Test drive the Seven L8 this week at Sonoma

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/

Challenge of the Americas Confirms 2025 Series Sponsors

2025 series logosThe 18th season for Challenge of the Americas is set to begin over the January 31-February 2 weekend when the series visits the Musselman Honda Circuit in Tucson, Arizona. The opening rounds of the 2025 championship will usher in a new era, welcoming the new Shinko Racing Kart Tires as the official tire for the series while expanding to four events to make the Challenge the headline traveling series in the western half of the United States.

Pre-registration for the opening weekend at the Musselman Honda Circuit closes on Saturday, January 18. Challenge of the Americas is working with Race Select as its official registration platform. Visit ChallengeKarting.com to learn more about the new process and additional information.

“We are excited about the upcoming season for the Challenge,” stated FTK Promotions owner Andy Seesemann. “There are a lot of new components regarding the series with our partnership with Shinko Racing Kart Tires and adding a fourth event to the schedule. The same competitive yet fun atmosphere returns, along with our experienced staff, many of whom have been with the program for over a decade, including the many teams and companies who have support the Challenge for the 18 years.”

Support from the karting community and industry members continue to pour into the 2025 Challenge of the Americas. Six companies have put forward their backing of the Challenge by signing on as class sponsors for the upcoming season. This year’s class sponsors are:

Forward Direction Motorsports – 100cc Senior
Nash Motorsportz – 100cc Junior
Neliton Race Concepts – Shifter Masters
Ruthless Karting – 100cc Masters
Swedetech Racing Engines – Shifter Senior
The Karting Collective – 60cc Cadet

Continue reading

hacked Facebook graphicAs many of you have noticed, the Challenge of the Americas FaceBook page has disappeared. Our social media manager seems to think it is the North Koreans targeting us because we are excited to use Shinko Racing Tires in 2025, but I haven’t ruled Sean out as a suspect. That guy will do anything not to post “don’t forget to register.” So as we appeal our situation please frequent our homepage www.challengekarting.com for all important notifications and updates. We will also be sending more email blasts, so if you are not signed up already you can do here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/xmUYtCc/cota2025 as well as on our site HERE. So, on behalf of Sean the hotel room block expires at midnight tonight. Reserve your room HERE, and Register for R1/R2 in Tucson Jan 31-Feb2 here: https://raceselect.com/cota

Please share to get the word out. Thanks, Andy