As detailed here on EKN in late March (click HERE), a groundbreaking new electric karting program aimed at removing barriers to entry is launching in the United States this weekend. Former Ferrari F1 engineer Rob Smedley’s FAT Karting program is set to make its debut in the US for the first of four ‘Try-Out’ events that will allow drivers to sample both the electric racing karts and the program, which is already a huge success in the UK. They’ll also be provided with evaluation and guidance in regard to which series will be right for them: Regional or Pro. The launch of FAT Karting in the US will begin this weekend at New Castle Motorsports Park with try-outs on both Saturday and Sunday (April 12-13). Spots remain for the outing, but they are limited. There are three additional Try-Out events on successive weekends at Kart Circuit Autobahn (April 19-20), Norway Motorsports Park (April 26-27), and G&J Kartways (May 2-3).

Junior division is for drivers ages 12-17 (Photo: FAT Karting League)

At these Try-Out days, drivers are evaluated on key skills such as kart control, awareness, and consistency. FAT Karting League is an arrive-and-drive competition, meaning drivers don’t need their own kart or any racing equipment. Everything, including the karts, race suits, helmets, gloves and even coaching is provided. The karts are high-tech electric-powered race machines. Those who complete the Try-Out will be invited to join one of two championship categories: Regional or Pro.

The program is open to anyone interested in motorsports, from complete newbies to experienced drivers. The age window is 5 to 17. If you’re a beginner, it’s recommended that you book a couple of Try-Out days and the Regional Season Pass. At Try-Outs, you’ll go through FAT Karting’s ‘Ready to Race’ Program, which will provide the training and confidence to compete in the Regional Championship at New Castle. If you have some experience in karting or other forms of motorsports, attend at least one Try-Out days and then get the Regional Season Pass. If their expert coaches think you belong in Pro, you’ll have the option to upgrade. This leaves the experienced karters, those who read EKN religiously. Attend one of the Try-Out Days at any of the four facilities and then buy the Pro Season Pass to compete in the full season. This is where the fastest drivers compete for a spot in the World Final. The date and location of the finale event will be announced soon. The winner of the World Final will be invited to the F4 shootout with a chance to win a fully-funded seat in a F4 car in Europe.

Cadet level is open to drivers 8-13 years of age (Photo: FAT Karting League)

If you qualify for the program’s ‘Regional’ series, this is a nine-race program that will run exclusively at New Castle Motorsports Park, for rookies with the first event set for Saturday, May 17.

If you’re deemed eligible for the Pro series, the schedule will visit six different venues for its nine-race tour. The facilities include Badger Kart Club (WI), New Castle Motorsports Park (IN), Norway (IL), G&J Kartway (Ohio), Quaker City Motorsports Park (Ohio), and Road America (WI) from May to October.

The full schedules for both the Regional and Pro Series are listed below.

There are three age categories in the FAT Karting program, as follows:

Bambino (Ages 5–9): Tailored for the youngest racers, Bambino sessions focus on building confidence and foundational skills in a safe, fun environment.

Cadet (Ages 8–13): Perfect for young drivers looking to sharpen their skills, gain race experience, and develop competitive strategies.

Junior (Ages 12–17): Designed for new and experienced racers ready to compete at a higher level and prepare for advanced championships and compete for a chance to race F4.

Bambino division is for the youngest drivers ages 5-9 (Photo: FAT Karting League)

Well-respected US karting industry veteran Race Liberante is at the helm of the program in America and is excited to get things rolling this weekend after months of preparation. Liberante and his team have assembled a staggering fleet of 69 karts and he will have a staff of 18 FAT Karting crew trackside at NCMP to make sure all goes as planned.

There is still some room for more drivers in this weekend’s tryouts at New Castle, but the Junior availability is low. The interest is extremely high in this exciting new program.

Check out this link for the best place to learn more about the program:

https://join.fat-kartingleague.com/us-hub-1/

Head to their Linktree for more links including a Facebook Group and TikTok.

2025 FAT Karting League USA – Regional Series

May 17-18: New Castle Motorsports Park – New Castle, IN
May 31-1: New Castle Motorsports Park – New Castle, IN
June 28-29: New Castle Motorsports Park – New Castle, IN
July 12-13: New Castle Motorsports Park – New Castle, IN
August 2-3: New Castle Motorsports Park – New Castle, IN
August 23 -24: New Castle Motorsports Park – New Castle, IN
September 6-7: New Castle Motorsports Park – New Castle, IN
October 11-12: New Castle Motorsports Park – New Castle, IN
October 25-26: New Castle Motorsports Park – New Castle, IN

2025 FAT Karting League USA – Pro Series

May 10-11: Mill-Rite Raceway – Dousman, WI
May 24 -25: New Castle Motorsports Park – New Castle, IN
June 14-15: Norway Motorsports Park – Sheridan, IL
July 26-27: G&J Kartways – Camden, OH
August 16-17: Briggs & Stratton Motorplex at Road America – Elkhart Lake, WI
August 30-31: Quaker City Motorsports Park – Salem, OH
September 13-14: Briggs & Stratton Motorplex at Road America – Elkhart Lake, WI
September 27-29: Mill-Rite Raceway – Dousman, WI
October 18-19: Norway Motorsports Park – Sheridan, IL

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