For many years now, TM Kart has been the undisputed leader in gearbox engines. At Sarno, 77% of the KZ2 was equipped with TM Kart engines. The same was true of the top 12 in the final, the top four in the European Championship and 17 of the top 20 in the final standings. Modena Engines is stepping up its presence, IAME is going from strength to strength with KR chassis, Vortex is concentrating more on KZ and LKE still has some supporters.

Technically, the most sensitive point remains the adjustment of the carburation to the climatic conditions, a real art with the Dellorto bowl carburettors on which the nozzle must be changed and the position of the needle adapted. The tuners have also adapted to the introduction of the new 100% renewable P1 Racing Fuels. Tyres are another point to consider. In the past, Bridgestone, Vega and now LeCont have had to rise to the challenge of running the same Prime-approved tyres as in OK on machines that are considerably heavier (+30 kg) and deliver brutal power (+50 hp) with each gear change. Another constraint was the need to design tyres capable of performing in the low temperatures of the early season as well as in the heat of the summer. At Sarno, 36° in the air and over 60° on the track were recorded. It's understandable that manufacturers should break out in a cold sweat. Wise drivers, however, know how to take care of their tyres by gradually bringing them up to operating temperature and being wary of overly aggressive kerbs. This is also true of Formula 1.

To conclude this quick overview of gearbox karts, let's take a look at the KZ. Announced as being on borrowed time because of its regulatory proximity to KZ2 some ten years ago, the premier class has lost 5kg to remain faster and involves around 35 drivers each year. The Sarno record in KZ2 was set by Alex Powell (KR/Iame) in 52''995, while Senna van Walstijn (Sodi/TM) managed 52''901 in KZ. The difference was small, but it was more noticeable in the races, with a gap closer to 2 tenths in favour of the KZ and its experienced drivers. Nevertheless, the freedom given to manufacturers to develop their chassis is a much-appreciated factor in equipment development. As for the engines, IAME took 2nd and 3rd place in the Final and won the title with Danilo Albanese (KR/Iame) following Paolo Ippolito (KR/Iame) who won in 2022.

Last but not least, KZ2 is attracting an increasing number of older drivers, who have made the Masters variant of FIA Karting, reserved for drivers aged 35 and over, a success and which will be integrated into the European Championship from next season.

A very different track, Wackersdorf in Germany, will host the world event: the KZ World Championship, the KZ2 World Cup and the Masters International Super Cup on the second weekend of September, demonstrating the strength of the KZ and KZ2 categories.

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