As part of the FIA’s ‘Arrive and Drive’ initiative, the Dansk Gokart Cup in Denmark, launched in 2024 and sanctioned by the Danish Automobile Sports Federation (DASU), is setting a benchmark for accessible and inclusive karting. Initiated by Akbar Ebrahim in December 2023, the ‘Arrive and Drive’ model aims to break down economic barriers and broaden participation. By making karting more affordable, it lays a strong foundation for both national and international competitions, promoting engagement at a grassroots level.
Launched in 2024 and sanctioned by DASU, the Dansk Gokart Cup (DGC) has already held events at fivevenues across Denmark, with four more planned until November 2024. The competition is divided into four categories, with the highest number of participants in the junior class: Cadets (8-12 years), Juniors (13-16 years), Seniors (17+ years), and the DGC Endurance Cup with four rounds.
Adding a unique dimension to the event, the DGC also hosts a club competition in each category, where the top three drivers from each participating club contribute points toward a club championship. “We have long wanted to create a stronger sense of club unity in what is traditionally an individual sport,” says Mikkel Bøyesen, Development Manager. Inspired by the constructors’ championship from Formula 1, this system fosters collaboration and a collective effort in karting.
Designed under the ‘Arrive and Drive’ format, the DGC aims to be inclusive, affordable, and accessible, encouraging National Sporting Authorities to partner with local tracks and rental providers. Supported by the CIK and FIA, the initiative seeks to boost participation, promote youth involvement, create additional revenue streams, and establish a global amateur competition platform.
Using 4-stroke rental karts provided by the host facilities, the events feature a sprint format: two 7-minute free practice sessions, one 5-minute timed practice, two 8-minute heats, and 12-minute finals (A, B, and C). Participants need a DASU ‘GTC’ (Go-To-Gokart) license, costing €53, and an entry fee of €66 per event.
“The Dansk Gokart Cup aims to make karting more accessible for a broader audience, especially in bigger cities with limited track availability,” said DASU President Henrik Moller Nielsen. “By breaking down economic barriers, we are paving the way for a new generation of drivers and enthusiasts.”
The Dansk Gokart Cup has already seen significant benefits for both drivers and the community, including the creation of four new Clubs and a closer relationship between the ASN and leisure kart circuits. After just three rounds, 40 new license holders have been recorded. Additionally, two venues have committed to sponsoring entries and qualifying events for the FIA Motorsport Games, both in Karting Endurance and Karting Slalom competitions.
Prizes for the Dansk Gokart Cup include entry for the first-place Endurance Crew to represent Denmark in the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games. This initiative exemplifies the FIA’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse motor sport culture, nurturing the next generation of drivers and enthusiasts, and ensuring that the passion for racing is accessible to everyone, regardless of their socio-economic background.
For more information on the FIA’s karting reform project, visit FIA Karting Inclusive Karting.