The World Karting Association (WKA) is proud to announce a landmark multi-year strategic partnership with the K1 family of brands — K1 Speed, K1 RaceGear, and FreeM USA — aimed at expanding the reach, visibility, and overall experience of karting across the United States. This collaboration brings together one of the nation’s most established karting sanctioning bodies with one of the sport’s most recognizable global brands, further strengthening the pathway for racers from grassroots competition to the highest levels of motorsport.
Through this comprehensive partnership, K1 will integrate its branding and activations across the entire 2026 WKA event calendar, offering fans and competitors an elevated and interactive presence at the sport’s most prestigious national events — including the iconic Daytona KartWeek, held December 27–30 at Daytona International Speedway. As the world’s largest karting event, attracting more than 3,000 racers annually, Daytona KartWeek will feature enhanced live-stream visibility, track-side branding, podium integration, and on-site activation spaces dedicated to K1’s brands and racing culture.
“This partnership with the K1 family represents a tremendous step forward for the sport,” explained WKA President Kevin Williams. “K1 Speed, K1 RaceGear, and FreeM USA are leaders in the karting community, and together we share the same mission — to grow participation, elevate the competitor experience, and continue building a strong and sustainable future for karting in the United States. We are excited to see this collaboration come to life across our programs in 2026 and beyond.”
As part of a year-round brand activation program, K1 branding will appear at all WKA national and regional events, on livestreams, on official apparel, and throughout membership programming. Additionally, the K1 logo and brand will be incorporated across all WKA digital channels, including mobile membership cards, monthly email communications, social media posts, and advertisements in the WKA Regulations Manual.
“At K1, we’ve always believed that karting is the true foundation of motorsport,” continued K1’s Founder and CEO, David Danglard. “Partnering with WKA allows us to broaden access, enhance the competitor experience, and bring the thrill of karting to more participants and fans across the United States.”
K1 RaceGear and FreeM USA will supply custom safety apparel for WKA National Champions and official staff, providing visibility at tracks across the country year-round. K1 will also have the opportunity for vendor and activation space at all WKA-sanctioned events during the 2026 season.
The WKA and K1 partnership is designed to create measurable long-term growth for both organizations while elevating the experience for racers, families, and fans at all levels of competition — from grassroots club racers to national champions.
For more information on the World Karting Association program, please contact Kevin Williams via email at Kevin@WorldKarting.com or visit them online at WorldKarting.com.