This National Motorsport Week karting is a motorsport discipline that definitely deserves a mention! It’s pretty well-known that, barring a few exceptions, most of today’s top professional racing drivers all started their careers in karting.

2026 will see even more opportunities for aspiring drivers to get involved in karting, if they lack current access to high performance FIA karting equipment through: The 2026 Motorsport UK British Champions of the Future Academy Programme.

Launched in conjunction with RGMMC, a global promoter of karting events, the programme has had successful seasons in Europe and the Middle East.

Arriving in the UK in 2026, the programme will take place at four UK locations, with drivers able to compete in three classes; the Mini 60, Ages 8 – 12 (chassis – Parolin powered by TM), OK-N Junior, Ages 12-14 (chassis – Kart Republic powered by IAME) and OK-N Senior Ages 15 to 18 (chassis – Kart Republic powered by IAME) classes. All karts and engines are drawn by lottery.

The new series also acknowledges the growing number of drivers joining the sport from Motorsport UK’s “Arrive and Drive” Championships and forms another critical step in the Karting Pathway, which was established in 2020.

Buoyed on by the successful launch of Motorsport UK’s Girls Karting Academy, it is expected that female drivers are set to make up over 30% of the Champions of the Future (COTF) programme, a foundation which will continue to be built upon next year.

James Geidel, President of the RGMMC Group, adds, “Following the success and validation of the Champions of the Future Academy Program International Series, the platform has firmly established itself as a launchpad for future stars in motorsport.

“Our very first Junior winner, James Anagnostiadis, was signed to the Mercedes Driver Development Programme, and just nine months later went on to become Vice Champion at the FIA Karting World Championship. Similarly, Sara Matsui earned a place in the Williams Racing Driver Academy, and Fionn McLaughlin was recruited by Red Bull Racing. These achievements underscore the Academy’s strength as a genuine talent identification platform.

“In addition, our close collaboration with the F1 Academy’s “Discover Your Drive” initiative will now extend into our national-level programmes.

“The United Kingdom, long regarded as one of the world’s premier environments for nurturing young racing talent, is the natural home for the launch of the Champions of the Future Academy Program National Series. This expansion marks an exciting new chapter in our mission to develop the next generation of racing talent.”

Dan Parker, Head of Karting, Motorsport UK, comments, “In the ever-evolving world of motorsport, the pursuit of more diverse racing opportunities and supporting promising talent are vital for the sport’s growth and sustainability.

“With four double-header events scheduled for the season, and three categories, there are now even more opportunities for aspiring talent to get involved and try out Karting for themselves.”

For more information and updates, visit the official website: www.championskartingacademy.com.