Today, FAT International announced that its grassroots youth racing initiative, FAT Karting League (FKL), will host the 2025 World Finals at Willow Springs International Raceway in California on December 14, the league's first-ever final in the United States.

The event brings together top young drivers from the United Kingdom and United States to race for a fully funded Formula 4 season. 

Co-founded by Formula 1 engineer Rob Smedley and Ferdi Porsche, CEO of FAT International, FKL is specifically designed to eliminate high costs of entry, promote talent and provide inclusive pathways for the most promising youth drivers aged 5 to 17 to participate in professional motorsport. 

"FKL is for kids who are unable to break into the sport due to the incredible costs associated with it," said Smedley. "I truly believe there are future pros out there who just need the opportunity to compete and show their skills, and that is what FKL is about."

The league offers standardized electric race karts, an arrive-and-drive format and a merit-based competition structure for its participants. Drivers compete in Regional and Pro Championships across the United Kingdom and United States, progressing through three age classes: Bambino (5–8), Cadet (8–13) and Junior (12–17). 

More than 100 of the best youth drivers from the United Kingdom, the Midwest and California will race to win major rewards, including a fully funded seat in the FIA British Formula 4 Championship for Junior drivers.

FKL seasons cost $3,000 to $7,000, a fraction of the $125,000-plus typically required for karting. All competitors race in identical 48V electric karts designed by former Formula 1 engineers to ensure equal performance, safety and fairness.

"The goal of FAT Karting League is to change the high barrier to entry in motorsports and serves to democratize the opportunity for a wider range of people," said Porsche. "We are giving underrepresented kids the chance to find success in a normally restrictive sport."

With FKL expanding into 5 new global markets in 2026, future Finals will feature an even broader and more diverse field of drivers competing for the top prize.

For more information, visit fat-kartingleague.com.