In a landmark announcement, KartSport New Zealand, BRP Rotax and its New Zealand distributor Right Karts, advise an informal arrangement has been agreed that will see the return of the New Zealand Rotax MAX Challenge in 2025 & 2026.
Following a meeting with club representatives on Thursday, representatives of BRP Rotax and Right Karts met with KartSport New Zealand Board members and management Friday. A frank and confidential discussion followed, allowing all parties to expressly state their position and prior frustrations adequately.
All parties also noted that the relationship has been strained in the past and are committed to moving forward positively in the public forum, for the benefit of the sport.
In addition, as a key part of this landmark arrangement, Right Karts have withdrawn any threat of legal action against KartSport New Zealand, allowing this arrangement to proceed.
As headlined above, the arrangement will see the New Zealand Rotax MAX Challenge hosted across multiple events in both years. These events may either be held standalone, incorporated into existing events, or a hybrid model. The confirmation of events is subject to the New Zealand series promoter, Right Karts, securing event dates with affiliated clubs, KartSport New Zealand will help facilitate this wherever possible.
In addition, KartSport New Zealand reinforces its position that all effort will be made to allow the use of Mojo tyres in Rotax MAX Challenge events, while respecting the expectations of current tyre contract holders regarding major existing events, particularly Kartstars.
With the series set to be held, it can also be confirmed that a minimum of four tickets to attend the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Final will be available for New Zealand competitors. These classes will consist of Rotax MAX Junior, Rotax MAX Light, Rotax DD2 and Rotax DD2 Masters.
Seats to the Grand Final for the Micro MAX and Mini MAX classes will not be offered at this stage, with KartSport New Zealand committed to allowing open discussion around the way forward at this year’s National Conference in Christchurch this August. BRP Rotax and Right Karts, along with other manufacturers, will be invited to attend and present to clubs.
It is also acknowledged that a wider engine and class review is to be conducted over the next 18 months, hence the decision to confirm the status of the next two editions of the Rotax MAX Challenge, before clubs address the direction they wish to take the sport long term.
This announcement marks the first major step forward in negotiations in six plus years.
“In my role as President of KartSport New Zealand, and on behalf of the board, we are extremely pleased to be once again working with BRP Rotax and Right Karts in the years ahead. Hosting a sanctioned series, with winners representing Team New Zealand at the RMC Grand Final is an incredible outcome for all involved.
We appreciate the hard work of Richard Bethune, Helmut Voglsam and the KartSport New Zealand Board over the last few days to achieve this important milestone. However, we also recognise there is still work to be done to fully cement a long-term relationship,” Commented Brent Melhop, National President, KartSport New Zealand.
BRP Rotax and Right Karts are equally enthused by the step forward in negotiations.
“Rotax is pleased to have reached a short-term compromise for the 2025 and 2026 years and looks forward to reigniting the passion for RMC events in New Zealand, with the view to bring New Zealand back to the full international RMC model,” stated Helmut Voglsam of BRP Rotax.
Richard Bethune of Right Karts commented “We look forward to presenting our vision to the sport at the next Conference of Clubs and an open minded discussion to run the full suite of classes in 2026”
Competitors can expect to learn more about the upcoming New Zealand Rotax MAX Challenge events in due course, once event dates, locations and structures have been finalised.
In addition, work is already underway with Clubs to take a sport-wide fresh approach to the 2026 KartSport New Zealand national calendar, with the view of improving the flow of events and securing the future of both grassroots and major events.
Header Image: Supplied
