The 2026 MSA Northern Regions ROK Karting Championship kicks off on 14 February at Red Star Raceway, a venue that has become synonymous with ROK karting in South Africa and serves as the home of ROK Cup South Africa.
Located just outside Delmas in Mpumalanga, Red Star Raceway is widely regarded as one of the country’s most complete karting facilities, offering a technical layout that rewards precision, racecraft, and consistency. Its location and infrastructure have made it a cornerstone venue on both the regional and national ROK calendars.
The championship has long held the distinction of being the best-attended ROK Cup karting championship in South Africa, drawing deep fields across all classes and attracting drivers from across Africa. More than just a regional title, it is widely viewed as a critical feeder and preparation platform for drivers with national championship ambitions.
That role is particularly relevant in 2026, with Red Star Raceway also scheduled to host the opening double-round of the ROK Cup SA National Championship in March. As a result, this opening regional event serves as an ideal precursor and benchmark for drivers planning to contest the national championship, offering an early opportunity to gather data, refine setups, and establish competitive momentum at a circuit that will later carry national significance.
The opening round is expected to feature strong entries across a broad range of classes, highlighting both emerging talent and experienced campaigners. The confirmed classes for the event are:
• Cadets
• Mini Under 10
• Mini ROK
• OKJ
• OKN
From the youngest Cadet competitors taking their first steps into competitive karting, through to the OK-N class, the senior direct-drive category, the Northern Regions Championship offers a comprehensive snapshot of the South African karting ladder in action.
With championship points on the line, a national venue to master, and one of the strongest regional grids of the season expected the 14 February event at Red Star Raceway promises to set the tone for what is shaping up to be a highly competitive 2026 ROK Cup season. The Northern Regions title will be contested over five rounds, some as part of national weekends and include Vereeniging Kart Circuit and Formula-K Raceway. In 2026, ROK Cup SA will continue to emphasize driver development and a pathway to international karting success. The series uses pool engines and a parity-focused approach. Engines are centrally prepared, dyno-tested, and rotated to keep competition fair and de-emphasise spending wars on engines. This creates an even playing field where driver skill and setup shine.
For drivers, teams, and supporters alike, the Northern Regions opener is more than just the first race of the year; it is where national campaigns begin to take shape.
To register for the event or to find out more, please follow the link: www.rokthenats.co.za
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Red Star Raceway will host the opening round of the 2026 MSA Northern Regions ROK Karting Championships
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