Top 5 Affordable United Kingdom (UK) Rental Karting Series

Competitive karting leagues are a staple of motorsport in the United Kingdom, most evident in the high-stakes 2-stroke engine action of the nation’s pinnacle series, such as the Wera Tools British Kart Championship. However, at the lower levels with different makes, there is still an abundance of speedy drivers and aggressive competition that proves to be accessible for all. In this article, we will take a look at five of the premier rental karting series in the UK.

Club 100

Having been in the industry for nearly three decades, Club100 has stood the test of time, proudly proclaiming itself as the “highest level of 2-stroke kart racing in Europe.” The series features three main championships, each further divided into multiple categories based on weight and/or race format.

Beginning with the Cadets, this championship is designed for drivers aged 7 to 13 who are just beginning to dip their toes into the world of motorsport. The series is split into Northern and Southern championships, a structure mirrored in the Junior class, which caters to drivers aged 13 to 18. Notably, the Southern championship offers a fuller calendar, with eight rounds compared to the Northern series' five. Each regional championship includes two weight classes: Super-Lightweight and Lightweight.

When it comes to older drivers, the Senior category is open to competitors aged 16 and above. Within this class, drivers can choose from a variety of formats, including the Sprint, SP60, SP40 North and South, and the Club100 Experience. All of these feature three weight classes—Lightweight, Super-Lightweight, and Heavyweight—except for SP40 North. To gain the most seat time and exposure to different circuits, the Sprint Championship is generally recommended, offering nine rounds across a diverse range of tracks.

All in all, whichever series you set out to do, Club100 has shown to be a very inclusive series, as shown in the number of championships, categories, and weight classes. There is a spot for everyone in the Club100, and you, the reader, are certainly no exception.

Elite Karting Series

A series synonymous with top-tier performance, the Elite Karting Series (EKS) is a highly competitive series that races all across the country, doing so with some of the best equipment available. The EKS primarily uses twin-engine 4-stroke karts that have a displacement of 390cc. They also utilize karts with 2-stroke engines, such as DMAX karts, for rounds that are held at Daytona Karting, which is located in Milton Keynes. Even with different kinds of karts, drivers are bound to reach speeds past 55 miles per hour (mph).

There are a total of three championships in the EKS. Firstly is the national series, followed by the Northern and Southern championships, respectively. All of these leagues have three different categories meant to separate drivers by weight and age. Additionally, a team championship is available for drivers who wish to pair up. Drivers may team up with anyone from any class, and the team's points are calculated by adding together the points each driver scores in a round.

Seasons are particularly long in the EKS, which can run for as few as 8 rounds and up to as many as 14. This increase in rounds is a stark contrast from a series like the Club100, which runs fewer rounds. If you’re looking for a series that replicates the long and grueling season of owner kart championships, this series might just be the one you’re looking for.

British Rental Kart Championships

The British Rental Kart Championship prides itself on being the funnel and pathway for drivers to qualify for the Indoor Kart World Championship, a highly touted series with immense competition. This prestigious position allows the BRKC to place at the highest level of rental karting in the UK. 

Having its start back in 2011, the series once lasted six rounds and was hosted across multiple outdoor tracks. Since 2014, BRKC has migrated over to the Formula Fast Indoor Karting Circuit located in Milton Keynes, becoming the one-round championship known to date. However, what the BRKC makes up for a lack of rounds is pitting you against some of the most competitive drivers hungry for a shot at the global stage.

Joining this event will require you to pay around 250 British pounds in entry fees, which is more expensive than what EKS charges per round, but less than what Club100’s asking price would be in the senior category. Hence, even with the added prestige of the event, its affordability is similar to that of its other rental karting counterparts.

To end, even with a lack of races, the BRKC stands out for its professionalism as well as its dedication to hosting the championship. Because of the added pressure of having only one chance to win, that means securing victory here is no easy feat.

British Indoor Karting Championships

Source: Adhesive Design

Entering its 6th year, the British Indoor Karting Championship (BIKC) has long had a knack for finding talented drivers looking to enter the world of grassroots motorsports. Its format is unique, featuring a rigorous ladder-style format to crown a national champion. There are four rungs to this ladder, starting with the local qualifiers. 

After signing up for the BIKC, you then choose one circuit within a curated list of tracks where you wish to set your lap. From there, you must visit that track at least three times and set blistering laps. The average lap time of your 3 fastest laps will be taken into account and is considered your entry time. 

From there, the fastest times in each track qualify for the local final and will jockey for 5-6 slots (depending on the category) to the regional finals by way of a mini grand prix format. The ladder continues with the regional finals before the field is ultimately narrowed down to a select few drivers who will vie for their categories’ respective titles. 

Survival of the fittest is the best way to describe the BIKC. In a field where many attempt to qualify, only a few are chosen. However, should you make it to the top, a championship of this caliber solidifies your status as a racing driver.

British University Karting Championship

A series dedicated to those in the academy is a crossover that has long seemed impossible. Thankfully, the UK has made this dream a reality in the form of the British University Karting Championship (BUKC). Established near the turn of the millennium, it has continued to be a mainstay due to the demand of drivers to partake as well as the school pride that is at stake.

As of writing, a total of 126 teams compete in this highly saturated field. Furthermore, the barrier to entry is not as difficult as it may seem, as the official BUKC website lists all teams as well as their contacts and socials, should you wish to participate. There are also different championships at stake, such as the team championship, which has titles for two distinct classes, namely the premier and intermediate classes.

Moreover, the series also includes a driver's title, which is a winner-take-all event held on the final day of the premier championship. Finally, a one-off 24-hour race held every June is a chance for over 60+ teams to test their ability to withstand long and intense racing conditions.

Despite the niche market of the BUKC, it remains an entertaining and competitive series that sells itself on the inherent protection of each university’s prestige as drivers battle it out on track. Coupled with the accessibility of the series, many drivers can take to the stage and represent something beyond their brand.

To elevate your go-kart racing career to the next level, Kart Class has your back! Under the tutelage of a multi-time race winner and Australian kart champion, David Sera, a variety of training programs are in store for you. 

For beginners and champions alike, and even track guides on the most notorious race tracks out there, Kart Class will be sure to take you from the back of the pack to the winner’s circle!