The FZ Shifter engine platform will be part of the RMC America's Trophy program (Photo: FZShifter.com)

The 2026 season marks the debut of the new Race Rotax America’s Trophy championship. The inaugural event is scheduled for March 20-22 at the Musselman Honda Circuit in Tucson, Arizona with the first round of the program being contested. Alongside the Rotax Max Challenge categories will be the addition of the FZ Shifter platform for Senior and Junior drivers.

The FZ Shifter engine line is the creation of Billy Musgrave and Factory Karts. Several years of development and engineering were invested in the creation of the engine platform, one that is aimed at providing the speed and performance of a shifterkart in a package that is designed for competitors and enthusiasts at any age level.

In 2024, the FZ Shifter engines made their debut. The laddered program begins at the younger Cadet age group with the FZ65 engine. Drivers 9 to 12 can experience the thrill and challenge of grabbing gears while learning key driving skills at an early age. The FZ85 is designed for ages 12 and up with an enhanced speed platform to provide a thrilling and dynamic racing experience. The engine is focused on the Junior level, but it can also be used for all ages. The FZ125 is geared towards the Senior level karters, both those at the professional level and for the hobbyist at the club and regional ranks.

FZ Shifter Engines

For the inaugural season of the RMC America’s Trophy championship, the FZ85 and FZ125 categories will be part of the program. Both categories join the slate of Rotax divisions to fill out the class roster, which will be a two round championship for the FZ Shifter classes. The FZ125 regulations are for drivers 15 years and older while the FZ85 is reserved for drivers 12-15 years old for the RMC America’s Trophy. ELF oil and Evinco SK-H2 tires are the spec consumables.

The announcement of the FZ Shifter categories as part of the RMC America’s Trophy is also paired with the launch of a free engine lease program for the event. In a commitment to growing the shifter kart community, FZ Shifter is offering a groundbreaking incentive for the Tucson event. Limited engine units are available at no charge for registered competitors. This ‘no-cost’ lease program is designed to lower the barrier to entry for drivers looking to experience the FZ85 or FZ125 platforms for the first time. Competitors and teams interested in participating can purchase equipment, book arrive-and-drive rentals, or reserve one of the limited complimentary engines by contacting FZ Shifter directly.

Both the FZ125 and FZ85 will also be part of the RMC Trophy Final that is scheduled for later in the year. The third event of the summer season for Race Rotax and Karting Solutions Group is scheduled for July 31-August 2 at the New Castle Motorsports Park. Champions in both classes at the RMC America’s Trophy will receive free entry to the RMC Trophy Final event.

Where to Race FZ in USA

FZ85 Junior Shifter will be part of RMC America’s Trophy, which will mark the start of the new ‘Gold Rush’ program as well

The RMC America’s Trophy and RMC Trophy Final events are not the only places to compete in FZ Shifter divisions. The Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge welcomed the full slate of FZ categories in 2025 and will return for 2026 with the FZ65, FZ85 and FZ125 classes. Along the western half of the USA, you can find the FZ competing at the Phoenix Kart Racing Association, Adams Motorsports Park, Prairie City Kart Track, Colorado Karting Circuit, and the Pat’s Acres Racing Complex. The Lone Star State has three programs utilizing the FZ Shifter platform with the Texas Karting League, DFW Triple Crown, and the North Texas Karters organization. Route 66 Sprint Series is providing a place for FZ125 in both their Senior Shifter and Master Shifter categories in 2026. New Castle Motorsports Park’s KRA club series and the Music City Kartplex in Tennessee are among those tracks in the eastern time zone offering FZ classes.

The FZ Shifter platform is also launching the new ‘Gold Rush’ promotion for the FZ85 Junior Shifter. Eight events along the west coast, beginning with the RMC America’s Trophy, will count 11 rounds of racing. A $10,000 championship purse to be awarded to the top five drivers in the standings with the champion receiving a $5,000 check. More details to come next week including the events and tracks to be part of the inaugural FZ85 ‘Gold Rush’ Junior Shifter program.

For complete details surrounding the RMC America’s Trophy, including registration, weekend schedule, class structure and more, visit RaceRotax.com

Website: FZShifter.com

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