Over 155 drivers from 18 nations. New OK-N categories attract great interest. KZ2 Cup the biggest class again, with 51 starters.

The German Kart Championship gets the 2026 season underway this weekend at Arena E Mülsen. With a new class structure, a large international contingent, and 158 competitors, the opening round promises to be a high-class affair. The 1,315-metre circuit is one of the most modern kart tracks in Germany and is renowned for its long straights, which regularly produce thrilling slipstream battles and many overtaking manoeuvres. Motorsport fans can follow the action on both days via a livestream on the ADAC Motorsport YouTube channel – from 11:55 on Saturday and 09:10 on Sunday.

The race weekend follows the tried-and-tested programme: on Saturday, a free practice session is followed by qualifying and the heats. Sunday features the super heats and the finals. For the first time, the DKM lines up with the new class structure, consisting of the Mini, OK-N Junior, OK-N, KZ2 and KZ2 Cup categories. The new OK-N classes, in particular, have attracted a lot of interest: 32 drivers will take to the track in the OK-N Junior category, while 27 racers line up in OK-N. The field has a distinctly international look to it, with competitors from 18 nations ensuring a high standard of racing.

With 51 starters, the KZ2 Cup is again the biggest class. The title in the German Shift Kart Cup is up for grabs in this category. The top five drivers at the end of the season are no longer eligible for that class the following year, and can then step up to the OK-N or KZ2 categories. One driver taking that step this year is reigning champion Jayden Thien (CS Competition). The Dutchman will now face stiff opposition in the DKM, including from 2024 champion Markus Kajak (Formula K SRP Factory Team). In total, 21 competitors line up in the top class.

Rounding off the programme is the Mini class, on which there is particular focus. Reigning champion Devin Titz has been called up to the Mercedes-AMG F1 Junior Team. This season, it is again possible that the top German Mini driver will receive an invitation to a trial with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. 27 young drivers will take their place on the grid at the season opener.

As well as the sporting action, the partners of the DKM will also put great emphasis on the paddock. Motorsport apparel manufacturer 32Five is bringing back the popular Pole Position Award: the fastest drivers in each of the five classes in Saturday’s qualifying will receive handmade, limited-edition trophies. The champions of each class can look forward to an individual helmet design. helmade is again supporting the championship, and will present each of the champions with a voucher worth € 1,250 at the end of the year.