IORK New Zealand Rental Go Kart Series 2026 - Round 1

1/1

Entries are now open for this year’s IORK New Zealand Rental Kart Championships!

📅 Dates: 15–18 October 2026

📍 Venue: Pro Karts Nelson

Spaces are limited—don’t miss your chance to race in New Zealand’s premier rental kart event. Register now and get ready for a weekend of fast-paced action! Tickets go online in February.

Don't miss this epic event.

Want to watch more driver interviews? Click here

Welcome to IORK – New Zealand’s Premier Rental Kart Racing Championship

Since 2020, the Indoor & Outdoor Rental Kart Championships (IORK) has grown into the largest rental kart racing series in New Zealand, attracting hundreds of competitors from around the country—and even overseas. Whether you’re a karting veteran or just starting out, IORK offers real racing with no licence required—just your skill, strategy, and drive to win.

The IORK New Zealand Rental Go Kart Championships

The IORK New Zealand Rental Go Kart Championships is one of the most exciting rental go kart racing events in the country, bringing together drivers from across New Zealand to compete in a professionally run national championship.

IORK is a true arrive and drive national racing championship, which makes it very unique. In most forms of motorsport competitors must own and maintain their own equipment, but at IORK everything is provided. Drivers simply arrive, race, and compete on equal terms.

All competitors race in identical rental go karts, using the same chassis, engines, and equipment. Combined with weight-based categories, this creates a very even and fair championship where results are determined by driver skill, racecraft, and strategy.

Each driver competes in six qualifying heats, racing identical Sodi RT8 RentalGoKarts at Pro Karts Nelson, with compulsory pit stops adding an extra level of strategy and excitement to every race.

From the beginning, IORK has used weight-based categories to ensure fair competition between drivers. As the event has grown in popularity, additional categories have been introduced to meet demand and allow more competitors to take part.

The championship continues to evolve each year, with rules and formats regularly refined using feedback from drivers to ensure the best possible racing experience.

Demand for entries continues to grow, and many categories sold out last year, with drivers travelling from across New Zealand to compete. Because of this strong demand, drivers are encouraged to secure their entry early to avoid missing out.

Explore Race Formats & Divisions

Day and Night Racing – Rain or Shine

IORK events are designed to deliver a full race weekend experience, held at leading karting venues across New Zealand including Pro Karts Nelson, the home of the championship.

Racing takes place day and night, wet or dry, creating an exciting and unpredictable challenge for every driver.

The fast flowing outdoor circuit at Pro Karts combines tight technical sections with high speed corners, rewarding precision, racecraft and strategy. Whether racing under the lights or battling changing track conditions, IORK is built to test drivers and deliver an unforgettable race experience.

See the last years race format

Why Join IORK?

No licence required – open to all drivers
Multiple racing divisions to ensure fairness
Strategic racing format with pit stops
Trophies and national titles up for grabs
National recognition and international prestige

What’s New in 2026?

• Return to the home of IORK at Pro Karts Nelson, where the championship began
• More drivers than ever expected, with competitors travelling from across the country
• Timed race formats for qualifying heats to suit the fast flowing outdoor circuit
• Professional livestream coverage bringing the action to viewers nationwide
• New Sunday Finals and Prizegiving format to finish each round in style

Past Champions & Results

Want to see who’s made it to the top in previous years? From tight photo finishes to standout performances, IORK history is filled with unforgettable racing moments.

View Past Race Results & Winners

Meet the Team Behind IORK

IORK is proudly run by passionate motorsport professionals and track owners across New Zealand. Our team is committed to keeping the event inclusive, exciting, and authentic for all.

Meet the IORK Team

Join the IORK Community

This is more than just a race—it’s a national movement for real racers.

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/IORKNZ
Check out our YouTube channel for interviews and race highlights
Sign up for updates on new events and registration deadlines

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us, the Event Promoter and Owner Nick, on 021851110

This is Your Championship.

No licences. No politics. Just real racing.

This is IORK.

Inside the Action – IORK New Zealand Rental Kart Championship

Where Adrenaline Meets Opportunity

Get ready for IORK 2026, one of the most exciting editions yet of the New Zealand Rental Go Kart Championships.

Held at Pro Karts in Nelson, the home of IORK, this championship continues to grow each year with bigger grids, stronger competition, and drivers travelling from across New Zealand to compete for national titles.

IORK delivers real motorsport competition without the barriers of traditional racing. No expensive equipment, no complicated licences. Just arrive, drive, and race against some of the best rental kart racers in the country.

Whether you're chasing a championship trophy or simply want to experience the thrill of national level racing, IORK delivers intense battles, incredible rivalries, and unforgettable racing moments.

What’s New for 2026

We’re raising the bar again this year with several exciting improvements designed to make the championship bigger and better than ever.

• Bigger Championship Trophies – The IORK trophies have been upgraded, making them even more prestigious to win and display.

• More Trophies for Race Winners – Additional trophies and recognition will be awarded across multiple races and categories throughout the event.

• Growing National Series – The championship continues to expand with drivers travelling from all over New Zealand to compete.

• Timed Qualifying Heats – All qualifying races run as timed sessions, delivering consistent racing regardless of conditions.

• Strategic Pit Stops – Compulsory pit stops add another level of race strategy and driver skill.

• Weight Based Categories – Designed to keep the racing fair and competitive for all drivers.

• Driver Focused Improvements – Rules and race formats continue to evolve based on feedback from competitors to deliver the best racing experience possible.

The Venue – Pro Karts Nelson

Pro Karts Nelson is the home of the IORK championships and one of New Zealand’s premier outdoor rental kart circuits.

The fast flowing track features a mix of technical sections, sweeping corners, and overtaking opportunities that reward skill, precision, and racecraft.

Racing takes place day and night, rain or shine, creating a true motorsport atmosphere where drivers must adapt to changing track conditions and pressure packed finals.

With identical Sodi RT8 Rental Go Karts, intense wheel to wheel racing, and competitors travelling from across the country, IORK delivers a championship experience unlike anything else in rental kart racing.

Learn More About the Track & Venue

Why Drivers Love IORK

IORK has quickly become one of the most exciting rental kart racing events in New Zealand. Drivers return year after year because the championship delivers real competition, great atmosphere, and a level playing field for everyone involved.

True Arrive and Drive Motorsport

Unlike traditional motorsport, you do not need to own a kart, trailer, tools, or racing equipment. Everything is provided for you. Simply arrive, register, and compete in a professionally organised national championship.

Equal Equipment for Fair Racing

All drivers compete in identical Sodi RT8 RentalGoKarts, using the same chassis, engines, and equipment. Combined with weight based categories, this creates an incredibly fair and competitive environment where driver skill makes the difference.

Serious Racing Without the Huge Costs

IORK gives drivers the chance to compete in a national championship level event without the financial commitment normally associated with motorsport.

Six Qualifying Heats Plus Finals

Every driver competes in six qualifying heats, giving competitors multiple opportunities to build points and demonstrate consistency across the event.

Running six heats helps ensure that the most consistent drivers rise to the top of the points table, reducing the impact of any single race result.

Drivers who perform strongly across these heats gain advantages heading into the finals, including more favourable grid draws and kart draws, rewarding consistent performance throughout the championship.

Drivers From All Over New Zealand

Competitors travel from across the country to race at IORK, creating a truly national event with strong rivalries and competitive grids.

Day and Night Racing

Racing takes place day and night, rain or shine, creating an exciting and unpredictable race environment that rewards consistency and racecraft.

Championship Atmosphere

From the moment drivers arrive, the event delivers a true championship experience with trophies, race commentary, professional event organisation, and an electric race weekend atmosphere.

Categories Sell Out Fast

Due to growing demand and limited grid sizes, many categories sold out last year. If you want to be part of the action, it’s important to secure your entry early.

Step Inside the Action: Race Week in Detail

Tuesday – Open Practice

The track is open from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM for all registered drivers
A great opportunity to get familiar with the layout, test lines, and prepare for qualifying
No official timing or racing—just valuable seat time before the competition kicks off

Wednesday – Open Practice

The track is open from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM for all registered drivers
A great opportunity to get familiar with the layout, test lines, and prepare for qualifying
No official timing or racing—just valuable seat time before the competition kicks off

Thursday – Practice & Qualifying

Additional open practice available from 10:00 AM
Driver sign-in and official briefing
Evening qualifying runs from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Friday & Saturday – Qualifying Heats Continue

Each driver competes in six timed qualifying heats
On average, drivers complete approximately 16 laps per heat
Compulsory pit stops are required in selected heats to test timing and tactics
Heats are spread across both days to maximise fairness and track time

Saturday Night – Semi-Finals

Top drivers in each category advance to the semi-final rounds
Racing intensifies under the lights, where every move counts
Only the strongest make it through to the Sunday Finals

Sunday – Championship Finals

Four division-based finals (age and weight categories)
Trophies awarded to the top 3 in each final
Official prizegiving at 1:30 PM closes the event in style

View Full IORK 2025 Event Schedule

Relive the Moments – Past Event Highlights

From photo finishes to breakout stars, IORK has built a legacy of unforgettable racing moments. Catch up on past winners, highlight reels, and photo galleries from recent years.

View Race Results & Past Champions

Watch Race Recaps on YouTube

Ready to Race or Cheer from the Sidelines?

Whether you’re planning to compete or just want to soak in the atmosphere, IORK 2025 is not to be missed. Bring your crew, your passion, and your racing spirit.