WHAT IS THE FIA KARTING ACADEMY AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The FIA Karting Academy Trophy is an international kart racing competition organized by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The competition is designed for young drivers aged 12 to 14 years old (on the first day of the competition) who are looking to develop their skills and progress towards a career in motorsport. The competition takes place over several rounds, with each round consisting of a practice day, a qualifying day, and a race day. The competition is open to young drivers from around the world, the races are held on international circuits and are contested by drivers from different countries. In 2022 there were 51 participants from 50 different countries.

Each driver is supplied with a standardized kart drawn at random, OTK chassis with Vortex engines from the OKJ class, equipped with LeCont tyres. The trophy is based on the knowledge and reliability of OTK Kart Group, which won the tender for the supply of chassis and engines for 2022, 2023 and 2024 for the third time in a row after six successful seasons. This helps to level the playing field and ensures that the competition is based on driver skill, rather than equipment.

To enter the FIA Karting Academy Trophy, interested competitors must participate in a national selection process in their country of residence. The selection process can vary depending on the country, but usually involves local races and tests to determine the best young drivers. In South Africa, an interested competitor needs to win the OKJ National class of the ROK cup in order to win the priceless ticket from Motorsport South Africa (MSA) to represent South Africa at the competition.

The FIA Karting Academy Trophy is important for anyone looking for a career in motorsport because it provides young drivers with an opportunity to race at a high level and gain valuable experience. The competition attracts top-level talent from around the world and provides a platform for young drivers to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves in the motorsport community. The competition is designed to help young drivers develop their skills, and it provides a steppingstone to higher levels of motorsport. The FIA Karting Academy Trophy is also a great way for young drivers to network with other drivers and teams, and it provides a platform for young drivers to gain exposure to the motorsport industry.

The FIA Karting Academy Trophy was first held in 2006, and since then, it has become one of the most prestigious kart racing competitions in the world. Over the years, many famous drivers have competed in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy. Past winners of the FIA Karting Academy Trophy include some of the most successful drivers in motorsport, such as Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Esteban Ocon, and George Russel. These drivers have gone on to compete in Formula One, Formula E, and other top-level motorsports competitions, demonstrating the importance of the FIA Karting Academy Trophy as a stepping stone to a successful motorsport career.

In summary, the FIA Karting Academy Trophy is a world-class competition that provides young drivers with an opportunity to develop their skills, gain valuable experience, and make a name for themselves in the motorsport community. If you’re a young driver looking for a career in motorsport, the FIA Karting Academy Trophy is a great place to start. The next race is on the 23-26 March 2023 in Valencia and we will be keeping a close eye on the future drivers, as well as our very own Ntiyiso Mabunda representing South Africa, Squadra Corse and the ROK cup!

Issued by: FTW Motorsport