KartSport New Zealand, in conjunction with the Kartstars organizing committee, are pleased to announce an incredible line up of prizes for the 2026 Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy Kartstars.

Starting with the Harvest Marlborough event at KartSport Marlborough in January, the five-round series will see competitors tour the country chasing championship glory, with further stops in Palmerston North, Rotorua, Hamilton and Hawke’s Bay along the way. The series also encompasses three major championships, including the New Zealand Karting Grand Prix, National Sprint Championship and North Island Championship.

Thanks to the support of series partners, the winners of the youngest classes in Cadet ROK and Vortex Mini ROK, plus the premier KZ2 class, will walk away with a $5000 travel fund each, to be used competing at an International race event of their choice.

For the Junior Rotax and Rotax Light classes, KartSport New Zealand will continue to encourage the goal of seeing competitors compete at FIA events, with the winners both being offered a ticket and support to represent New Zealand at the 2026 FIA Arrive & Drive World Cup in Junior and Senior respectively.

The FIA Arrive & Drive World Cup saw incredible success and a proud moment for New Zealand in the inaugural event last month, with Zach Tucker winning the Senior class and Tommy Hart finishing second in the Junior class. With the FIA continuing to roll out the Arrive & Drive model, this is an obvious opportunity for the sport to grab.

Entries are now open for Harvest Marlborough, and are available via the following link: https://www.kartsport.org.nz/kartstars

Article added: Thursday 04 December 2025