The Race Rotax RMC US Trophy Final, scheduled for October 17-19, will celebrate the 25th year of Rotax Max Challenge competition in the United States. Over the past 25 years, Rotax has been a focal point of varying degrees from the grassroots level all the way to the international stage for former and current karters in the USA.

The brand of Rotax in karting dates back to the 1980s before the introduction of the Rotax 125 MAX engine. Shortly afterwards, in 1999, the first national Rotax Max Challenge race series was established.

Jordon Musser was among the early stars in Rotax Max Challenge USA action, seen here at the 2004 US Rotax Grand Nationals (Photo: EKN)

The Rotax Max Challenge in the USA began under the SSC Racing banner with company head Joe Ramos set as the early distributor. The program began from the ground up, introducing the engine package to tracks as a turn-key package that shops could sell to people off the street. As the Rotax engine platform expanded, so did the tracks and the Rotax experience across the country. The first US Rotax Grand Nationals was held in 2001 in Las Vegas. Three of the next four US Grand Nationals were held at the circuit known as the ‘X-Plex’ before the event began moving to different locations throughout the country. As the Rotax format expanded, so did its popularity and each year the US Rotax Grand Nationals grew. The event at one time welcomed roughly 200 drivers as year, all vying to be a US Rotax Grand Nationals champion and earn a ticket to the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals.

Among the early stars in Rotax Max Challenge competition here in the United States was Jordon Musser. The Texas native became the first four-time US Rotax Grand Nationals champion, winning the Senior division from 2002 to 2004 before adding a fourth title with a win in DD2 category in 2006. He used his experience in karting to help launch himself into car racing, and continues as one of the top karters in North America today.

“Winning the Rotax Grand Nationals was the biggest springboard my career could have had,” Musser told EKN. “Because of the parity of the engines, people respected the skill behind the wheel. At the time, shifter engines were wide open, and the discrepancy between the haves and have-nots was extreme. I was able to show up in the back of a suburban with an engine purchased from a Rotax dealer with no blueprinting and never felt down on power. This is what Rotax is about.”

“This also allowed me to compete internationally, which very few drivers get to do. The Rotax Grand Finals is an experience that is hard to explain, and I hope I get to do it again. It really feels like the Olympics of karting. Although very serious and competitive, there is a bit more friendliness in the air as the same country’s drivers, once fierce competitors, are now trying to work together to win for their country.”

“When compared to some of the current direct drive classes, the Rotax offers a lot more power and I would expect the parity to also be better. With its Nikasil cylinder, time between rebuilds will also be longer. I think many adult drivers would prefer to be driving something with 30+hp and the Rotax platform provides that.”

Danny Formal has five wins from the US Rotax Grand Nationals, beginning with Mini Max in 2005 (Photo: On Track Promotions – otp.ca)

The driver with the most titles in Rotax Max Challenge karting here in the United States is Danny Formal. The former Florida resident is a five-time Rotax champion in the USA. It all began in 2005 with a Mini Max title in South Bend. Three years later came a Junior Max title at the Rotax US Grand Nationals in Wisconsin. In 2012 and 2013, Formal won a Senior Max title and DD2 crown, contested in South Bend and what was then GoPro Motorplex – now Trackhouse Motorplex in North Carolina. Formal completed the fifth ring with his win in 2018 at the New Jersey Motorsports Park.

“The Rotax Grand Finals are an event like no other,” Formal offered. “I love the Grand Finals, specifically the last couple of years. It’s a true world championship as everyone has the same equipment and limited track time. When you go to a normal world championship, everyone has different equipment. At the Rotax Grand Finals, everyone has very similar gear, very similar equipment and the competition level is extremely high. The last time I competed at the Rotax Grand Finals, tire management was key in Brazil. I love the Rotax Grand Finals. I’d love to go back to try and win a world championship.”

USA drivers who began their karting through the Rotax Max Challenge and who have gone on to the elite levels in motorsports include former Formula One driver Logan Sargeant (Micro Max – 2009). Current IndyCar drivers Patricio O’Ward (Micro Max – 2008) and Santino Ferrucci (Junior Max – 2012) are among those who won in USA Rotax Max Challenge competition, along with former IndyCar and current Formula E pilot Oliver Askew (Senior Max – 2013).

This year’s Race Rotax RMC US Trophy Final is scheduled for October 17-19 at the New Castle Motorsports Park in New Castle, Indiana. There will be a total of five tickets up for grabs to the 2025 Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, slated for November 29 to December 6 at the Bahrain International Karting Circuit in the Kingdom of Bahrain. A total of two tickets will be offered in the Mini Max division with one ticket each for Senior Max, Junior Max and DD2. Micro Max, Masters Max and DD2 Masters are also part of the event with their own prize package.

Oliver Hodgson has won the last three editions in the Senior Max category with Davin Roberts, Jaxon Porter, Cam Becker and Laurentiu Mardan all earning victories at last year’s event.

Complete details on the 2025 RMC US Trophy Final can be found at RaceRotax.com.

Share on Facebook

Tweet