Round Three of the 2026 Australian Kart Championship will be held in Townsville on July 3-5.
Karting Australia is pleased to announce that the Townsville Kart Club will host Round Three of the 2026 Australian Kart Championship, marking the first time the Championship has been held in Townsville.
The Club now becomes the 15th venue in the modern era to host a round of Australia’s premier karting series.
Round Three will be held on July 3-5*, forming part of the five-round national Championship, and will lead directly into the vibrant motorsport atmosphere of the Supercars NTI Townsville 500. As the largest and most prestigious karting competition in the Southern Hemisphere, the Championship attracts elite young drivers aged seven and up from across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
Karting Australia Chief Executive Officer Kelvin O’Reilly said the organisation was delighted to see Townsville join the Championship schedule for the first time, describing the venue as an outstanding addition.
“Karting Australia is thrilled to bring a round of the Australian Kart Championship to Townsville for the very first time. The Townsville Kart Club, backed by a passionate local motorsport community, offers an ideal stage for our drivers to showcase their skills,” said O’Reilly.
“We’re also grateful to Townsville Enterprise and the Townsville City Council for their contribution in helping secure this event for the region. We look forward to delivering a world-class round that celebrates grassroots motorsport and adds to the excitement leading into the Supercars NTI Townsville 500.”
Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said hosting a national-level karting round was a major milestone for the city and for motorsport in the North.
“I absolutely love this sport, and having a national event right here in our own backyard will give us all the chance to go and witness national-level, grassroots racing, especially in the lead-up to the Supercars NTI Townsville 500,” said Mayor Dametto.
“We expect to see strong cross-event benefits and boosted visitation, all while shining a spotlight on the Townsville Kart Club and the incredible staff and volunteers who keep it running. This is a fantastic win for our motorsport community and our city.”
For the Townsville Kart Club, the opportunity is equally significant. Experienced racer, and Townsville Life Member Luke Flynn has been charged with the title of Event Manager. He believes the round will shines a spotlight on both the venue and the region’s impressive driver base along with all of the great sights that Townsville can offer.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our club to be showcased on the national stage and for local drivers to race against the best. We have some exceptional talent here in the North, including a former 2009 and 2023 Australian champions and multiple state champions,” said Flynn.
Hosting the Championship round is expected to deliver more than $1.3 million in economic impact, further enhancing the region’s growing reputation as a motorsport destination.
Townsville Enterprise and the Townsville City Council, through the collaborative Major Events Advisory Panel, played a key role in securing the event for the region.
*The event will be preceded by a Social Karting Activity on the Thursday immediately prior to the round.
