Last weekend (August 8–9, 2026), the Rotax MAX Challenge Germany entered the final stretch of the season. For the semi-final, Germany’s largest single-brand karting series travelled to Liedolsheim in Baden. The RMC Germany had last visited the traditional circuit in 2007, and 19 years later it once again proved to be the perfect setting for thrilling Rotax racing. Around 100 drivers battled for the penultimate—and potentially decisive—championship points of the season. The action was not only hot on the track, as temperatures above 30°C also put drivers and equipment to the test.

Mini: First Victory for Julius Grabow

Julius Grabow (Kraft Motorsport) was in top form in Liedolsheim. He set the fastest time in qualifying and maintained the lead after the heats, although his teammate Tim Hansler managed to beat him in the first heat. In the Superheat, Joliena Marie Schultz (Sodi) eventually prevailed over her rivals, while Grabow finished second, securing pole position for the Final.

The young driver left nothing to chance in the main race. After several battles for position in the opening laps, Grabow pulled away and drove to a convincing first victory. Behind him, Ben Falke and Tim Hansler completed a clean sweep for Kraft Motorsport on the podium.

Junior: Devrim Yeter Dominates

Devrim Yeter (RS Competition) was the dominant driver in the Junior field. He won qualifying, the heats and the Superheat, making him the clear favorite heading into the Final. However, the Final proved to be a much tougher challenge. Yeter dropped to third at the start and found himself involved in a close five-way battle for victory. Around the halfway point, however, he managed to fight his way back to the front and break clear of the competition.

While Yeter was able to secure the victory with a comfortable margin, the battle for the remaining podium positions continued. In the end, Emir Siadkowska (3G Racing) finished second ahead of Gustav Christensen (RS Competition), Connor Haufe (M-Tec Praga Racing)—the best rookie—and Philipp Hansler (Kraft Motorsport).

Senior: Lee Wins Duel with Koch

The 28-driver Senior field was dominated by the duel between Austin Lee (Kartschmie.de) and defending champion Sebastian Koch (Daems Racing). Lee was fastest in qualifying, while Koch dominated the heats. Koch also won Superheat A, with Luis Laurin Speck (Tbkart Germany) taking Superheat B. As a result, Koch secured pole position for the Final. He converted pole into the race lead after the start, but after just a few laps the leader made a costly driving error and went off track. He dropped several positions and eventually managed to recover to fifth place.

At the front, Lee seized his opportunity, took the lead and gradually pulled away from the chasing pack to secure his first Final victory of the season. Behind him, local driver Luis Laurin Speck used his home advantage to finish second, ahead of Noah Janssen (3G Racing) in third.

DD2 Masters: Marcel Schirmer on Course for the Title

Marcel Schirmer (FM Racing) dominated the small but competitive DD2 Masters field. After setting the fastest time in qualifying, the experienced driver scored maximum points in the heats, Superheat and Final, putting himself firmly on course for the championship title.

However, Schirmer did not have it all his own way. His teammate Timo Haug followed him closely throughout the weekend, winning one of the heats and even taking a turn at the front in the Final. In the end, Haug had to settle for second behind Schirmer, while Dirk Prochnow (KR) completed the podium in third.

DD2: Dominant Dominik Reuters

Dominik Reuters (M-Tec Praga Racing) was the benchmark in the DD2 field. After setting the fastest time in qualifying, he won every heat, the Superheat and the Final. Even a race interruption following an accident failed to disturb his concentration.

Behind the dominant winner, Luca Thiel (Tony Kart) finished second and demonstrated that his victory in Mülsen was no fluke. In just his second DD2 race, he has already established himself among the front-runners. Jan Eckstein (FM Racing) secured third place.

Championship Battle goes down to the wire

Even after the penultimate round of the season, the championship battles remain wide open in all classes, with some title contenders separated by just a handful of points. The season finale therefore promises to deliver an exciting showdown. It will take place on September 19–20 at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben.

Not only will the champions be crowned there, but the event will also determine the participants who will represent the series at the RMC Grand Finals in Portimão, Portugal, in November this year.