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.
Over the last two weeks, competitors were able to reserve their race number for the 2026 Challenge of the Americas season. Those who have not reserved a number for their specific category can still do so through the Challenge Race Select page. Each category has a specific number range with the 2-cycle divisions remaining the same as in 2025. The Challenge’s new Briggs & Stratton 206 divisions have their assigned range of numbers.
As detailed above, the Challenge of the Americas expands to an eight-category program in 2026. Four classes return with 100cc Senior, 100cc Junior, 100cc Masters, and 60cc Cadet. New for the Challenge this coming season will be the addition of four Briggs & Stratton 206 divisions. Briggs Senior, Briggs Junior, Briggs Masters, and Briggs Cadet bring on the first official championships for 4-cycle divisions at the Challenge.
All eight categories for the 2026 Challenge will compete on the Shinko Kart Racing Tires. The four Briggs & Stratton 206 divisions, along with 60cc Cadet, will be on the Shinko SHS63 (Green) compound while the 100cc Senior, Junior and Masters classes utilize the Shinko CIK Prime (Yellow) tires. Tires for preseason testing is now available through Full Throttle Karting or your nearby Shinko Kart Racing Tires dealer.
Prior to registration opening, the Challenge has set a minimum entry total as any class holding less than 10 entries by January 20 will be at risk for cancellation. Visit the 2026 Classes section on the Challenge website to learn more.
The K1 Circuit provides multiple track configurations. For the 2026 Challenge of the Americas opener at K1, the layout will be the ‘Pro Track’ featuring the 12/13/14 chicane running in the clockwise direction. The host hotel for the Challenge of the Americas weekend at the K1 Circuit is the Hampton Inn Murrieta. A small block of rooms has been reserved with promo code ‘COA’ for group rates. Reserve by phone at 951-691-8820 or at Hilton.com. Complete details regarding the weekend at K1 Circuit, including no camping and other specific information regarding the facility, is available on the Challenge Schedule page.
“We are honored to have a facility like K1 Circuit to use for our championship program,” added Seesemann. “Our first visit last year tested the limits, literally, and we searched for a way to avoid any issues regarding the track limits structure of the ‘Pro Track’. Adding the esses section leading onto the main straight is the best option we have and believe it will produce some exciting finishes for our first two rounds of the championship. I look forward to seeing everyone at K1!”
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