The international karting community was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of six-time World Champion Mike Wilson, who died on 5 January 2026 at the age of 66. With his passing, kartsport has lost not only one of its most accomplished competitors but also a true ambassador whose influence shaped karting for more than four decades.
Born on 27 April 1959 in Barnsley, United Kingdom, Mike Wilson made history through a level of sporting and technical dominance that remains unmatched. Between 1981 and 1989, he secured six CIK-FIA Karting World Championship titles—an absolute record in the discipline.
Wilson’s achievements came during the demanding Formula K (135cc) era, a category renowned for its physical intensity and the exceptional technical precision required of its drivers. From his first world title in Parma in 1981 to his final triumph in Valence in 1989, he demonstrated extraordinary consistency at the highest level, claiming victories on some of the sport’s most prestigious circuits, including Parma (Italy), Kalmar (Sweden), Le Mans and Laval (France). His career stands as a testament not only to exceptional natural talent but also to a relentless work ethic that set a benchmark for generations to follow.
One of the defining aspects of Mike Wilson’s career was his deep integration into the Italian karting industry. After relocating to Italy in the late 1970s, he forged a unique synergy between British pragmatism and the technical ingenuity of Italian engine manufacturers and chassis constructors. Through close collaboration with leading names such as IAME, Birel and Kali Kart (later CRG), he made a lasting contribution to the technological development of racing engines and chassis.
This total immersion earned him widespread respect from competitors and engineers alike, establishing him as a vital link between two of Europe’s most influential motorsport cultures.
Beyond his success on the track, Mike Wilson remained a driving force in karting long after his racing career concluded. As a constructor with his own chassis brand, MW, and later as a mentor and technical advisor, he played a decisive role in the development of many talented drivers. His keen eye for emerging talent and his commitment to nurturing young competitors contributed directly to the rise of several future Formula 1 champions. Until his final years, his expertise was sought at the highest level, particularly through his involvement in prestigious driver development programmes.
By passing on the values of discipline, precision and professionalism essential to success in motorsport, Mike Wilson ensured that his legacy would endure far beyond trophies and titles, living on in the quality and standards of future generations
The immense respect he commanded throughout the international community—shared even by his greatest rivals, including Ayrton Senna—underscores his exceptional stature. Mike Wilson was not only a karting champion; he was the embodiment of the sport in its purest and most demanding form. The name Mike Wilson will forever remain engraved at the pinnacle of karting history, a lasting reminder that true excellence is born of passion, dedication and unwavering commitment.