Online Reporter
Collin Matiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE 2026 kart race season will roar into life as Kart Sport Club launches its new race calendar on Sunday at the National Sports Stadium.
With renewed energy, fresh talent, and several upgrades to the facility, the opening round will set the tone for the club’s most competitive season yet.
Early morning preparations will see the drivers eager to put months of off season preparations to the test
Kart Sport Club, a growing club that is growing grassroots motorsport in Zimbabwe, has steadily expanded over the past few years, and the 2026 season marks its largest entry lists to date.
With 30 drivers in total registered and three new drivers in each class, the grids are the biggest seen in Zimbabwe for more than 15 years.
The club continues to attract drivers entering motorsport for the first time and seasoned amateurs aiming to sharpen their competitive edge, alongside family teams who treat karting as both sport and community.
Kart Sport Club chairman, Bobby Van de Linde, said, “The new season promises to be an exceptionally competitive one.
“In parallel with our club championship, we are once again hosting the ROK Cup Zimbabwe championship with the winner earning a ticket to the prestigious World Final in Italy in October.
“New for 2026 is our Rotax Challenge championship. This series is supported and approved by Rotax South Africa and the winner will receive a free entry to the Rotax African Open held in July at the Zwartkops raceway in Pretoria, South Africa.”
The growth reflects the increasing popularity of karting in Zimbabwe, particularly in Harare, where the Pole Position Kart Track has become a central hub for grassroots motorsport.
During the off season, Pole Position Kart Track has implemented a series of improvements. Sections of the circuit have been resurfaced, improving grip and reducing tyre wear.
Updated kerbs and expanded run off areas were also added to enhance safety and refine racing lines.
The control tower saw upgrades to timing equipment and communication systems, helping ensure accurate race management and clearer coordination with marshals around the circuit.
Marshal training and a new system for tyre and engine compliance will also be in evidence.
These enhancements reflect the club’s growing professionalism and commitment to providing a world class environment for local karting. However, the focus remains on karting with respect in an inclusive family environment.
Club officials emphasise the importance of safety, sportsmanship, and continued development – the core values that have shaped the club’s identity.
Pole Position Kart Track, the home of Kart Sport Club, is once again proving to be more than just a circuit.
It serves as a gathering place for a motorsport community built on passion, teamwork, and the shared love of competition.
And local motorsport enthusiasts have been urged to come out to the Pole Position Kart Track at the National Sports Stadium in their numbers on Sunday where they will enjoy an exciting day out watching our motorsport champions of the future.
With four exciting classes to watch from ages six years and up, it promises to be an exciting day.
Racing on Sunday starts at 10am.C
