Motorsport UK, the governing body for motorsport in the UK, has launched the KartSim Esports Cup sim racing competition.
The event is open to drivers aged between eight and 11 years and drivers aged 12 and over.
The competition is split into Cadet and Senior categories, with the former using virtual models of the Mini x30 go-kart and the latter using X30 karts. According to a release, the event is ‘the perfect chance to sharpen skills for the start of the season’ alongside offering an opportunity for the sim racing community to connect.
To take part, drivers require the KartSim software and a Motorsport UK license. Winners of the event will receive a KartSim wheel and pedal bundle along with a pro version of the software.
Karting acts as the launching point for drivers aspiring to embark on a career in real-world motorsport. In terms of sim racing, virtual karting events have yet to make an impression on the sector with GT3, multi-class, and NASCAR racing dominating the top categories.
Motorsport UK is no stranger to hosting esports events. In January 2024, it partnered with sim racing platform Simracing.GP to host the British GT Esports Cup. In addition to the karting events, the governing body will host events throughout the year across iRacing, EA Sports WRC, and Le Mans Ultimate.
The first edition of the KartSim Esports Cup begins with qualification, which opened on March 10th, 2025, and runs until March 17th. Other KartSim events are planned to take place in June, August, and September respectively.
“As esports continues to grow in popularity, it’s great to offer a championship for drivers that solely focuses on karting,” said Paul Crawford, Head of Esports at Motorsport UK. “KartSim offer a range of technologies that are second-to-none and we hope this will encourage drivers to sign up for this opportunity.”
