Category Archives: Sonoma

Locations Confirmed for 2026 Challenge of the the Americas

Posted on by

2026 race dates logo

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 →

Challenge of the Americas Announces 2026 Dates

Posted on by

COTA_Logo_nodate_blackFour event championship planned for 19th season of program

One more event remains for the 2025 Challenge of the Americas program, with the series set to conclude on Father’s Day weekend at the newly renamed Burt Brothers Motorpark in Grantsville, Utah. It will be the fourth event of the season, marking 2025 as the first year of the expansion from a three-event format.

“It has been a year of transition in 2025,” stated FTK Promotions owner Andy Seesemann. “Our expansion to a fourth event and welcoming the Shinko Racing Kart Tires has been met with positive momentum heading into the future. The Challenge is now THE major traveling series in the western half of North America. We are pulling drivers from multiple states, including drivers on the East coming this way and those from Canada continuing to support our program.”

Prior to this year’s champions crowned in Utah, FTK Promotions is happy to confirm the dates for the 2026 Challenge of the Americas. The Challenge will remain at four events, this time spread out between the months of February and July.

Seesemann continued, “Other programs have begun announcing their dates. Our goal once again is to do what’s best for karting by working with those willing to do so and try to schedule around other major events in North America. With that in mind, we’ve shifted our dates around to ensure optimal time for teams and competitors to have the opportunity to continue supporting our series while having the ability to race at other events.”

2026 Challenge of the Americas Dates

February 20-22, 2026
April 17-19, 2026
May 29-31, 2026
July 10-12, 2026

The series finale for the 18th season for Challenge of the Americas is slated for June 13-15, making the first visit in program history to the Burt Brothers Motorpark in Grantsville, Utah. Formerly known as Miller Motorsports Park and Utah Motorsports Campus, the 1-mile Alan Wilson designed circuit has hosted many major karting events since it was built in 2006. Round Seven and Round Eight of the Challenge championship will be contested over Father’s Day weekend. The event will also host the inaugural COTA Briggs 206 Shootout with a minimum $1,000 cash purse for the podium finishers.

Registration to the Challenge of the Americas series finale at Burt Brothers Motorpark is currently open at ChallengeKarting.com. Motorhome spots are available on the weekend with the standard $150 rate within the paddock. Those seeking electric hookups, the powered VIP Motorhome spots adjacent to the paddock are available for $500 for the event. No sewer hookups available.

Be sure to follow updates at challengekarting.com regarding the 2025 Challenge of the Americas program, in addition to following the Facebook and Instagram pages.

Test drive the Seven L8 this week at Sonoma

Posted on by

motori L8 engine photoThe Motori Seven L8 Jr shifter kart engine is a high-performance, Italian-engineered powerplant designed specifically for developing young racers. This exciting platform offers them the opportunity to train 100% as real KZ drivers.
The inclusion of the 6-speed gearbox from an early age is the fulcrum of this new engine that incorporates all the basic characteristics of a KZ 125 kart engine.

“With all the focus on Jr shifters lately we thought we would introduce a new product to the West Coast that is sure to impress,” tells Challenge of the Americas promotor Andy Seesemann. “The Seven L8 Jr. is a purpose built 80cc KZ style shifter engine with factory paddle shift, and I have one mounted up on a chassis for demo runs. For those wanting to give it a try come by the FTK trailer on the unofficial practice days.”

Designed with the same precision and racing pedigree as the senior L8, the Jr. version features a smaller displacement (80cc) and tuned power delivery to suit junior class drivers, offering a perfect balance of speed, control, and safety. With a six-speed paddle gearbox, liquid cooling, 24mm Dell’Orto VHST carburetor, and 25HP, the L8 Jr. gives young drivers an authentic shifter kart experience while maintaining manageable power levels for developing skills. Want to bridge the gap between Cadets and KZ, this is the motor for you.

For a full intro on the L8 Jr. Check out this PR from our friends at EKN https://www.ekartingnews.com/2025/04/21/motori-seven-usa-introducing-kz80-engine/