OK-N to be introduced as a new engine concept. Five classes planned for 2026. Road to DTM program remains part of the German Kart Championship.

The 2025 season is still in full swing, but the German Kart Championship (DKM) is already looking clearly towards the future. A structural realignment is planned for the coming year, setting the stage both sportingly and organizationally for a modern championship with international participation. Newly introduced will be the FIA-backed engine concepts OK-N Junior and OK-N, and once again, an international race is scheduled.
 

OK-N becomes a new class in the DKM – FIA integration in focus

Starting with the 2026 season, the DKM will feature a revised class structure. The international OK-N category will make its debut within the German Kart Championship. The new class follows FIA regulations and offers drivers an excellent opportunity to prove themselves at the highest level and take the first step into international karting. Through the German Championship, participants can directly qualify for the FIA Karting World Cup, further establishing the DKM as an ideal springboard for talents from Germany and neighboring countries. At the same time, the engine concept offers an attractive price-performance ratio with lower maintenance costs.

From 2026, the German Junior Kart Championship (DJKM) will also adopt the OK-N Junior engine concept. This will create a consistent class structure for participants and teams that aligns with the FIA’s international framework. The best German drivers in both categories will receive tickets to the FIA Karting World Cup, where they will represent their national colors. To help teams and drivers familiarize themselves early with the new engine concept, ADAC is already offering test opportunities. Interested parties can contact ADAC to lease an OK-N Junior or OK-N engine at favorable rates for testing purposes.
 

Five classes – one clear concept

In 2026, the DKM will consist of five championship classes. Alongside the German Mini Kart Championship (DMKM) and the German Junior Kart Championship (DJKM), the OK-N category will become an official part of the DKM, offering young talents aged 14 and older a strong competitive environment. The established DMSB Shifter Kart Cup (DSKC) will remain, as will the top category, the German Kart Championship (DKM), which continues to be contested with KZ2 shifter karts. With this clear structure, the DKM provides a future-oriented concept that optimally prepares young talents for the next steps in their international careers. The support series IAME Series Germany, featuring the X30 Junior and X30 Senior categories, will no longer be part of the race calendar.
 

Part of the ADAC talent pyramid – from DKM to DTM

The DKM will continue to be an integral part of the Road to DTM support program in 2026. As a breeding ground for young karting talent, it is embedded in ADAC’s official talent pyramid, offering long-term development opportunities: from karting to ADAC GT4 Germany, to the ADAC GT Masters, and ultimately to the DTM. The winner of the Road to DTM Trophy will have their registration fee for a season in ADAC GT4 Germany covered by ADAC. In this junior series, the winner will gain their first experiences in GT racing while competing as part of the DTM support program.