USA Karting Series’

In the expansive world of American karting, several championship series have risen to prominence—each offering its own blend of competitive spirit and unique culture. Whether on a national stage or at the grassroots level, these events serve as the training ground for future champions and passionate hobbyists alike. In this article, we take a deeper look into the most notable karting series across the United States.

NATIONAL SERIES

SKUSA Pro Tour / SuperNationals

Source: The RaceBox

The Superkarts! USA (SKUSA) Pro Tour has long been one of the flagships of American karting. Established in 2010, it came as a formal evolution of SKUSA’s growing influence, following the success of its marquee event—the SKUSA SuperNationals. First held in 1997 in Las Vegas, the SuperNationals quickly became a bucket-list event for drivers across the globe. With past winners that have gone on to race in Formula One, IndyCar, and IMSA, its reputation as America’s “Super Bowl of Karting” is well-earned.

What sets SKUSA apart is its consistency in delivering elite-level competition and professional organization. The Pro Tour features a three-race championship format, culminating in the SummerNationals. Meanwhile, the SuperNationals cap off the year with a spectacle that transforms temporary circuits into battlegrounds for international talent. From the roar of the KZ shifters to the intensity of the X30 Senior class, SKUSA is synonymous with peak American karting.

United States Pro Kart Series (USPKS)

Source: United States Pro Kart Series

The United States Pro Kart Series, or USPKS, was founded in 2013 with the mission of elevating the standard of competition in North America. Created by long-time industry figure Mark Coats, USPKS filled a void in the American karting scene by focusing on stability, transparency, and driver-friendly rules. It quickly garnered a loyal following among teams and racers who appreciated its structured race weekends and minimal politics.

Today, USPKS features multiple rounds across the East Coast and Midwest, often at iconic tracks such as New Castle Motorsports Park and GoPro Motorplex. The series offers a range of IAME categories, from Mini Swift to X30 Senior, and consistently fields deep, talented grids. With media coverage, live streams, and an efficient race program, USPKS continues to grow in stature as a rival to the SKUSA Pro Tour.

Stars Championship Series

Source: eKartingNews

Relatively new on the scene, the Stars Championship Series was launched in 2020 as a response to the need for more driver-focused and cost-conscious racing. Despite its youth, the Stars program is guided by industry veterans and has quickly carved out a niche for itself. While other national series emphasize large-scale events and international prestige, Stars aims to create a tighter community and put the emphasis back on racing fundamentals.

Its standout feature is the commitment to parity and simplicity. For example, strict tech enforcement, spec fuel, and controlled tire usage are all part of its identity. The series has grown steadily each year and now travels to a diverse set of tracks across the Midwest and East Coast. It also features a mix of IAME and KZ categories, making it a competitive arena for both aspiring pros and experienced privateers.

REGIONAL SERIES

Texas Sprint Racing Series (TSRS)

Everything is bigger in Texas, and karting is no exception. The Texas Sprint Racing Series (TSRS) has served as the Lone Star State’s premier regional championship since its founding in the early 2010s. Developed to give local drivers a structured championship close to home, TSRS has flourished into one of the most respected regional series in the country.

The series caters to a wide range of classes, from Cadet and Junior categories to 206 and KA100. It travels to some of Texas’ best tracks such as Speedsportz Racing Park, Hill Country Kart Club, and North Texas Kartway. Its well-run events and accessible format have made it a launching pad for many national-level competitors, while still serving as a fun and affordable series for weekend warriors.

Florida Karting Championship Series

Set to launch in 2026, the Florida Karting Championship Series is the latest addition to the southeastern karting calendar. Florida has always been a hotbed for racing talent, from Daytona to Homestead, and the introduction of a new regional championship reflects the state's deepening commitment to grassroots motorsports.

While exact details are still being finalized, early indications suggest the series will cater to both IAME and Briggs & Stratton 206 categories. With Florida’s year-round racing climate and a large base of karters already active through winter programs like the Florida Winter Tour, the new championship has strong potential. If organized correctly, it could quickly become a breeding ground for national-level talent.

Sunshine Karting Championship

Launched as a Florida-based initiative to support local tracks and drivers, the Sunshine Karting Championship has become a staple for many within the state. While not as large in scale as the upcoming Florida Karting Championship or national series, Sunshine offers grassroots racers a consistent calendar and quality racing.

The series emphasizes community, affordability, and local track support. Racing primarily takes place at circuits like Andersen RacePark and Bushnell Motorsports Park, giving drivers a familiar yet competitive environment to hone their skills. Categories span everything from kid karts and Mini Swift to 206 Senior and Masters, making it one of the more inclusive series in the region.

Route 66 Sprint Series

Since its founding in the early 2000s, the Route 66 Sprint Series has become a staple of Midwestern karting. Originally developed as a feeder series for the larger WKA and USPKS programs, Route 66 quickly gained popularity among teams and families looking for high-quality competition without the travel demands of national racing.

While the series has evolved over time, it’s particularly known for its support of four-stroke racing. Briggs 206 classes are heavily featured, making it one of the best platforms for those who prefer the budget-friendly and durable nature of four-stroke competition. Races take place across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, including well-known venues like Concept Haulers Motor Speedway and Road America’s kart circuit.

Cup Karts North America (CKNA)

When it comes to four-stroke racing in the U.S., Cup Karts North America (CKNA) stands at the top. Founded in 2015, CKNA was built with the vision of creating a dedicated series for Briggs & Stratton 206 racers. Its no-nonsense, accessible format has allowed it to flourish, especially in regions where 206 karting is the backbone of local competition.

CKNA’s crown jewel is the Grand Nationals, held annually at New Castle Motorsports Park. Drawing drivers from all corners of the country—and even Canada—the event has grown into the largest four-stroke karting race in North America. Beyond the Grand Nationals, CKNA runs multiple divisional series including the North, South, and newly added West divisions. Its simple rules package, low operating costs, and focus on clean racing make it a favorite among hobbyists and serious competitors alike.

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