Maxxis exclusive tyre supplier for FIA karting championships

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has appointed Maxxis exclusive tyre supplier for the FIA Karting European and World Championships in the OK and OKJ categories, as well as for the OK-N World Cup and Academy Trophy in 2024-2026. Maxxis will supply its CIK-FIA homologated ‘Option’ and ‘Prime’ slicks for dry- and CIK-FIA homologated ‘MW’ tyre for wet conditions.

Announcing this arrangement, Maxxis notes that the supplied classes are “among the most prestigious and competitive direct-drive categories in karting.” OK competitions at international level represent the “ultimate step in karting,” leading young talents to single-seater racing, where OK-Junior categories feature young drivers aged between 12 to 14 years old.

The FIA Karting Academy Trophy aims to promote young talent from around the world and foster fair play, safety and development. For more than a decade, the Academy Trophy has brought together around fifty junior drivers from many different nationalities, with each federation invited to select a representative to take part in the competition.

Three decades of karting experience

Maxxis has been involved in karting for over 30 years. Its product design brief calls for karting tyres that deliver performance, durability and consistency. Various national and international karting events in more than 50 countries use Maxxis tyres.

The new developed Option will be used in OKJ, OK-N and in the Academy Trophy. The Prime will be used in OK. According to Maxxis, both compounds offer optimal grip, stability and wear resistance, as well as excellent adaptability to different track surfaces and temperatures. All Maxxis tyres are produced in accordance with the company’s policy of sustainable development in environmental protection, energy use, talent cultivation and charitable contributions to society.

Recognition of commitment & expertise

“We are very excited to be chosen by the FIA as the exclusive tyre supplier for all the FIA Karting Championships for direct-drive karts,” says Maxxis president Dr Wally Chen. “This is a great recognition of our commitment and expertise in karting, as well as our passion for motorsport. We look forward to working closely with the FIA, the teams and the drivers to provide them with the best possible tyres and service.”

“We are delighted to open a new partnership with Maxxis, a global top ten tyre manufacturer,” adds Akbar Ebrahim, FIA Karting Commission president. “Their products are known around the world and can be seen fitted on a wide range of vehicles, including bicycles, motorcycles, cars, SUVs, buses, trucks and industrial vehicles. They are now bringing their expertise and reputation with karting tyres to FIA Karting competition. We are pleased that Maxxis shares our vision of promoting young talents and supporting their development in karting.”

Represented by Schuurman

Maxxis karting tyres are represented by Schuurman BV, an established company involved in karting since 1975.

The first event of the new partnership will be the FIA Karting European Championship for both OK and OKJ categories, which will take place in Valencia, Spain, from 21 March to 24 March 2024. The same categories will have their second out of four European Championship outing in Val d’Argenton, France, from 25 to 28 April 2024, where round 1 of the FIA Academy Trophy will also take place. The series comes to the UK for the closing round at PF International, near Newark-on-Trent, on 15 September.