The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has appointed Maxxis, one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, as the exclusive tyre supplier for the FIA Karting European and World Championships in OK and OKJ categories, as well as for the OK-N World Cup and Academy Trophy in 2024-2026.
All these classes are among the most prestigious and competitive direct-drive categories in karting: OK competitions at international level represents 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 is a unique competition that aims to promote young talents 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.
Maxxis has been involved in karting for over 30 years, developing high-quality tyres that deliver performance, durability and consistency. Maxxis tyres have been used in various national and international karting events and are represented at all continents in more than 50 countries.
Maxxis will supply its CIK-FIA homologated ‘Option’ and ‘Prime’ slicks for dry- and CIK-FIA homologated ‘MW’ for wet conditions. The new developed Option will be used in OKJ, OK-N and in the Academy Trophy. The Prime will be used in OK. 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 following the policy of sustainable development in environmental protection, energy use, talent cultivation and charitable contributions to society.
FIA Karting Commission President Akbar Ebrahim said: “We are delighted to open a new partnership with Maxxis, a global top 10 tyre manufacturer. 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.”
Maxxis President Dr. Wally Chen said: “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. 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.”
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 apotheosis of the 2024 season will be held in PF International, near Newark-on-Trent in the UK, on 15 September 2024, with the FIA Karting World Championships for both OK and OKJ and the newly introduced FIA Karting World Cup for OK-N.