Registrations open for the CRG Rental Kart World Contest
Registrations open for the CRG Rental Kart World Contest

Registrations open for the CRG Rental...

Registrations open for the CRG Rental Kart World Contest

Registrations open for the CRG Rental Kart World Contest

In just over 10 days, many rental kart drivers have already registered for the Sprint Cup and several teams have signed up for the Endurance Cup, the two main events of the Rental Kart World Contest...
Registration now open for  30th annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix
Registration now open for  30th annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix

Registration now open for 30th annual...

Registration now open for 30th annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix

Registration now open for 30th annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix

Registration is now open for the 30th annual The Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest and most prestigious karting street race. This year’s race is August 30-31, 2025 and...
ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report
ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report

ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report

ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report

ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report

One month after Jesolo, the ROK Cup Italy is back on track for the fifth round of the season, on the occasion of the "night event" in Lonato del Garda. In total, 262 drivers livened up the...
A brilliant start to the International season for Modena Kart
A brilliant start to the International season for Modena Kart

A brilliant start to the International...

A brilliant start to the International season for Modena Kart

A brilliant start to the International season for Modena Kart

Drivers in the colours of the Modena Kart team have become regulars on the podiums of the biggest events since the start of 2025, in the WSK Promotion series as well as the ACI Karting Italian...
Carr drives towards glory as KZ King equals record
Carr drives towards glory as KZ King equals record

Carr drives towards glory as KZ King...

Carr drives towards glory as KZ King equals record

Carr drives towards glory as KZ King equals record

Liam Carr is knocking on the door of a maiden KA2 Junior SP Tools Australian Kart Championship after an immaculate weekend in Newcastle, while double KZ2 Champion, Troy Loeskow, recorded a...
A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO Challenge 2025’ initiative
A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO Challenge 2025’ initiative

A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO...

A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO Challenge 2025’ initiative

A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO Challenge 2025’ initiative

As part of their 2025 ‘ACO Challenge’, Team WRT continues its commitment to meaningful, human-driven initiatives. After winning the 2024 ACO ‘Coup de Cœur’ Award for its...
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

The ROK Cup Italy continues its seasonal journey with the second round held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo (PV). Almost 200 are the attendants in the seven categories competing, in a...
IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition
IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition

IPK strengthens its presence in...

IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition

IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition

Since its creation in 2010, the IPK factory has rapidly established itself as one of the leading companies in the global karting market, thanks to its innovative technology and the quality of the...
Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne
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

Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne

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

Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

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

Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit

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

Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy

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

WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026

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

2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga

Karting Australia can confirm that the 2025 Rotax National Cup will be hosted at Albury Wodonga Kart Racing Club on September 13-14.
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...

2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon

2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon

Fresh off a record setting campaign in Florida, the Superkarts! USA organization is turning its focus on the 2025 SKUSA Pro Tour. Set for its 16th straight season, the championship will again be...
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!

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

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...

From karts to single-seaters: Gabriel Bortoleto joins Prema's Formula 4 Team for 2020

From karts to single-seaters: Gabriel Bortoleto joins Prema's Formula 4 Team for 2020 Read more

PREMA Powerteam is pleased to announce that Brazilian racer Gabriel Bortoleto will be part of the team’s all-new lineup for the 2020 Formula 4 Season. He will enter the full Italian Formula 4 Championship and selected races of the German series. The 15-year-old driver is making the step up to auto racing coming from a complete and successful karting career. 

SP Tools extends Karting Australia Partnership

SP Tools extends Karting Australia Partnership Read more

Leading Australian tool manufacturer Austech Industries has extended its partnership with Karting Australia with their SP Tools and Torini engines brands becoming the Premier Partners of Karting Australia.

Final exhibitor list for the 28.IKA-KART2000, more international exhibitors than ever!

Final exhibitor list for the 28.IKA-KART2000, more international exhibitors than ever! Read more

Between the 25th – 26th January 2020, you can find in Offenbach am Main everything of Karting. The eight halls with event centres show you on 10.000 sqms everything you need for Karting, for indoor and outdoor, everything about racing and hobby.

LeCont gains ground at all levels

LeCont gains ground at all levels Read more

A quick overview of the international karting landscape confirms the progress of LeCont tyres around the world. Over time, the quality of LeCont products has become more and more important in racing, especially as the Italian brand has always placed great importance on its relationship with its customers.

Arthur Leclerc and Dino Beganovic for the Scuderia Ferrari young driver programme

Arthur Leclerc and Dino Beganovic for the Scuderia Ferrari young driver programme Read more

The Ferrari Driver Academy is pleased to announce that two new drivers are joining the Maranello marque’s racing driver training and development programme, which has now been operational for eleven years. The drivers in question are Arthur Leclerc and Dino Beganovic, whose 2019 performances showed they have what it takes to be part of the FDA.

ROK Continental Cup in Ampfing and Adria

ROK Continental Cup in Ampfing and Adria Read more

The Rok Cup Continental Cup will be one of the absolute innovations within the European karting scene. In the Rok continental challenge, divided into 2 rounds, the first in Germany and the second one in Italy, all Rok categories will be present to face the best European Rookers.

Andrea Margutti Trophy: The celebratory event “1990-2020” on March 1st

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

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

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.

Emirates Racing claims maiden Pro Endurance Title! Fernando Alonso and FA Racing on podium in 24 hours of Dubai

Emirates Racing claims maiden Pro Endurance Title! Fernando Alonso and FA Racing on podium in 24 hours of Dubai Read more

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.

Line-up Sodi Kart Racing Team for 2020 season

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.

A new chapter for Anthony Abbasse

A new chapter for Anthony Abbasse Read more

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

Tony Kart rules over Macau Read more

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

ROK: A worldwide success Read more

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

The Rok Asia By Domenico Cicognini Read more

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

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

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

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

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

2nd Adria Karting Expo is on his way Read more

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.

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Felipe Massa: “What happened in Lonato was serious, it is not an example for young kids”
Bart Luijkx
/ Categories: News, CIKFIA

Felipe Massa: “What happened in Lonato was serious, it is not an example for young kids”

Very involved in his role as President of the FIA International Karting Commission, Felipe Massa was determined to meet the different players in the 2020 FIA Karting Competitions, first during the European Championship - OK & Junior in July, then in Italy at the World Championship - KZ. Despite the tight schedule between August and November, the Brazilian was pleased with the success of the current racing season.

This season, almost all FIA Karting competitions were maintained. What do you think of the way the CIK-FIA has dealt with the problems related to the Covid-19 pandemic?

During these last months, which have been marked by an unprecedented pandemic and a lockdown of several weeks, the CIK-FIA has taken the right decisions so that the FIA Karting Championships can resume and take place in the optimum conditions. In collaboration with the various organisers, the changes in dates have been judicious. I think that all the people involved in our Competitions were very happy to see that the four European Championships, the World Championship - KZ, the International Super Cup - KZ2 and the entire Academy Trophy could be organised with the success we have seen. The racing was excellent.

Of course, we regretted the absences of some Drivers. This was most often the consequence of the difficulties encountered by several of them in moving from one country to another. In spite of this, the CIK-FIA was delighted to have welcomed, for example, 75 Junior Drivers at the European Championship in Germany and even 99 Drivers in KZ2 at Lonato. I salute the efforts of all these participants from dozens of different nationalities, who made a point of taking the start of these Competitions. Today I am looking forward to the FIA Karting World Championship - OK & OK-Junior in Portimao.

What feedback did you receive after the release of the 2021 calendar, which was announced as early as last june?

For the organisers and ASNs, it is important to find out quickly whether their bid has been successful, so that they can prepare as well as possible to host an FIA Karting Championship. Even if the situation of Covid-19 is unfortunately not yet stabilised, we must work for the future. The drivers want to continue racing, the factories and the teams want to be able to work and have a future. Enthusiasm for karting remains strong. Of course, it is difficult to predict the evolution of the pandemic and we can only hope for a rapid improvement in the situation. I am thinking in particular of the FIA World Championship Karting - OK & Junior in Brazil in October 2021. For the Europeans, it is a long trip that needs to be planned in advance.

Are you satisfied with the work carried out by the promoter RGMMC?

James Geidel and his team are working hard to ensure the success of the FIA Karting Championships. We all regret not being able to welcome spectators, but RGMMC makes every effort to ensure quality video streaming. As I wanted, we are also improving the karting audience through social networks. The world of communication is changing and we have to adapt.

In addition, our promoter and the CIK-FIA have spent a lot of energy to enforce the strict infection control protocol we have put in place. As soon as the FIA Karting Championships resumed, everyone's health was a constant concern for us. It is our duty to ensure the safety of those present on the circuits.

You wanted to make some changes to the regulations. Have they achieved their goal?

Thanks to the discussions I had with factory and team managers, as well as with Drivers, it seemed important to me to make the Competition fairer. Ensuring the greatest possible sporting fairness is an aspect that is dear to me in this sport. In addition to my role as President of the CIK-FIA, I am also a competitor. I feel very strongly about the remarks expressed by those who experience the competition on a daily basis. At the end of 2019, we changed the management and the quota of tyres used during the meeting. Recently, we have rethought the Qualifying Practice classification, taking into account the differences in time between the groups. These changes have been very well accepted. Among the decisions taken, I also recall the postponement of chassis homologations to 1st January, 2022, to take the Coronavirus crisis into account.

The World Championship - KZ brought together a wide range of drivers: Young talents, drivers who come to enjoy themselves like Antonio Fuoco and the four-time world champion Davide Foré... How does this inspire you?

It proves that karting is a fantastic sport, which can be practised at almost any age, whether as a leisure activity or at the highest level. Some drivers have not had the opportunity to switch to cars or have simply wished to stay in karting. In the 125cc gearbox categories, they have a great opportunity to express their talent. Several young karting hopefuls will become professional drivers in cars, but others have managed to achieve this status in karting. This is also very rewarding. The KZ Final was also very intense thanks to these experienced drivers.

Finally, you witnessed a scene that should not exist on a karting circuit. What was you reaction?

What happened in Lonato was serious. A World Championship should give a positive image of karting. This kind of event is contrary to the spirit of our sport. It is not an example for young people. I immediately wanted the FIA to communicate on this subject and launch an investigation into these incidents. In Italy, ACI Sport has already taken the first sanctions. The CIK-FIA will also be responsive to these facts. In the end, I think it is important to congratulate the Drivers who have been crowned in Italy in 2020 and to remember their names: Frenchman Jérémy Iglesias (KZ), Italian Simone Cunati (KZ2) and American Connor Zilisch (Academy), without forgetting Israeli Ariel Elkin, winner of the last round of the Academy Trophy.

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