Champions of the Future America (COTF America), a partnership between European karting organizer RGMMC and U.S. karting leader K1, launched its inaugural season at K1 Circuit in Winchester, California from January 30 to February 1. The series, which follows European regulations, aims to provide American karters a pathway to international competition. Over 110 drivers from the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Uruguay competed across five classes, with professional broadcasts provided by Kart Chaser.
Six American drivers claimed victories in the opening round. Carson Bishop dominated the Mini U10 class, winning every session en route to the final. In Mini, a dramatic last-lap double overtake by Forrest Blair gave him the win over Kendall West and Maddox Carlucci after frontrunner Asher Biezonsky ran wide at a critical moment.
The KA100 Junior final was decided by just two-hundredths of a second, with Braydon Wagner edging Nixon Ellsworth in a drag race to the finish after a chaotic final lap reshuffled the lead group.
In KA100 Senior, Johnie Stamps overcame an early setback and a late challenge from Shea Aldrich to win by nearly a second over Izaac Gutierrez and Luis Perez.
Austin Elliot controlled much of the KA100 Heritage final after early contact eliminated frontrunner Paul Bonilla, holding off Joshua Daley's persistent pressure to take the win.
In X30 Pro, Jake Drew survived a three-way battle with Erik Doan and Sergei Karamseili, ultimately forcing Doan wide on the final lap to secure victory, with Karamseili completing the podium.
The series continues with eight more rounds throughout 2026.
