ProKart Challenge readies for 2026 season
ProKart Challenge readies for 2026 season

ProKart Challenge readies for 2026...

ProKart Challenge readies for 2026 season

ProKart Challenge readies for 2026 season

The 2026 season for the Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge marks the 22nd edition of the organisation’s flagship regional program. The championship is coming off a strong 2025 season that...
The ROK Cup Italia Round 1 at Cremona Karting was blessed with sunny weather and spring-like...
The ROK Cup Italia Round 1 at Cremona Karting was blessed with sunny weather and spring-like...

The ROK Cup Italia Round 1 at Cremona...

The ROK Cup Italia Round 1 at Cremona Karting was blessed with sunny weather and spring-like...

The ROK Cup Italia Round 1 at Cremona Karting was blessed with sunny weather and spring-like...

The ROK Cup Italia begins the 2026 season at Cremona Karting in San Martino del Lago (Cremona), over a weekend blessed with sunny weather and spring-like temperatures. At the end of Sunday’s...
Garage Motorsport (PRO) and MLS Racing (SILVER) are the winners of the 24 Hours Karting 2026
Garage Motorsport (PRO) and MLS Racing (SILVER) are the winners of the 24 Hours Karting 2026

Garage Motorsport (PRO) and MLS Racing...

Garage Motorsport (PRO) and MLS Racing (SILVER) are the winners of the 24 Hours Karting 2026

Garage Motorsport (PRO) and MLS Racing (SILVER) are the winners of the 24 Hours Karting 2026

The 24 Hours Karting of Italy organized by CRG has confirmed itself as one of the most anticipated and spectacular events in the Endurance panorama dedicated to Rental Karting. On March 14th and 15th,...
IPKarting: Back on the podium!
IPKarting: Back on the podium!

IPKarting: Back on the podium!

IPKarting: Back on the podium!

IPKarting: Back on the podium!

Podium finish at Lonato. The Trofeo Andrea Margutti concludes with Davide Forè taking P2 in the KZ2 Final at South Garda Karting.
All set for the 9th Edition of the CRG 24 Hours karting
All set for the 9th Edition of the CRG 24 Hours karting

All set for the 9th Edition of the CRG...

All set for the 9th Edition of the CRG 24 Hours karting

All set for the 9th Edition of the CRG 24 Hours karting

The 2026 24 Hours Karting of Italy is scheduled for this weekend (Saturday, March 14th, and Sunday, March 15th) at the 7 Laghi circuit in Castelletto di Branduzzo. The event organized by CRG, with the...
Penrite partners with Australian Kart Championship in 2026
Penrite partners with Australian Kart Championship in 2026

Penrite partners with Australian Kart...

Penrite partners with Australian Kart Championship in 2026

Penrite partners with Australian Kart Championship in 2026

Australian and family-owned lubricants company Penrite has partnered with Karting Australia to become the naming rights sponsor for the Australian Kart Championship.  
Superkarts! USA announces removal of pushback bumper for three SKUSA Pro Tour classes
Superkarts! USA announces removal of pushback bumper for three SKUSA Pro Tour classes

Superkarts! USA announces removal of...

Superkarts! USA announces removal of pushback bumper for three SKUSA Pro Tour classes

Superkarts! USA announces removal of pushback bumper for three SKUSA Pro Tour classes

The 2026 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour is set to begin in one month, traveling to the Musselman Honda Circuit over the weekend of March 27-29 for the 2026 SKUSA WinterNationals. It will be the third trip...
Kalì Kart 2026 chassis line-up: three models built to cover every racing need
Kalì Kart 2026 chassis line-up: three models built to cover every racing need

Kalì Kart 2026 chassis line-up: three...

Kalì Kart 2026 chassis line-up: three models built to cover every racing need

Kalì Kart 2026 chassis line-up: three models built to cover every racing need

Like CRG, Kalì Kart continues to follow a philosophy of continuity with its 2026 Racing chassis range. For the upcoming season across all major national markets and international competitions, the...
Registration Opens for the ADAC Kart Masters 2026
Registration Opens for the ADAC Kart Masters 2026

Registration Opens for the ADAC Kart...

Registration Opens for the ADAC Kart Masters 2026

Registration Opens for the ADAC Kart Masters 2026

The ADAC Kart Masters will return to the German karting calendar in 2026. With the opening of registration, the official starting signal has now been given for the comeback season of this...
Energy Corse and Krutogolov on top of the podium already in 2026
Energy Corse and Krutogolov on top of the podium already in 2026

Energy Corse and Krutogolov on top of...

Energy Corse and Krutogolov on top of the podium already in 2026

Energy Corse and Krutogolov on top of the podium already in 2026

The new karting season has just begun, and Energy Corse has already celebrated its first victory. At La Conca in southern Italy, during the first round of the WSK Super Master Series, Lev Krutogolov...
Happy Holidays, KartXpress wishes you a healthy and successful 2026
Happy Holidays, KartXpress wishes you a healthy and successful 2026

Happy Holidays, KartXpress wishes you a...

Happy Holidays, KartXpress wishes you a healthy and successful 2026

Happy Holidays, KartXpress wishes you a healthy and successful 2026

Happy Holidays, KartXpress wishes you a healthy and successful 2026
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

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 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.

CRG at the 2nd Karting Expo

CRG at the 2nd Karting Expo Read more

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

Results of the SKUSA Supernationals at Las Vegas, Nevada Read more

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

Marijn Kremers winner of 2019 FEED Racing Read more

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

Timeschedule SKUSA Supernationals at Las Vegas, Nevada Read more

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

Australian Kart Championship to hit the bend in 2020 Read more

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.

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Champions of the Future: James Wharton among the best at Portimao
Mitchell Koolen
/ Categories: News, International

Champions of the Future: James Wharton among the best at Portimao

Between the two events of the 2020 Champions of the Future series held three months apart, James Wharton's progress has been spectacular. In the south of Portugal, the Australian hopeful showed he was capable of competing with the best in the difficult OK category. Despite an obvious lack of success in the final phase, the driver from the Parolin Racing Kart team was reassured about his level of performance a few days before the World Championship.

James Wharton, who is competing in the OK class this season, is getting ready to take part in the most important competition of the season: the World Championship. Once again, the World Championship promises to be very difficult and challenging, with a large number of competitors. 77 drivers are expected to take part at the Portimao circuit from the 5th to the 8th November."It is important to prepare as well as possible for this event," says the young Rookie, just out of the Junior class. "The second and final round of the Champions of the Future series was an ideal opportunity to check the competitiveness of the equipment and to test myself against the competition, as it took place on the same track in the south of Portugal."

MAGNIFICENT PERFORMANCES IN THE HEATS

In Timed Practice, James Wharton confirmed his speed by setting the 3rd fastest time of his group, which put him in 8th position overall. After that, his progress in the Qualifying Heats proved to be remarkable, with a clear round during these four races. "The Parolin chassis, our technical team, the TM Racing factory as well as our engine tuner did a very good job and it was great to fight at the front in all of the heats. I even won one of them with an excellent start, but unfortunately I fell back three places due to a penalty for a bad position of the front fairing." James Wharton found himself in an excellent 4th place after the heats.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE LINE OF FIRE

At the beginning of the Prefinal, James quickly managed to get ahead of his team-mate Lorenzo Travisanutto, a reference in the OK category with his two World Championships and a European Championship. Unfortunately, a few laps later, he retired, the consequence of a crash in the middle of the leading group. He had started the Final with the firm intention to move back up, but this time, he had a mechanical problem, forcing him to retire with many regrets.

"In this race, the possibility of getting on the podium really existed. This incident in the Prefinal really frustrated me, because I had saved my second set of new tyres for the Final. But we have to stay positive. Both Lorenzo and myself proved that the Parolin team was working in the right direction in Portimao. The equipment we have developed together in the last few weeks is performing well and this makes me optimistic for the World Championship. We will have to be determined and ambitious, but without making mistakes."
    
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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