Motorsport UK in conjunction with RGMMC, a global promoter of karting events, have launched a new global concept for drivers to showcase their talent using supplied equipment: The 2026 Motorsport UK British Champions of the Future Academy Programme.

This innovation not only opens doors for aspiring drivers but also expands karting to those who may not own their own equipment, making the sport more accessible to drivers and families.

The Champions of the Future Academy Programme, organised by RGMMC, saw opening seasons events take place in the Middle East and Europe, with the series set to land in the UK in 2026.

The new Academy Programme will take place at four UK locations in 2026. Drivers will be 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 plus (chassis – Kart Republic powered by IAME) classes. All karts and engines are drawn by lottery for each event.

In the ever-evolving world of motorsport, the pursuit of more diverse racing opportunities and the discovery of promising talent are vital for the sport’s growth and sustainability.

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.

As part of the introduction of this new Championship, Motorsport UK will also launch a dedicated Motorsport UK Academy specifically for karting, which will include a programme specifically for female drivers.

In 2025, female drivers are set to make up over 30% of the Champions of the Future (COTF) programme, a foundation we aim to build upon when the Academy Championship launches in the UK in 2026.

Dan Parker, Head of Karting, Motorsport UK, comments, “We are proud to launch the Motorsport UK Academy Championship in the UK in 2026, in collaboration with RGMMC. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to showcase and build on the immense talent of drivers in the UK using internationally recognised FIA-homologated supplied equipment.

“With four double-header events scheduled for the season, the series will feature three categories, a format that not only levels the playing field but also opens the doors of the sport to those who may not own their own kart equipment.

“The Academy Series provides another vital step in the Karting Pathway, which Motorsport UK established in 2020, in addition to the launch of our programme that is specifically for female drivers, underscoring our commitment to fostering diversity in the sport.”

James Geidel, President of the RGMMC Group, adds, “We are delighted to have our first national series launching in 2026 in collaboration with Motorsport UK. The United Kingdom is famed for being the home of motorsport and has an incredibly healthy karting culture. This is a true example of Motorsport UK’s forward-thinking to grow karting and this championship, ensuring that both aspiring drivers and their families can engage with the sport in new and exciting ways.”

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

More information will be shared on the Motorsport UK website in due course.