The Challenge of the Americas championship program is set to begin its 2026 season, opening up with the first two rounds at the K1 Circuit over the February 20-22 weekend. The new facility in Winchester, California will welcome the Challenge for the second straight year, launching the 19th season of the championship. This year marks a new evolution of the western USA championship program, welcoming four Briggs & Stratton 206 categories to join the four 2-cycle divisions over the course of eight rounds of competition.

The K1 Circuit broke ground in August 2022, opening just under two years later to become one of the newest and most unique karting facilities in North America. The ‘Pro Track’ main circuit is a 1-mile, 12 turn course designed by Rocky Moran Jr. features 33 feet of elevation and contested in the clockwise direction. This year’s circuit will include the final chicane section to eliminate the 90 degree right hand turn coming onto the front straight, providing a different finish section toward the checkered flag. Five rounds of practice on Friday officially kick off the event before Rounds One and Two are contested on Saturday and Sunday. Each round features a warm-up, qualifying, Prefinal and Final.

eKartingNews.com is proud to continue with the 15th year of Trackside Live program for Challenge of the Americas. EKN’s own Rob Howden will be calling the action all weekend from K1 Circuit. Those unable to attend can listen in to the live broadcast. Bookmark www.ekartingnews.com/live and follow the EKN social media channels for more throughout the weekend in California.

The 23-driver field for 100cc Senior presented by Forward Direction Motorsports does not have returning champion Keagan Kaminski (FW / GFC) returning to defend his crown. Johnie Stamps (FW / GFC) finished third last year and is the top returning driver in the field. The Riverside, California driver is set to begin his second season in the Senior ranks. Archer Eversman (Axis / Redspeed) is another top returning driver along with Senior rookies Jackson Gibson (NRC / Gillard) – a winner at the Challenge in Junior competition last year – and Xander Malatesta (Ruthless / Tony Kart). New names will be in the mix this year with a large majority making their Challenge debut.

The 100cc Junior presented by Nash Motorsportz has top returning drivers from last year. Payton Anderson (Nash / EOS) was a winner last year and returns with hopes of adding to that win total. Cole Anderseon (GFC Karting) is making his second year in the Junior ranks with ambition to land on the podium in 2026. Braydon Wagner (FW / GFC) is a former two-time 60cc Cadet champion, beginning his second season in the Junior ranks. Wisconsin driver Cameron Johnson (Nash / EOS) and Paxton Romero (FDM / Pantano) are among the Junior rookies in the field.

The 100cc Masters presented by Ruthless Karting features a number of returning drivers, including last year’s top three in the championship. Scott Falcone (Precision / Tony Kart), Christopher Mann (Ruthless / Exprit) and Chad Wallace (NRC / LN Kart) resume their battles from last year. Multi-time Challenge race winner Greg Welch (FDM / Pantano) is back behind the wheel with Jeffery Bays (Axis / Kosmic) and Ed Quinn (PGR / LN Kart) returning to fight for podium positions.

Lucas Tarango (Ruthless / Nitro Kart) and Hudson Hidalgo (Nash / Energy) are the top returning drivers in the 60cc Cadet presented by P1 Engines. They finished second and third in the championship a year ago, Targano winning the season finale. Lincoln High (NRC / Gillard) is another returning winner from last year with Braxton Shiflett (GFC Karting) and Forrest Blair (GFC Karting) returning as well. The rest of the field are new drivers to the Challenge.

The Briggs & Stratton 206 categories did not welcome the numbers anticipated when they were announced to the 2026 Challenge of the Americas program. Briggs Senior presented by Acceleration Kart Racing, Briggs Masters presented by Motul and Briggs Junior presented by Neliton Race Concepts bring together a total of six drivers to the combined race group – half making their Challenge debuts.

The Briggs Cadet presented by Shinko Kart Racing Tires has the largest field at five drivers. Four of them are racing both 60cc Cadet and Briggs with Forrest Blair (GFC Karting), Michael Dean (Precision / CompKart), Matteo Gomez (Position One) and Jack Watkins (MSquared / Exprit) are double duty on the weekend.

Be sure to follow eKartingNews all weekend long from K1 Circuit with the opening rounds of the 2026 Challenge of the Americas from K1 Circuit on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Provisional 100cc Senior Entry List

Provisional 100cc Junior Entry List

Provisional 100cc Masters Entry List

Provisional 60cc Cadet Entry List

Provisional Briggs Senior Entry List

Provisional Briggs Junior Entry List

Provisional Briggs Masters Entry List

Provisional Briggs Cadet Entry List

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