartdrome racer Jamie Day, who has already tested and raced on the chassis, has been officially selected to be a factory driver running under the established Lennox Racing Team based in Italy.

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The Emirates Group Karting Club (EGKC) traded one title for another as one of their two teams, Emirates Racing (#8), claimed its first Pro Championship on Saturday (14 December) during the final round of the Dubai Kartdrome Endurance Championship Powered by Motorsport Wheels, while its sister squad, Team Emirates (#9), fell short in a close championship battle with LD Russia (#18) for the 2019 Corporate crown.

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Line-up Sodi Kart Racing Team for 2020 season Read more

After a highly successful 2019 season – whose highlights included Emilien Denner’s victory at the FIA Karting International Super Cup, Bas Lammers winning the WSK Super Master Series championship, Anthony Abbasse’s victory in the Winter Cup and victory in Le Mans 24-hour race, Sodikart has opted to bolster its international ambitions and raise its profile on the world karting competition stage. 

CRG presents the 24 hours of Italy 2020

CRG presents the 24 hours of Italy 2020 Read more

You never change a winning format, so the 24 Hours of Italy will keep all the features that made it one of the most prestigious races in the Endurance sector. Starting from the date at the beginning of the season, confirmed on March 28th and 29th. It is confirmed the high-profile location as well, the Adria Raceway, one of the most beautiful layouts, provided with services able to make this hard and demanding marathon the most comfortable as possible for teams, with its masonry boxes, hotel rooms above the pit lane, one of the best a lighting systems in Europe and modern video control system with over 20 cameras.

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In 2020, you will no longer see Anthony on the major international circuits. Anthony has decided to take a different path with a change of career. Sodikart has had a very close relationship with Anthony for many years, and of course, supports Anthony in this new adventure.

Tony Kart rules over Macau

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In the traditional appointment of the Macao Internationa Kart Grand, in Coloane, our official drivers occupy the first four position of the KZ final rating. The victory was centred by Phakka ahead of Viganò and Piccini, fourth Milell. 

ROK: A worldwide success

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Not only the Superfinal in Lonato, but also the ROK the Rio in Las Vegas and the Asia Final in Singapore have characterized an amazing end of the season with almost 800 Rokkers getting on track and awarding 18 Champion Titles.

Rafael Villagomez recognised by the Richard Mille Young Talent Academy in Le Mans

Rafael Villagomez recognised by the Richard Mille Young Talent Academy in Le Mans Read more

Held in difficult weather conditions, the second Richard Mille Young Talent Academy highlighted Mexico's Rafael Villagomez among the 17 young talents gathered at Le Mans. After rigorous physical, mental and sporting evaluations, Rafael made the difference with his ability to progress, suggesting excellent potential in motorsport. Richard Mille has shown his confidence in him by offering him the chance to participate in the 2020 French F4 Championship.

The Rok Asia By Domenico Cicognini

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The 2019 Rok Superfinal Champion, Domenico Cicognini, conquered the opportunity to race the 2019 Rok Cup Asia Final with his victory in October at the South Garda. Domenico did not miss this wonderful opportunity given by Vortex and on the KF1 Karting Circuit in Singapore, he enjoyed a new and amazing experience.

French karting champion Emilien Denner will take his first steps in Single-seater racing

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The 17 year old Strasbourg driver will head to the southern hemisphere series on the back of an impressive season in karting in KZ2 in which he won the FIA Karting KZ2 International Supercup during the FIA Karting World Championship held in Italy in Sept.’19 and the 30° Trofeo Andrea Margutti, as well as finishing second in the FIA Karting European Championship with the win of FIA Europe Round 2 in Sarno in what is considered as one of the best and epic FIA Final of the last years. He was also third in the 2018 CIK-FIA European KZ2 Championship and is widely regarded as one of the best young karting talents in the world.

Charles Leclerc karting competition department in collaboration with the team Lennox Racing

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Not long ago, Charles Leclerc announced the launch of his own range of kart chassis, produced in the Birel ART factory. The news has made a big impact in the industry and beyond thanks to the incredible popularity of the Monegasque prodigy whose recent exploits at the wheel of his Ferrari F1 have delighted motorsport enthusiasts around the world.

2nd Adria Karting Expo is on his way

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The Adria Karting Expo is the sector expo dedicated to the karting world, already become a reference for national and international manufacturers and realities in the karting sector. After last year's success, we are setting up an even more content-packed 2019 edition. From the display of the karts of all the major brands to the free kart test for children, 3 days will be packed with initiatives for kart and motor enthusiasts.

CRG at the 2nd Karting Expo

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Since Friday 29th November until Sunday 1st December you will be able to visit the CRG stand at the Adria Raceway, in Italy, where the Racing and Rental lines will be displayed, besides the opportunity to test the Karts of the Rental line in the indoor track.

Results of the SKUSA Supernationals at Las Vegas, Nevada

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In the world of motorsports, few races can be billed as the race of the year, but time and time again the SKUSA SuperNationals have been dubbed the pinnacle karting event of the year. It is poised once again to be “the race of the year.” SKUSA SuperNationals karting event is from 20th to 24th November in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Marijn Kremers winner of 2019 FEED Racing

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Marijn Kremers is officially the laureate of the very first FEED Racing edition. The 21-year-old Dutchman won the final, after several months of competition.

Timeschedule SKUSA Supernationals at Las Vegas, Nevada

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In the world of motorsports, few races can be billed as the race of the year, but time and time again the SKUSA SuperNationals have been dubbed the pinnacle karting event of the year. It is poised once again to be “the race of the year.” SKUSA SuperNationals karting event is from 20th to 24th November in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Australian Kart Championship to hit the bend in 2020

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The Board of Karting Australia has confirmed that the season opener for the 2020 Australian Kart Championship presented by Castrol EDGE will be held at Australia’s newest karting facility – The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia. To be hosted by the Barossa Go-Kart Club, with the support of several other South Australian Clubs, the opening round will be contested on February 28-March 1.

Parolin on the pace at Castelletto

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Organised on the 7 Laghi circuit of Castelletto, the second and last WSK Open Cup event was not spared by the weather. The cool weather was accompanied by many showers, although the Finals were held on a virtually dry track. Hugo Sasse in OK and James Wharton in OK-Junior confirmed Parolin's excellent competitiveness while the successes multiplied in Mini in parallel with the revelation of two young talents in the Parolin Racing Kart team with the Russian Khavalkin and the Chinese Zhang.

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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

 

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