Guide to UK Kart Classes

Learn everything about UK karting classes — ages, engine types, speed ranges, costs, getting started, and how to move up. Perfect for parents and young racers.

In the UK, karting is structured into classes based on age, which are then further divided based on other factors including engine manufacturer and weight.

Karting is split into different classes to allow for safer and fairer racing.

What Are Kart Classes & Why They Matter

Child in go-kart wearing helmet, sitting behind steering wheel, racing gear, with other go-karts in the background.

4–8 years: Bambino (MightE Bambino, IAME M1, Comer C50).

8–11 years: 950 Cadet (MightE Cadet, IAME Waterswift Restricted, Rotax Micromax, Honda).

11-13 years: 950 Cadet (MightE Cadet, IAME Waterswift, Rotax Intermax, Honda).

13–16 years: Junior (Junior Rotax, Junior IAME X30, Junior TKM).

15+ years: Senior (Senior Rotax, , Senior Rotax 177, Senior IAME X30, Senior TKM, KZ2 Gearbox)

Overview of UK Kart Classes by Age

Two young boys in racing suits standing in front of MightE Bambino go-karts on display in a wet outdoor setting under a canopy. At Whilton Mill Kart Track

Age: 4th birthday → end of year of 8th birthday.

Kart: Bambino kart (smaller chassis, MightE Bambino Powertrain, 50cc Comer C50 engine or IAME Bambino).

Speed: Up to 50mph.

Purpose: A category designed to introduce very young drivers to kart racing in a safe, controlled way.

Bambino (Age 4-8)

MightE Cadet Electric Go-kart race on wet track with racers wearing helmets, rain in the background, and safety barriers along the track. Super 1 at Fulbeck

Cadet (Age 8-12)

Age: 8 → 11 years.

Kart: 950mm cadet chassis.

Most Popular Engine Classes

MightE Cadet: Electric powertrain built in the UK. Equal performance means close and fair racing that is accessibly priced.

IAME Waterswift Restricted / IAME Waterswift: IAME water-cooled touch and go (TAG) engine- growing in popularity in the UK.

Rotax Micromax / Rotax Intermax: Water-cooled touch and go (TAG) engine. Fixed sprocket and jetting size places more emphasis on fair racing.

Honda 4-stroke, extremely reliable and low-maintenance engine.

Speed: Up to approx 65mph

Junior (Age 12-16)

Age: 12-16 years.

Kart: Full size chassis

Engine classes:

IAME Junior X30: 125cc water-cooled touch and go (TAG) engine.

Junior Rotax Max: 125ccwater-cooled touch and go (TAG) engine. Very popular & competitive, with some of the biggest grids in karting.

Junior TKM: UK-based class, 100cc.

Speed: Around 70mph.

Age: 15+ (sometimes 16+, depending on class).

Engine Classes:

Senior Rotax Max (125cc TAG, very popular globally).

Senior X30 (125cc TAG, rival to Rotax).

TKM Extreme (100cc, UK-based).

KZ2 (Gearbox) – 125cc 6-speed gearbox, very fast (~90mph+)..

Senior (Age 16+)

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