A Quick review into some class contenders for 2026..

Shane here - This article is written by a Junior driver. They're using this as experience for the future so they'll be unnamed to protect them. I won't accept ANY abuse or negativity. Any article I write myself will be signed off by myself at the bottom. They're also doing their studies, racing and everyday young life stuff. So don't take offence with your driver being missing. Thanks.

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The 2026 Motorsport Ireland Karting Championship is set to begin, and the season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years. With drivers moving classes, new talent stepping up, and established champions defending their titles, the stage is set for an exciting year of racing.

The championship opens at Nutts Corner Circuit on March 21st for Rotax Round 1. Known for producing close, tactical racing, Nutts Corner will provide the first indication of early championship form. Attention then turns to Kiltorcan Raceway on April 5th for IAME Round 1, which will also host Rotax Round 2 over the same weekend. The following week, Tillotson Round 1 takes place at Whiteriver Park on April 12th, continuing a busy and decisive opening month.

Junior X30

Junior X30 once again features a strong and competitive grid. Several drivers have progressed from cadets and have already demonstrated impressive pace during pre-season testing and winter events.

Jack McLoughlin enters his third season in the class and, with valuable experience behind him, will aim to mount a consistent championship challenge. Zack Burke showed strong winter form, competing for the T-Plate and delivering notable performances in LKC. Senan McLoughlin has already made an impact after moving up, taking a T-Plate victory and a further win at AKC, indicating he will be competitive from the outset. James Nolan also arrives in strong form following a successful winter campaign in the UK and multiple AKC wins.

Podium contention is equally competitive. John Foley demonstrated strong progress in his first junior season, while Erik Gilsenan, returning to the sport last year, looks capable of challenging at the front. Danny Dempsey and Ian Carey, both newly promoted to the class, will be aiming to convert potential into podium finishes as the season develops.

Senior X30

Senior X30 is expected to be one of the standout categories of 2026, featuring multiple champions and experienced race winners.

Reigning champion Jack Buckley begins the season as a leading contender, bringing proven consistency and championship experience. Sean Hogan, last year’s vice-champion, will be determined to go one step further after a close title fight. Luke Agnew, who secured third in the championship in his debut senior season, has already established himself as a front-runner.

Robbie Buckley returns to Irish competition with additional European experience, while Jamie English benefits from having stepped up mid-season last year and now enters with greater familiarity in the class.

The transition of junior drivers into seniors adds further depth. Tadgh Buckley, the reigning Junior X30 champion, is expected to adapt quickly. Adam Holmes, after competing strongly in juniors last season, will look to establish himself immediately.

Makayla Harte and Eimear Carey are the sole women in the Senior X30 class. Eimear having strong rounds last year can go into 2026 with high goals if the momentum is still there. Makayla makes the move up from Junior X30 where she shown plenty of speed with victory in TKC Athboy being the highlight. She holds expectations so let's see how she fairs against some vastly experienced seniors.

Aaron Murphy and Joel Murphy, both progressing from juniors with consistent top-ten finishes, may also challenge for top five results as they gain experience.

Senior Max

Senior Max begins at Nutts Corner with a highly competitive field.

Reuben Keorhanan returns as reigning champion following a dominant 2025 season and will aim to defend his title. Carter Mooney, last year’s vice-champion, demonstrated strong consistency and will be motivated to challenge again. Dylan McDermott, third overall in 2025, proved he has both speed and racecraft to compete at the front. Joseph McMahon also showed promising pace last season and, with improved consistency, could emerge as a regular podium contender.

Ben Conneely and Charlie Gardiner step up from Junior X30, bringing confidence and momentum into the class. Keith Burke, after extensive testing and competition in the UK and Europe during the off-season, could prove to be a significant contender as the championship unfolds.

IAME Cadet Although slightly smaller in numbers this year, IAME Cadet retains strong quality.

Jack Harney, after finishing fourth in last season’s competitive championship, enters as a leading contender. Yannis Dobrin impressed in both AKC and T-Plate competition and will aim to carry that form into the championship. Ayda O’Brien, the only female driver in the class, brings valuable experience and strong performances from last season and is expected to compete at the front.

With experienced champions, determined challengers, and ambitious newcomers across every class, the 2026 Motorsport Ireland Karting Championship is poised to deliver high quality racing from the opening rounds.

Written by - secret writer