The new season of the German Kart Championship gets underway this weekend at Arena E in Mülsen. Approaching 190 drivers are expected to line up in six classes. There is a particular focus on youth development, as the “Road to DTM” programme has been expanded to include the German Kart Championship (DKM).
There have been a few changes to the highest German karting series ahead of the 2024 season. ADAC e.V is responsible for running the DKM for the first time, and has expanded the calendar to six events. First up is the 1,315-metre Arena E in Mülsen, Saxony. The high-speed circuit comprises six right turns and five left-handers, and is renowned for thrilling slipstream battles and close finishes.
The pinnacle is the international German Kart Championship (DKM). Class KZ2 shift karts will be used for the first time in the DKM. The list of competitors is full of well-known names from the world of karting. They include reigning champion Stan Pex (SP Motorsport) from the Netherlands. ADAC e.V. has incorporated the DKM in its “Road to DTM” development programme. At the end of the season, one driver will be rewarded with a free place in the 2025 ADAC GT4 Germany, allowing them to take the next step in their career.
The German Junior Kart Championship (DJKM) is also open to international drivers. Youngsters from across Europe will take their place on the starting grid, as they look to follow in the footsteps of former champions like Sebastian Vettel, Nico Hülkenberg and Nick de Vries. The hot favourite is Luke Kornder (SIM-ON). He lifted the trophy at the season finale in 2023 and now has the opportunity to defend his title. To assist the next generation of motorsport stars, ADAC Stiftung Sport will consider targeted support for youngsters from the DJKM on a case-by-case basis.
A further four national classes round off the DKM programme. This season, for the first time, an official German championship title will be up for grabs in the Mini class. 28 young drivers will go head to head in the German Mini Kart Championship (DMKM). The DSKC – the second division of German shift karting – also has a full field. 42 competitors have registered for the start of the season, including eight drivers in the Masters class.
Making its first appearance on the DKM programme is the IAME Series Germany. Both categories are virtually full, with 36 X30 juniors and 50 X30 seniors, rounding off an attractive package in the top German kart championship.
The competitors take to the track in Mülsen on Friday. Multiple free practice sessions provide the opportunity to find the right set-up and fastest racing line. The official start is qualifying and race one on Saturday. This season, it is once again worth doing well in qualifying. As well as bonus points, the pole-sitter will also receive a golden 32Five Pole Position Award. Race Sunday will have a new look. In the morning, all the classes will contest a Super Heat to determine the starting order for the subsequent finale. The action on both race days can be followed via the live timing feature and in a livestream at: adac.de/motorsport.
2024 DKM calendar:
20.-21.04.24 – Mülsen 1
11.-12.05.24 – Ampfing
15.-16.06.24 – Wackersdorf 1
20.-21.07.24 – Kerpen
10.-11.08.24 – Mülsen 2
21.-22.09.24 – Wackersdorf 2