Four national rounds, nine championship classes and a full regional calendar are proposed for the 2027 season.
The Motorsport South Africa (MSA) Karting Management Group has outlined its proposed programme for the 2027 South African Karting Championship (SAKC), giving competitors, parents and teams an early look at the season ahead.
From Bambino racers taking their first steps in competition to experienced KZ Shifter drivers, the proposed programme caters for a wide range of age groups, with national and regional racing planned at venues across South Africa.
NINE CLASSES. NINE NATIONAL TITLES.
The proposed championship features nine classes, each with its own SAKC National Championship title based on approved points and aligned with its international category.
The proposed calendar-year age groups are:
- Bambino: 5 to 7 years
- Mini Under 10: 7 to 10 years
- Mini 60: 10 to 13 years
- Mini MAX: 10 to 13 years
- OKJ (Junior ROK): 11 to 14 years
- Junior MAX: 12 to 15 years
- OKN (Senior ROK): 14 years and older
- Senior MAX: 14 years and older
- KZ Shifter: 15 years and older
OKN and OKJ will feature electric start motors.
FOUR NATIONAL ROUNDS ON THE PROPOSED CALENDAR
The proposed national calendar includes four rounds, with a regional event scheduled at the same venue ahead of each national round.
Proposed 2027 national and pre-national regional dates:
- Round 1 | iDube / Red Star (TBC)
- Pre-national regional: 20 March
- National: 27 March
- Round 2 | Killarney
- Pre-national regional: 24 April
- National: 1 May
- Round 3 | Zwartkops
- Pre-national regional: 19 June
- National: 3 July
- Round 4 | Formula K, Benoni
- Pre-national regional: 4 September
- National: 11 September
The Rotax African Open is also scheduled for Zwartkops on 17 July as a Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) ticket event.
MORE RACING THROUGHOUT THE SEASON
The proposed Northern Regions regional calendars provide further opportunities for competitors to race throughout the year.
NORTHERN REGIONS REGIONAL ROTAX CALENDAR
- 13 February: Zwartkops
- 3 April: VKC
- 22 May: Zwartkops
- 12 June: Formula K
- 17 July: Zwartkops / African Open
- 30 October: Zwartkops
NORTHERN REGIONS REGIONAL ROK, TILLOTSON AND KZ SHIFTER CALENDAR
- 27 February: Formula K
- 10 April: Red Star
- 29 May: VKC
- 31 July: Formula K
- 14 August: Red Star
- 16 October: Formula K
All dates remain subject to confirmation
WHAT CAN COMPETITORS EXPECT ON RACE WEEKENDS?
The proposed race-weekend format includes practice, qualifying, heats and finals:
- Practice: Four 10-minute sessions per class
- Qualifying: Eight minutes
- Heats: Two 10-minute heats
- Pre-final: 10 minutes
- Final: 10 minutes, followed by podium presentations
Competitors may enter two classes on the day, subject to eligibility. The timetable will provide separation for protected class pairings.
Killarney will not host Sunday racing. Detailed weekend programmes are still to be confirmed.
CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS AND ELIGIBILITY
The proposed championship will use progressive scoring across the rounds. Technical exclusion points cannot be dropped, and teams will be eligible for constructors’ championship points.
FIA ranking and seat eligibility will apply across the championship, subject to the applicable rules.
OFFICIAL CAMERA SYSTEM AND JUDGE OF FACT
The proposed programme includes a championship-controlled fixed track camera system and a common evidence protocol. Onboard cameras will not be permitted.
Judge of Fact rulings will follow international standards and the approved sporting regulations, with defined duties and limits on appeals where the rules permit.
PLANNING AHEAD FOR 2027
Competitors, parents and teams are encouraged to take note of the proposed national and regional dates and begin planning for the season.
The programme remains subject to final MSA approval and publication of the championship regulations. Further updates will be shared through MSA’s official channels.