New affordable karting league launches to find the next F1 champion

FAT International and Smedley Group have joined forces to create the FAT Karting League (FKL). FKL was established as an affordable karting league to make karting and motorsports more accessible and remove the typical hurdles associated with getting into racing. FKL is backed by FAT Ventures and Four Gardens Motorsport.

Tio Charbaghi, Founder of Four Gardens Motorsport, said: “Four Gardens Motorsport is thrilled to anchor an initiative that embodies our founding mission. The FAT Karting League represents a significant milestone and a natural progression in our journey. FKL is more than just a racing championship, it is a transformative movement aimed at expanding opportunities in motorsports and inspiring the next generation of global talent. “

What is the Affordable Karting League FKL?

FKL minimizes the financial and logistical hurdles that previously existed in motorsport. The launch will initially take place in the UK, before two hubs open in the USA in 2025. Prices for a season for drivers aged six and over start at £3,800. The Junior Pro Series costs £5,300, making it 96% cheaper than a typical program where average prices are around £125,000 per season. By drastically cutting costs, the team hopes to attract a more diverse driver pool.

In 2025, the best drivers will compete in the FKL World Final, with the winner receiving a fully funded seat in the FIA ​​British F4 Championship for 2026. This pathway was created to provide a clear path for progression from grassroots racing to professional motorsport. Ferdi Porsche, CEO of FAT International, said: “FKL is a racing team for the next generation. We are fighting to make motorsports and the automotive world more entertaining and accessible.”

About the development of FKL, Rob Smedley, CEO of Smedley Group, says: “We initially wanted to take out half of the costs, but in the end we took out more than 95% of the costs.” In this way, Smedley explains that the reduction of the financial barrier to entry will also help to naturally address the lack of diversity of underrepresented groups such as ethnic minorities and women.

How does FKL’s affordable karting league work?

To keep the league fair and repeatable, FKL provides drivers with the same electric karts designed by F1 engineers. The karts can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and are equipped with data monitoring systems so driver behavior and performance can be tracked and analyzed. Smedley says: “There is no other league in the world that offers such a meritocratic, very linear, direct connection from kart to car.”

A championship season in the FKL consists of nine rounds and two categories: regional and professional championships. In the UK, racing takes place at outdoor tracks such as Whilton Mill and Buckmore Park. Drivers can develop their skills and access some of the best equipment and facilities to support their motorsport journey.

Veit Henneberger, CEO of FAT Ventures, said: “At FAT Ventures, we are committed to amplifying the impact of our core brand, FAT International. The new FAT Karting League, the start of the FAT World Finals and our innovative social-first media strategy significantly increase the visibility of the league for sponsors. By offering a modular approach, we enable sponsors to engage with untapped audiences outside of traditional motorsport franchises, while perhaps discovering a new motorsport champion.”

What does the future hold for FKL’s affordable karting league?

After opening its first hub in the UK in January 2025, FKL is set to expand into the US with two new hubs. Porsche says: “In the next six years we want to open 50 hubs worldwide. The more people we have in the league, the higher the chances we have of finding someone with crazy talent. Our goal is to find the next Formula 1 champion and ideally we will find the first female Formula 1 champion.”

Smedley added: “The FAT Karting League is a transformative step for grassroots sport. FAT International offers unparalleled visibility and a brand that resonates with today’s youth. His influence allows us to connect with and inspire a new generation, making this project as impactful as I dreamed it would be when I started it four years ago. This initiative is very close to my heart and with the partnership between FAT and Four Gardens Motorsport we will drive big changes to break down barriers and make motorsport accessible and inspiring for everyone.”