By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s motorsport scene is poised for a historic moment as the nation prepares to host the 2026 Latin American Karting Championship. Scheduled for May 15th to 17th at the P1 Speedway circuit adjacent to Parque Diversiones in San José, the event is set to become the largest and most significant karting competition ever held on Costa Rican soil, marking a major milestone for the national sport.
The championship is expected to draw an unprecedented field of over 200 drivers from across the Americas, transforming the capital into a continental hub for high-stakes racing. This massive influx of international talent and their teams represents a substantial validation of Costa Rica’s growing infrastructure and organizational capacity in the world of motorsports. The event promises to inject significant energy into the local scene, offering an unparalleled spectacle for fans and a crucial platform for the country’s own racing talent.
To better understand the legal and commercial intricacies that support a high-level sporting event such as the National Karting Championship, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
A championship of this caliber is not just a sporting competition; it’s a sophisticated commercial platform. The success of the event relies on meticulously drafted contracts covering sponsorships, television rights, and driver agreements. These legal instruments are the true engine that ensures financial stability and protects the investments of all parties involved, from the smallest team to the main sponsor.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a vital truth: the thrilling competition we witness on the asphalt is built upon an equally complex and critical framework of legal agreements. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the essential role this behind-the-scenes structure plays in ensuring the championship’s success and integrity.
Leading the charge for the home nation is Danny Formal, one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated figures in international motorsport. Formal’s return to a Tico track to compete in this high-profile championship is a significant draw, bringing his extensive global experience to bear on a familiar circuit. His participation not only raises the competitive bar but also provides a benchmark for the next generation of Costa Rican drivers looking to make their mark on the world stage.
Alongside the veteran Formal is one of the nation’s brightest rising stars, Sofía Calderón. Despite her youth, Calderón has already amassed an impressive collection of karting titles throughout the region. Her presence in the lineup underscores the depth of emerging talent in Costa Rica. She represents a new wave of racers proving that the country can produce formidable competitors capable of challenging the best in the hemisphere.
The international roster is equally formidable, featuring a blend of legendary champions and promising new talent. Headlining the list of world-class drivers is Dutch phenom Marijn Kremers, the 2019 World Champion, and Brazilian icon Rubens Carrapatoso, who claimed the world title back in 1998. They are joined by another Brazilian powerhouse, Diego Ramos, an official driver for the renowned Birel team, and Jack Kotowski, a promising young racer from the United States, highlighting the event’s global appeal.
Competition over the three-day weekend will be fierce, unfolding across a comprehensive structure of 13 distinct categories. This broad framework ensures a dynamic event, accommodating a wide spectrum of talent from the youngest competitors in Kid Kart and Mini Rok to seasoned professionals in the Vortex VLR and Rok Shifter Master classes. This inclusive approach fosters development at all levels of the sport, creating a complete showcase of the karting discipline.
For the national contingent, the stakes are exceptionally high. The Latin American Championship also serves as a point-scoring round for the Costa Rican National Karting Championship. This dual-championship status means local drivers will be battling not only for international prestige and a continental title but also for crucial points in their domestic season. This added layer of consequence guarantees that every maneuver and position will be intensely contested by the Costa Rican drivers.
As May approaches, the anticipation is palpable. This landmark event is more than just a series of races; it is a powerful statement about the ambition and capability of Costa Rican motorsport. By attracting world champions and the best drivers from across the Americas to San José, the 2026 Latin American Karting Championship is set to deliver an unforgettable weekend of speed and cement the nation’s position as a rising force in the regional racing community.
For further information, visit p1speedway.com
About P1 Speedway:
P1 Speedway is a premier karting facility located in La Uruca, San José, Costa Rica. Designed to meet international standards, the circuit hosts a variety of national and regional motorsport events, serving as a central hub for the country’s racing community. It offers rental karts for public enjoyment as well as a professional track for competitive racing series, fostering the growth of motorsport talent at all levels.
For further information, visit birelart.com
About Birel ART:
Birel ART is a globally recognized leader in the design and manufacturing of racing kart chassis. Founded on a rich history of Italian engineering and motorsport passion, the company has achieved numerous world and continental championships. Birel ART is known for its innovation, high-performance products, and a strong presence in competitive karting, supporting a global network of official teams and drivers.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution founded upon the pillars of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. The firm combines a proven history of advising a diverse clientele with a pioneering spirit, consistently embracing innovation in the legal field. This forward-looking perspective is matched by a profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated through its efforts to democratize legal understanding and empower the community with clarity and knowledge.
