South African karting competitor Jesse Swart has secured a coveted seat to represent the country in the 2026 FIA Senior Karting Academy Trophy, widely recognised as one of the most competitive driver development series on the global stage.
Sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the Senior Academy Trophy is unique in its approach to finding the next generation of motorsport talent. By placing the world’s top young drivers in identical equipment, the series eliminates mechanical advantage, ensuring that results are dictated solely by driver skill, racecraft, and consistency.
Swart’s selection comes on the back of a formidable 2025 season, where he claimed second place in the SA National ROK Karting OKN Championship. His performance throughout the year cemented his status as one of the country’s premier senior talents and a natural choice for this international opportunity.
The 2026 campaign will see Swart competing across three major European circuits:
- 07–10 May 2026: Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia, Spain
- 11–14 June 2026: Mülsen, Germany
- 30 July–02 August 2026: Kristianstad, Sweden
The FIA Karting Academy Trophy serves as a high-pressure proving ground, offering drivers a rare platform to showcase their raw ability against the best peers from around the world.
“Being selected for the FIA Academy is an incredible honour,” said Swart. “I’m proud to represent South Africa and grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey.”
