The Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK-FIA) was founded in 1962 as a sister commission to the CSI, later known as FISA and the FIA, to govern international kart racing competition.[1] It hosted the first CIK-FIA World Championship in 1964, which has been held annually since.[2] The CIK-FIA began its homologation of distinct classes in the discipline in 1974, when the first 125cc gearbox category was created for the European Championship: Formula C (FC).[3] The 100cc direct-drive category was clarified in 1976, when Formula Europe was introduced to control technical evolutions and costs.[4] The direct-drive classes were adapted in 1981, when the 135cc Formula K (FK), 100cc Intercontinental A (ICA), and Junior Intercontinental A (ICA-J) were introduced to the World Championship, European Championship, and World Cup, respectively.[5] Component technical approvals have been mandated by the CIK-FIA since then.[6] The 250cc superkart category received World Championship–status in 1983, having reached international competition as early as 1976.[7][4]
Junior direct-drive classes have evolved substantially since 1981. ICA-J was introduced to the European Championship in 1989 and remained at the World Cup until 1996, where notable winners included two Formula One World Drivers' Champions: Alain Prost (1973) and Fernando Alonso (1996).[3] In 2007, it was replaced by 125cc KF3 regulations, later known as KF-Junior (KF-J).[8] The KF era was marked by decreasing entry figures as costs for competitors spiralled due to the presence of manually-controlled front brakes, sophisticated cable systems, and fragility of components.[9] It was eventually replaced by OK-Junior (OK-J) in 2016, which—following iterations by the CIK-FIA—offered improved performance, reduced weight, and increased competition by eliminating the centrifugal clutch, complex cabling, and starter motor, with later reductions to the rev limiter and exhaust valve; after six years, it was deemed ready to expand into national championships.[9][10]
Plans for a new minimal-cost direct-drive category were submitted by the CIK-FIA to the FIA World Motor Sport Council in 2022; they were approved in July, with the CIK-FIA confirming the "OK-N" category would host its inaugural World Cup in 2024.[11] The "N" suffix is an initialism of National, reflecting that qualification for the World Cup would be determined via national events.[12] Described as a "hybrid" between the OK and OK-Junior categories, OK-Nengines were first tested in the final round of the European Championship that year at Franciacorta.[13]
OKN-Junior (OKN-J) was unveiled alongside the senior category, utilising a lower rev limiter to increase reliability and a higher minimum weight to reduce costs and bolster accessibility; additionally, CIK-FIA events were to operate as a single-manufacturer discipline, with one brand of engine, chassis, and six option tyres.[14]OKN-J uses an identical design to the OK-N engine, with the only technical difference being a 26mm (1.0in)flange on the exhaust.[15]ACI Sport carried out further tests at Sarno and Cremona, in preparation for both categories' debuts in the Italian Championship, where they would serve as a gateway from Mini Gr.3 to OK.[16][14]
Competitive beginnings and World Cup debut (2023–present)
Qualification for the inaugural World Cup in 2025 was decided via national championships in several countries, as well as the podium of the African Cup, for a total of 72 drivers. Each National Sporting Authority (ASN) hosting a national championship were given three entries, with the exclusion of all European Championship entrants.[21] The Arrive & Drive World Cup was inaugurated that year, featuring Vortex engines derived from OKN-J with centrifugal clutches.[22] In the Italian Championship, average entry numbers in OK-N and OKN-J increased from 70 in 2023, to 90 in 2024, to 120 in 2025; a record 190 entered the 2025 Cremona round in preparation for the World Cup.[23] With the increased demand from ASNs, the World Cup increased from 72 to 90 drivers.[24]
Specification
Technical regulations
There are 16 main technical features of the OKN-J regulations:[25]
Minimum weight of 145kg (320lb) with driver, 70kg (150lb) without.
The sole differences to the technical regulations of OK-N are the 10kg (22lb) minimum weight reduction and the exhaust flange.[25] Engines, chassis, bodywork, brakes, and tyres are subject to the homologation and approval system operated by the CIK-FIA.[6] Each year, the specific tyres and fuel for use in competition are selected after a call for tenders.[26] With elimination of the clutch, electric starter, battery, and electrical wiring, TKART described the OKN-J regulations as being "as simple as it gets".[10]
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