Sodi World Series : A Record-Breaking 2025 Season and Stronger Ambitions for 2026
2026-03-13
The 2025 season of the Sodi World Series (SWS) marks a major milestone in the development of the world’s leading leisure karting championship. The platform has surpassed the symbolic threshold of 150,000 registered drivers, confirming the growing international appeal of the concept.
This momentum is also reflected in a significant increase in the number of races, with more than 20,000 events organized each year, representing over 50 races every day worldwide. These figures illustrate the vitality of the SWS network and the ongoing commitment of its partners.
In 2025, 55 new tracks joined the series, further strengthening the global presence of the championship across all continents.
2025 Review: Global Expansion and Structural Innovations
In 2025, the SWS network now includes 760 partner tracks worldwide, with an increasingly strong presence in new territories.
Several countries joined the program for the first time, including Luxembourg, Kazakhstan, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka, demonstrating that the development of leisure karting now extends well beyond countries traditionally associated with motorsport. The return of Algeria and the growing dynamism of the Maghreb region also highlight the rising importance of this part of the world within the SWS ecosystem.
Electric Karting Continues to Grow
The expansion of electric karting continued in 2025 with the opening of the first 100% electric track in Spain, located at Ozone Karting in Los Barrios (Cádiz), near Gibraltar. This development represents a key step in the diversification of the SWS offering.
Modernized and Stabilized Regulations
The SWS regulations were thoroughly revised in 2025, with a clear objective: to provide greater freedom for drivers, notably with the possibility to race without limitations, while adapting to the different operational models of partner circuits.
These changes aim to better match evolving karting practices by balancing leisure, performance, and accessibility. No regulatory changes are planned for 2026, as SWS aims to maintain at least two seasons of stability.
2025 Finals: Records, Pathways and Performance
The 2025 Electric Final stood out by offering the best SWS representative a place at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) in Bahrain.
Baptiste Vanderbeke, winner in Wavre, commented:
“It was an incredible and spectacular event. The performance of the E20 karts is impressive. I had an exceptional experience.”
This initiative further strengthens the pathway between SWS and the RMCGF.
Meanwhile, the International Final in Campillos set a new participation record with 400 drivers. The choice of four-stroke engines for the intercontinental finals enhanced sporting fairness while simplifying event organization.
The winners were rewarded with an OK-NJ test session at Franciacorta with a professional team such as the Sodi Racing Team.
New Rotax Category Launching in 2026
Announced in 2025, the Rotax SWS category will officially be introduced on January 1st, 2026, and is already generating strong interest among circuits and drivers.
Accessible from 15 years old, this category offers an ideal balance between leisure and competition, providing a simple and accessible pathway into racing as well as a genuine bridge toward higher-level competition.
An International R-Sprint Final is planned for 2027, alongside the creation of a new driver community inspired by the Rotax Racing Club concept. Some events will be organized under a dual RRC and SWS label.
Following the strong development of Rotax racing in France, Italy and the Netherlands are now fully joining the program.
2026 Outlook: Stability and Major Events
The 2026 SWS International Final will take place in Le Mans from May 20 to May 23, in a completely new format.
For the first time, the event will feature a 24-hour SWS Endurance race. Two different circuits will be used:
Circuit Alain Prost for the youngest categories
Circuit International Karting for the other categories
The Junior and Kid categories will be grouped into a single day, ensuring better compatibility with school schedules.
Major announcements are expected at the end of the event, turning this meeting into a true revolution for SWS, held at one of the most iconic venues in world motorsport.
2026 Electric Final in Sicily
The 2026 Electric International Final will be held from June 11 to June 13 in Sicily, at Rush Speed Arena near Palermo.
Set in a summer Mediterranean environment, this indoor and outdoor circuit will host the Junior category for the first time, with a target of more than 130 drivers.
Regional Cups: A Gateway to Excellence
The Regional Cups, both thermal and electric, will continue to offer drivers access to the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals.
The new E-Regional Cup, qualifying drivers for the Electric Finals in Sicily, has also been introduced.
In total:
10 tickets will be allocated through the Regional Cups for the International Final in Le Mans
6 tickets will qualify for the Electric Final
Six countries are currently involved in the SWS Regional Cup:
Portugal, USA, Malaysia, Germany, United Arab Emirates, and Aruba.
Three countries are participating in the new E-Regional Cup:
USA, Sweden, and Malaysia.
A Global Vision for Karting
The Sodi World Series continues to pursue its ambition: to offer a global championship that is accessible, innovative, and structurally strong, capable of bringing together every form of karting—from leisure to competition—across the entire world.
KSP REPORTAGES - 13/03/2026 : SWS 2025 : 150 000 pilotes et une expansion mondiale
