PRESS RELEASE 2026

PRESS RELEASE

Rotax Karting Ireland Announces €60,000 Prize Fund for 2026 as LYONS Motor Group Confirmed as Title Sponsor

Rotax Karting Ireland is proud to announce that LYONS Motor Group has been confirmed as Title Sponsor of the 2026 Rotax MAX Championship, as the series unveils a landmark prize fund exceeding €60,000 for the upcoming season.

Building on the success of the All-Ireland Rotax MAX Challenge, first introduced in 2024, the championship continues to grow rapidly. Now fully affiliated by Motorsport Ireland with National Championship status, the Rotax MAX Challenge (RMC) will once again take place across both Northern and Southern Ireland in 2026.

The championship will feature five classes — Micro MAX (Cadet), Mini MAX (Inter), Junior MAX, Senior MAX and Senior MAX 177 — catering for drivers from age 7 through to senior competitors. The Senior MAX 177 category continues to provide an additional pathway with a 15kg additional weight allowance.

An increased total of five Rotax Grand Final tickets will be awarded during the 2026 season, offering drivers the opportunity to compete at the prestigious Rotax Grand Final in November at Portimão, Portugal. These coveted tickets cannot be purchased and can only be won through competition. The event attracts approximately 400 drivers from over 60 countries, all competing on equal, brand-new equipment. Grand Final tickets will be distributed across the Micro, Mini, Junior and Senior MAX categories.

As part of its continued commitment to driver development, Rotax Karting Ireland will again host a test opportunity in partnership with multiple championship-winning team Murray Motorsport. Supported by Mondello Park, the top three drivers in Junior MAX and Senior MAX will earn the opportunity to test both a Junior Mini and a SEAT Supercup car at Ireland’s only international motorsport circuit.

The 2026 championship is further strengthened by the valued support of its official partners, including Murray Motorsport, OMP, Bell Helmets, HeatConnect and McLoughlin Flooring.

Across nine championship events, the top three finishers in each class will receive €200, €150 and €100 Rotax vouchers, with additional tyre raffles taking place in every class at each event throughout the season. In addition, Bell helmets and OMP race suits will be awarded as championship prizes in each class, further enhancing the value and prestige of the 2026 prize structure.

With LYONS Motor Group confirmed as Title Sponsor and one of the largest prize funds in Irish motorsport, the 2026 Rotax Karting Ireland Championship sets a new benchmark for the sport in Ireland.

LYONS Motor Group was established over 40 years ago and is now one of Ireland’s largest automotive groups, offering leading brands such as Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover and BYD. Sales & Franchise Director Keith Lyons commented:

“As a company, we are long-time supporters of Irish motorsport. Karting is the breeding ground for young talent in Ireland, and we are proud to support drivers as they begin their motorsport careers. We are delighted to partner with Rotax Karting as we feel it is a great platform to showcase our brand.”

The 2026 championship gets underway on March 21st and runs through to the end of September, visiting five venues across the island of Ireland.

Round 1 – March 21st, Nutts Corner Circuit

Round 2 – April 5th, Kiltorcan Circuit

Round 3 – May 2nd & 3rd, Watergrasshill Circuit

Round 4 – May 16th, Nutts Corner Circuit

Round 5 – June 28th, Whiteriver Circuit

Round 6 – July 26th, Athboy Circuit

Round 7 – August 15th & 16th, Nutts Corner Circuit

Round 8 – September 5th & 6th, Kiltorcan Circuit

Round 9 – September 26th, Nutts Corner Circuit