Kart Tire Rules by Series: SKUSA, WKA, CIK-FIA, Rotax (2026)

Every karting series has specific tire rules. Running the wrong tire means disqualification — no exceptions. This guide is your definitive reference for tire rules across every major series, updated for the 2026 season.

SKUSA (SuperKarts! USA)

SKUSA is the premier professional karting series in North America, running the SKUSA Pro Tour and regional ProKart Challenge events.

SKUSA Tire Rules (2026)

| Class | Spec Tire | Wet Tire | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | X30 Senior | MOJO D5 | MOJO W5 | 2 new sets max per event | | X30 Junior | MOJO D5 | MOJO W5 | 2 new sets max per event | | X30 Masters | MOJO D5 | MOJO W5 | 2 new sets max per event | | KA100 Senior | MOJO D5 | MOJO W5 | 2 new sets max per event | | S1/S2 (Shifter) | LeCont Red SVA | LeCont Rain CW | Soft compound for shifters |

Key SKUSA tire rules:

• Tires must be purchased from the official series vendor at the event
• Tires are barcoded and scanned for verification
• Maximum number of new sets per event is strictly enforced
• Used tires from previous events may be run in practice only

WKA (World Karting Association)

WKA is one of the oldest karting organizations in North America, running the Manufacturers Cup and regional Speedway series.

WKA Tire Rules (2026)

| Class | Spec Tire | Wet Tire | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Briggs 206 Sportsman | Vega XM3 | Vega W6 | Open tire count | | Briggs 206 Senior | Vega XM3 | Vega W6 | Open tire count | | Briggs 206 Masters | Vega XM3 | Vega W6 | Open tire count | | KA100 | MOJO D5 | MOJO W5 | Check current regs |

Key WKA tire rules:

• No limit on the number of tire sets per event (for most classes)
• Tires must be the specified brand and compound
• Chemical tire treatment is strictly prohibited — tires are tested at tech inspection
• No tire warmers or heating devices

CIK-FIA (International)

The CIK-FIA governs international karting competition, including World Championships and the European Championship series.

CIK-FIA Tire Rules (2026)

| Class | Spec Tire | Wet Tire | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | OK | Bridgestone YK | CIK-FIA approved wet | New tires allocated per event | | OKJ | Bridgestone YKJ | CIK-FIA approved wet | New tires allocated per event | | KZ | LeCont Red SVA | LeCont Rain CW | Soft compound for shifters | | KZ2 | LeCont Red SVA | LeCont Rain CW | Same as KZ | | OK-N (Academy) | MOJO D5 | MOJO W5 | Entry-level international class |

Key CIK-FIA tire rules:

• Tires are allocated and barcoded — you race on the tires you're given
• Strict penalties for tire manipulation, chemical treatment, or cutting
• Tire warmers are prohibited
• Tires must pass durometer checks at tech inspection

Rotax Max Challenge

The Rotax Max Challenge is the world's largest kart racing series, with national championships in 80+ countries feeding into the annual Grand Finals.

Rotax Tire Rules (2026)

| Class | Spec Tire | Wet Tire | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Micro Max | MG Red | MG White WT | Youngest class | | Mini Max | MG Red | MG White WT | Ages 10-13 | | Junior Max | MG Red | MG White WT | Ages 13-15 | | Senior Max | MG Red | MG White WT | Ages 15+ | | DD2 | MG Red | MG White WT | Gearbox class | | DD2 Masters | MG Red | MG White WT | Over 32 years |

Key Rotax tire rules:

• MG tires are the exclusive supplier worldwide — no exceptions
• Tires are allocated per event at national and international level
• Parc fermé tire checks after races
• Identical tire rules across all 80+ countries — global consistency

CKNA (Cup Karts North America)

CKNA is a growing national series focused on LO206 four-stroke racing.

CKNA Tire Rules (2026)

| Class | Spec Tire | Wet Tire | |---|---|---| | All LO206 classes | Vega XM3 | Vega W6 |

Key CKNA rules:

• Vega XM3 is the only legal dry tire
• Open tire count — bring as many sets as you want
• Tires may be checked for chemical treatment

ROK Cup

ROK Cup is a global series using Vortex ROK engines.

ROK Cup Tire Rules (2026)

| Class | Spec Tire | Notes | |---|---|---| | ROK Senior | LeCont SV2 | Check regional variations | | ROK Junior | LeCont SV2 | Check regional variations | | ROK Shifter | LeCont Red SVA | Soft compound |

How to Verify Current Rules

Tire rules can change between seasons. Always verify before purchasing:

1. Check the series website for the current season's technical regulations
2. Contact the series directly if you're unsure about a specific tire
3. Ask at your local track — track operators usually know which tires are legal for their events
4. Check our Class Pages — we update tire rules as changes are announced

Next Steps

• Browse by Class — See spec and allowed tires for every class
• Tire Database — Full specs on every tire mentioned above
• How to Choose Tires — If your class allows tire choice