Applications are now open to represent Motorsport UK in the 2023 FIA Karting Academy Trophy, a prestigious international championship for 12–14-year-olds.

The FIA Karting Academy Trophy is a unique competition designed to pit the best young kart racers from around the world against each other on equal terms. Drivers are randomly assigned karts with OTK chassis and equipped with Vortex engines from the OK-Junior category, plus a controlled tyre.

Motorsport UK have an impressive record in the competition, with the last three representatives finishing in the top 10. For 2023, the national governing body will once again guide and support the chosen driver in their preparations, as they fly the Union Jack in the international competition.

The FIA Karting Academy will unfold over three rounds between May and July next year, with dates and locations due to be confirmed shortly by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Dan Parker, Karting Manager at Motorsport UK commented, “The FIA Karting Academy provides a unique opportunity for drivers to represent Motorsport UK on the global karting stage. Competing against some of the best junior kart drivers in the world, giving drivers the opportunity to master some of the best karting tracks in Europe, is an invaluable experience for a driver’s career development.

“Supplied equipment ensures the FIA Karting Academy Championship is a true test of the driver. The list of previous winners speaks for itself, and Motorsport UK has an impressive record of results in the competition, which has seen many of today’s future and present stars compete.”

For the 2023 FIA Karting Academy, the selection process to find the young driver that will represent the nation will involve two stages, which will take place in the new year. Stage 1 will involve fitness and simulator testing, with Stage 2 being a practical kart driving assessment.

Applications will be considered from competitors who have experience participating in the Wera Tools British Kart Championships – activity in non-Motorsport UK licenced Championships will not be considered. Competitors must also hold a valid UK passport, hold (or be eligible to hold) the relevant international competition licence, entrant licence and must be able to commit financially to the entire competition.

Eligible drivers must be born in 2009, 2010 or 2011 and be at least 12 years old (or reach their 12th birthday in 2023) and not be older than 14 years of age as a maximum (not reaching their 15th birthday before 31 December 2023).

Please note that any drivers who have scored point(s) in a FIA Karting European or World Championship OK-Junior event, in the previous and/or current year, are not allowed to participate in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy.

To apply, drivers should fill in the online application by clicking here by Monday 19th December 2022. Following the closing date, the applications will be reviewed by the judging panel and shortlisted drivers will be contacted shortly after. Applications must be submitted with permission from a parent/guardian, however we do encourage drivers to complete the content of the application themselves.

Please contact academy@motorsportuk.org if you have any questions and you can find out more about the FIA Karting Academy Trophy here.