Two weeks remain before the beginning of the 2026 Challenge of the Americas. The 19th season of the championship program opens at the K1 Circuit in Winchester, California on the February 20-22 weekend. The last pieces of the program have been completed with the Challenge welcoming this year’s class sponsors along with the 2026 prize package confirmed.

A total of eight companies have pledged their support for the 2026 Challenge of the Americas, which will feature eight categories for the first time in series history. Their commitment to the Challenge helps provide the basis for awards and offer support for competitors attending this year’s championship. The class sponsors for the 2026 season are as follows:

2026 Challenge of the Americas Class Sponsors:

60cc Cadet: P1 Engines
100cc Junior: Nash Motorsportz
100cc Senior: Forward Direction Motorsports
100cc Masters: Ruthless Karting
Briggs Cadet: Shinko Kart Racing Tires
Briggs Junior: Neliton Race Concepts
Briggs Senior: Acceleration Kart Racing
Briggs Masters: Motul

“This year’s class sponsors are a collection of longtime supporters and new companies showing their dedication to the Challenge,” stated FTK Promotions owner Andy Seesemann. “The karting community is special, with long lasting figures like Nash Motorsportz and P1 Engines of southern California, Ruthless Karting in Arizona, Forward Direction Motorsports in Colorado and Acceleration Kart Racing in Las Vegas. Neliton Race Concepts is returning in 2026 after bringing several new karters from the northwest to the Challenge in 2025. Motul is a long standing brand for the sport of karting and continues their support while 2026 marks the second season of Shinko Kart Racing Tires as the official tire for Challenge of the Americas.”

The prize package for the 2026 Challenge of the Americas will be similar to that of last year. Each class champion this year earns a full 2027 Challenge entry package, which includes race fees for practice day along with Saturday and Sunday race days, race tires, race fuel, race oil, and the driver pit pass. The runner-up in the final standings for each class receives a 2027 Challenge two-event entry package. For the third-place driver, they will be awarded a one event entry package for the 2027 Challenge season.

Added to the 2026 prize package is support from ROK Cup USA. A ROK Vegas 2026 Ticket will be awarded in both 100cc Junior and 100cc Senior to the highest finishing driver on a ROK VLR engine, regardless of championship finishing position. Engine usage will have to be declared at our K1 event and will be tracked for the balance of the series.

Each podium finisher at the eight rounds of the 2026 Challenge of the Americas will be awarded with a trophy manufactured by JM Awards along with the unique, one of a kind Challenge podium hat supplied by M2 Brandwear.

“We have been fortunate to have so many great returning businesses that support the Challenge,” Seesemann added. “Giving back to competitors is a key element to a prize package and their success equates to racing for free the following year. I’d like to that ROK Cup USA for their two tickets to the ROK Vegas 2026, as this is a great incentive from a manufacturer. And as always, we will have our drivers raffle on Sunday morning where we will give away tires, Acceleration Kart Racing gift certificates, and many other items.”

Registration remains open for the K1 Circuit event until Friday, February 6, available on Challenge Race Select page. Complete details regarding the weekend at K1 Circuit is available on the Challenge Schedule page.

Be sure to follow updates at challengekarting.com regarding the 2026 Challenge of the Americas program, in addition to following the new Facebook page and Instagram account.

2026 Challenge of the Americas Schedule

February 20-22: K1 Circuit – Winchester, California
April 17-19: Phoenix Kart Racing Association – Glendale, Arizona
May 29-31, 2026: Colorado Karting Circuit at Centennial Airport – Centennial, Colorado
July 10-12, 2026: Sonoma Raceway – Sonoma, California

First event of 19th season set for February 20-22 weekend in SoCal

The launch of the 2026 Challenge of the Americas program is one step closer as registration is now open for the first event of the season. Winchester, California’s K1 Circuit will play host to the February 20-22 event that will feature the opening two rounds of the 19th season for the Challenge.

“It will be an exciting start to the 2026 season for the Challenge,” commented Challenge of the Americas promoter Andy Seesemann. “This will be our first time starting the program in southern California since 2019 and it also marks our second trip to the K1 Circuit. We hope to increase our entries from last year’s event and kick off the 19th championship program with record numbers.”

Challenge of the Americas is pleased to continue its partnership with Race Select for its registration program. Competitors can head to the Challenge Race Select page to complete the entry process for the K1 Circuit weekend. Continue reading →

Race entry for opening weekend at K1 Circuit to launch on December 17

The start to the 2026 Challenge of the Americas program is one step closer. The four-event championship program set to host its 19th season is opening number reservations to the public today.

Competitors from the 2025 season were provided a one week head start for the number reservation process for 2026. With the week concluded, the general karting public wishing to compete at Challenge of the Americas can now reserve their specific number for the price of $50 through the Challenge Race Select Page.

“We had good response from our VIP drivers securing their 2026 COTA identities,” stated Challenge of the Americas promoter Andy Seesemann. “The first VIP reserved their number within minutes of the PR going out, a promising sign of good things to come in our 2-cycle categories. Now that the number reservation process is open to all, we will see who will be committed to the 2026 Challenge in all eight classes. I expect the Briggs racers will show the same enthusiasm as we get things kicked off for our 19th season.” Continue reading →

Start to 19th season of program closing in with February opening weekend at K1 Circuit

NAMPA, ID (December 3, 2025) – Less than 80 days before the 19th season for Challenge of the Americas program debuts in southern California. What began in that region back in 2008, the Challenge continues to be one of the longest tenured championship series in North America, reinventing itself with the ever-changing landscape that is the sport of karting.

One of the first steps toward the 2026 season for Challenge of the Americas is the number reservation process for competitors. The Challenge is once again working with Race Select for registration and utilizing their Race Select Live timing app during race weekends. This season we are allowing VIP access for our 2025 racers. Returning competitors from 2025 get a week’s head start on securing their 2026 identity. By scanning the QR or heading to the Challenge Race Select Page VIPs can select their class and reserve their 2026 Challenge racing number for $50. Those racers renewing their numbers for the 2026 will have until December 10 to complete the process. Once that period is completed, remaining numbers in all categories will become available for purchase and registration will open the week after that. Continue reading →

Four prominent tracks locked in for 19th season of program

Just over five months until the 19th season for Challenge of the Americas program begins. One of the longest tenured championship series will enjoy another expanded season in 2026, hosting four events for a second straight year, spanning the months of February to July. Following the release of the dates prior to the 2025 season finale, the tracks confirmed for the 2026 schedule feature four prominent locations.

“The 2025 season was a year of transition in all different aspects,” stated FTK Promotions owner Andy Seesemann. “We welcomed in the Shinko Racing Kart Tires while expanding to four race weekends and adding two new tracks to our series. The new year ahead keeps the four weekends of racing, returning to a former track on the schedule and welcoming another new state and circuit to our program.”

Challenge of the Americas opens the 2026 season at the new K1 Circuit in southern California. Visiting the facility for the first time in 2025, the Challenge is excited to begin the 19th championship year at one of the most stunning circuits in North America. The second stop takes the program back to the Phoenix Kart Racing Association facility in Arizona for the first time since 2023. The PKRA facility has been on the COTA schedule 13 times previously. Continue reading →