Applications are now open to represent KartSport New Zealand in the 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy, with the FIA bringing the addition of a new Senior category into the Championship. 

In an exciting addition to the highly successful FIA Karting Academy Trophy, launched in 2010 originally for Junior drivers, this new Senior category will broaden the platform the Championship provides to a new age group of talented Karters.  

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 supplied chassis and equipped with OK and OKJ engines from the supplier, plus a controlled option tyre and strict limits on tyre usage. 

Drivers who have represented the NZ in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy in the past have gone on to achieve great success in their future careers, with 2021 participant Jacob Douglas now racing in the USF PRO 2000 Championship in America. Off the back of his performance in the Championship in 2023, Arthur Broughan is competing in the Toyota GR86 Championship. Both were able to qualify on pole and win heats in their respective years, showing that New Zealand talent can shine through in the notoriously difficult European Karting scene.

Both the Junior and Senior categories will unfold over three rounds, with the Juniors competing on the same event schedule as the KZ and KZ2 classes and the Seniors competing on the same event schedule as the OK and OK-Junior classes: 

Juniors 

15th – 18th May, Valencia 

17th – 20th July, Mulsen 

26th – 28th September, Cremona 

Seniors 

1st – 4th May, Portimao  

5th – 8th June, Viterbo 

31st July – 3rd August, Rodby 

Tiff Chittenden, KartSport New Zealand Team NZ Academy director commented, “This prestigious competition has been a launchpad for some of the brightest talents in karting, offering an unparalleled opportunity to compete on equal terms against the best from around the world. I am excited to see the addition of the Senior category, which will further expand opportunities for talented drivers to showcase their skills. The achievements of past New Zealand representatives are a testament to the Academy’s role in shaping future champions. The rules regarding not letting the European drivers that are racing in all of the main series over there every weekend compete in this series means it really is for those that are experiencing this level for the first time and should give more opportunities to drivers outside of Europe. Although it is a massive sacrifice for a drivers family to commit to such a series from New Zealand, for the first time ever, KSNZ will be providing a travel fund to assist the families and we hope we can succeed in seeing the next generation of drivers represent New Zealand on this global stage.” 

To apply to be the next representative of the New Zealand in this international championship, please email: si@kartsport.org.nz

PLEASE READ: Entry Requirements and Eligibility 

An introduction of a new category brings with it specific requirements as stipulated by the FIA. Please read below or see the  information in the photos attached to see which category your driver would fit into.

For the Junior category, eligible drivers must be born in 2011, 2012 or 2013 and be at least 12 years old (or reach their 12th birthday in 2025) and not be older than 14 years of age (not reaching their 15th birthday before 31st December 2025). 

For the Senior category, eligible drivers must be born in 2011, 2010 or 2009 and be at least 14 years old (or reach their 14th birthday in 2025) and not be older than 16 years old (not reaching their 17th birthday before 31st December 2025). 

KartSport New Zealand Team NZ Academy will consider applications from competitors who have experience participating in the KartStars Championship or any other National level Championship. Competitors must also hold a valid New Zealand passport, hold (or be eligible to hold) the relevant international competition licence and entrant licence and must be able to commit financially to the entire championship.   

Following the closing date: 20th February, the applications will be reviewed by the judging panel and applicants will be contacted in due course.  

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 si@kartsport.org.nz if you have any questions, and you can find out more about the 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy here.  

Article added: Saturday 08 February 2025