CONCORD, N.C. — The American Kart Road-Racing Alliance (AKRA) and World Karting Association (WKA) are pleased to announce an exciting new joint effort for the 2026 racing season — the Ultimate Kart Challenge, a premier National Road Racing Series designed to elevate competition and unify select classes already featured in both AKRA and WKA programs.
The Ultimate Kart Challenge will feature a hand-selected group of classes currently competing within existing the AKRA and WKA Road Racing Series.
The final class roster is scheduled to be announced shortly after the New Year, and it be centered around classes with the strongest participation based on recent seasons’ entry counts. These classes will offer a championship and year-end awards package separate from AKRA and WKA series points.
The 2026 Ultimate Kart Challenge will be included at five staple road racing events:
- February 27 – March 1: Roebling Road Raceway
- June 19-21: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
- August 14-16: Summit Point Motorsports Park
- September 18-20: Gingerman Raceway
- December 28-30: Daytona International Speedway finale
All administrative functions for the Ultimate Kart Challenge — including points management, standings, and season-end awards — will be coordinated and administered through AKRA. The collaborative effort aims to strengthen participation, improve continuity across both organizations, and offer racers a more streamlined championship format.
Additional details, including class structure, points format, and awards package, will be discussed during a Drivers Meeting at Daytona this weekend, hosted by series representatives Kevin Williams of WKA and Van Gilder of AKRA. An official press release will be posted shortly this January.
Racers and teams are encouraged to stay tuned for further announcements as the 2026 racing season approaches.
We wish all competitors the very best of luck and a safe weekend at this year’s WKA Daytona Road Racing Nationals, now just days away.
