Derek Wargo and Marco Sammut will race at the 2026 FIA Karting Academy Trophy (Photo: EKN)

The 2026 edition of the FIA Karting Academy Trophy will once again feature a Senior and Junior category. Drivers throughout the globe will represent their country in the spec championship series. Here in the United States, ACCUS is tasked with the duty to select drivers to represent the USA, taking in applications for the two spots available. Through the selection process, Senior driver Derek Wargo and Junior driver Marco Sammut will compete in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy in 2026.

Wargo is a 16-year-old karter from Metairie, Louisiana, who began karting at age 4. Derek is currently part of McCrone Motorsports team competing aboard the CompKart brand. Competing at the T4 Nations Cup 2025 and finishing second in the Junior category is his best career achievement thus far. Aside from the FIA Karting Academy Trophy Senior program, Wargo is entering his first full season at the Senior level, competing in Superkarts! USA, USPKS, Stars Championship Series, Texas Sprint Racing Series, CKNA Grand Nationals 10 and T4 Series USA events throughout the 2026 season here in the USA.

Derek Wargo (Photo: EKN)

“Being selected to represent the United States at the FIA Karting Academy is a dream come true,” expressed Derek Wargo Jr. “This is something every young driver works toward, and I’m extremely grateful for the support from my family, McCrone Motorsports, and everyone who has helped me get to this point.”

Sammut is 13-years-old from a small town on Long Island in New York, called Locust Valley. He is currently driving for Brandon Jarsocrak Racing aboard the LN Kart brand. Marco began karting at 5 at Oakland Valley Race Park with Mike Doty Racing. His dad would drive two and a half hours each way just for club races. Sammut has competed on the international stage before, racing in Micro MAX at the 2022 Rotax Grand Finals in Portgual – finishing 17th – along with competing at the ROK Cup Superfinal 2024 where he was among the top qualifiers in Mini ROK. 2026 is his second season at the Junior level, competing in Superkarts! USA, USPKS, Stars Championship Series and Race Rotax events throughout the USA when not competing at the FIA Karting Academy Trophy Junior program.

“I’m so excited about going to the FIA Karting Academy Trophy,” stated Marco Sammut. “When I got the email, I was extremely happy. I feel so lucky to get to go, as I know this is a big deal and can’t wait to represent the USA again. I have never been to Belgium so that’s going to be very cool. I like the fact that it is a spec program, so it puts the emphasis on the driver, not the best engine. With them using OTK karts, I have a good basis of how they feel when racing. Brandon Jarsocrak agreed to be my mechanic, traveling with me and my dad so I think that will really help and be fun. I am going to do my best and enjoy the experience. I hope I can bring home some trophies.”

Marco Sammut (Photo: EKN)

EKN will follow the progress of both drivers over the 2026 FIA Karting Academy Trophy program, including Driver Diary from both Senior and Junior competitors.

2026 FIA Karting Academy Trophy Senior Schedule

May 7-10: Valencia, Spain
June 11-14: Mulsen, Germany
July 30-Aug. 2: Kristianstad, Sweden

2026 FIA Karting Academy Trophy Junior Schedule

May 21-24: Genk, Belgium
July 2-5: Sarno, Italy
October 8-11: Viterbo, Italy

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