In 2026, the series opens at World Circuit La Conca from 1 to 4 March. The 1,250 metre circuit, also known to the paddock as Muro Leccese, sits in the province of Lecce in South Eastern Italy, just a short drive from the Adriatic coast. Known for its stone craftsmanship and deep-rooted history, the surrounding town provides stunning surroundings for a weekend of elite racing with 188 talents.
This marks the first time the circuit has featured on the Champions of the Future calendar, introducing a new challenge and a new benchmark for teams and drivers. All competitors, whether in OK Junior (ages 12–15) or OK (ages 14+), will race on Maxxis tyres and ETS fuel.
The Season Opener Takes Shape
As the opening round of the calendar, La Conca sets the tone for the season ahead. It will welcome a combination of newcomers stepping into the series for the first time, alongside experienced drivers returning after an intense winter of preparation.
Early test sessions will reveal who has made the biggest gains over the winter and who is ready to lead from the start. With names such as Kenzo Craigie, Thibaut Ramaekers, Christian Costoya and Daniel Kelleher moving on to the next stages of their motorsport careers, doors open for a new wave of contenders.
This event will also showcase fresh team dynamics. Driver line-ups, tactical decisions and chassis developments are expected to come into focus during the first test sessions, offering an early glimpse into the competitive order.
Rising Stars in OK Junior
The OK Junior category continues to attract some of the most promising young talents in karting, many of whom are already on the long road toward motorsport careers. Returning names include Mark Pillipenko and Antonio Pizzonia, alongside Maxim Bobreshov and Henri Constant Kumpen. Each brings experience and the expectation of building on the results displayed in 2025.
Attention will also turn to a trio of highly anticipated newcomers. Niccolò Perico, Nuvola Morales and Emerson Macandrew Uren all step into their first season in direct drive karting. Each has already built a strong reputation within their respective countries, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. The key question is how quickly their talent will translate at this higher level.
The Battle in OK
The OK category remains one of the most competitive stages in international karting and serves as the final proving ground before drivers progress to single-seater racing. It is here that many future stars begin to truly establish themselves.
James Anagnostiadis and Zac Drummond return to the grid, both still early in their careers yet already carrying valuable experience. They will face pressure from an emerging group of challengers led by Noah Baglin, the 2025 OK Junior World Champion and Champions of the Future series winner. Other contenders expected to feature strongly include Lev Krutoholov, Filippo Sala, Vladimir Ivannikov and Aston Sharp, all aiming to position themselves at the front of a competitive field like in 2025.
The Next Step for Future Contenders
A defining feature of each new season is the transition from junior to senior categories. In 2026, several key drivers are expected to make this step successful. Noah Baglin headlines this progression following his standout junior campaign. He is joined by Dean Hoogendoorn and Ilie Crisan, both of whom are expected to adapt quickly and challenge within the senior ranks.
A Tradition of Excellence Continues
A new season begins, yet the essence of Champions of the Future remains unchanged. Racing momentum can be viewed on live timing from Thursday, and live streaming to watch the action live will be available on Friday and Saturday for the remaining heats and finals. Year after year, the series attracts world-class talent and provides a platform for the next generation of motorsport stars to emerge.
At La Conca, that journey starts again.