Champions of the Future America Expands 2027 Structure with Divisional Format, New Grassroots Development Program, and Clearer Driver Pathway
Champions of the Future America (COTF America) is set to enter a new era in 2027 with an expanded national structure designed to strengthen the pathway from entry-level karting to the highest levels of the sport.
The upcoming season introduces a split East and West divisional championship format, expanded international racing opportunities, and a grassroots development initiative aimed at improving accessibility while reinforcing progression throughout the sport.
Together, the expanded programs create a defined pathway from grassroots competition divisional and national championships and ultimately to international competition.
New Divisional Format Expands National Reach
The 2027 COTF America season will feature seven regular-season rounds divided between the East and West Division, culminating in a National Final at K1 Circuit Winchester.
The expanded structure brings the series to some of the country’s premier karting facilities while reducing travel demands and creating a more accessible framework for teams and families.
The East Division will visit North Carolina, Indiana, and Ohio, while the West Division will compete in California, Utah, and Nevada.
Of particular note, the Indiana event will be hosted at K1 Circuit Whiteland’s all-new Pro Driver’s Track, designed by Rocky Moran, Jr., which is currently under construction.
2027 Champions of the Future America Schedule
West Division Calendar
RACE
DATES
REGISTRATION
East Division Calendar
RACE
DATES
REGISTRATION
National Final
K1 Circuit Winchester
Winchester, CA
October 29-31
Expanded National Format Creates Clearer Championship Path
Every event on the 2027 COTF America calendar will feature six classes, ensuring racers at every major stage of development have a defined place within the championship structure: Mini U10, Mini, KA100 Junior, KA100 Senior, X30 Pro, and, new for 2027, X30 Junior.
East and West Divisions will be scored separately throughout the season, allowing competitors to focus on their respective championships while progressing toward qualification for the National Final.
At the conclusion of the regular season, the top drivers in each class from both divisions will earn invitations to the National Final, where national champions will be crowned.
National Champions Earn Entry to World Final in Abu Dhabi
The pathway will extend beyond the United States in 2027, with COTF America national champions receiving paid entry into the 2027 Champions of the Future World Final in Abu Dhabi.
The opportunity will provide national champions with a direct pathway to international competition, allowing them to represent COTF America on the global stage while competing against leading drivers from around the world.
Introducing Champions of the Future America Club Series
Alongside the national championship, COTF America will launch the Champions of the Future America Club Series (COTF America Club Series), a grassroots racing initiative designed to provide affordable, professionally managed competition while creating a direct pathway into national-level karting.
The COTF America Club Series will debut in California and Indiana at K1 Circuit Winchester and K1 Circuit Whiteland, respectively, featuring local championships hosted under the Champions of the Future umbrella. Additional tracks interested in hosting COTF America Club Series competitions at their facility are encouraged to apply here.
In addition to categories such as KA100 Heritage, the series will also introduce two Tillotson T4 categories — T4 Junior and T4 Senior — designed to lower the barrier to entry into outdoor karting while maintaining a structured, professionally regulated environment.
Built around cost-controlled equipment packages and tightly defined technical regulations, the T4 platform is intended to make outdoor competition more accessible for emerging drivers, particularly those transitioning from indoor karting environments.
Built on a simplified version of COTF America regulations, the COTF America Club Series will offer a consistent operational structure, lower entry fees, and structured prize pools designed to elevate local racing while keeping participation costs manageable for competitors and families.
While maintaining its grassroots accessibility, COTF America Club Series events will benefit from the professional presentation, media exposure, and organizational support associated with Champions of the Future.
Most importantly, the COTF America Club Series creates a natural progression into COTF America. Local series champions and championship-winning teams will earn free entries into their first COTF America event in their respective division in 2028, providing a clear and attainable next step for drivers advancing through the system.
“The goal has always been to simplify the path,” said David Danglard, CEO of Champions of the Future America. “Whether a driver is entering outdoor karting for the first time or preparing for the highest levels of competition, we want families to understand exactly where they fit into the sport and what their next step should be. Everything we’re building is designed to create a clear progression for drivers and teams.”