Phoenix, AZ — Next Level Karting (NLK) and K1 Speed Phoenix are proud to announce the launch of the 2026 K1 Speed × Next Level Karting Scholarship, a groundbreaking new program designed to bridge the gap between indoor karting champions and outdoor competitive racing.
This initiative marks a first-of-its-kind partnership in the karting industry, giving one standout teen from the 2026 K1 Speed Teen Challenge GP the opportunity of a lifetime: a fully funded, full-season ride at Phoenix Kart Racing Association (PKRA) with professional support from the Next Level Karting race team.
A Pathway From Indoor Champion to Professional Kart Racer
The scholarship is built with one mission — to open the doors of competitive karting to a talented young driver ready for the next step. The winner will receive:
- A fully funded season racing at PKRA
- A Next Level Karting–owned race kart, prepped and maintained by NLK’s professional team
- Trackside coaching, race-day support, and mentorship from NLK staff and drivers
- Branded team gear and sponsor exposure throughout the season
This program erases the two biggest barriers in outdoor karting: the cost of equipment and the cost of team support — making true opportunity accessible for the most dedicated teen racer.
How Drivers Can Qualify
Teens can earn their shot at the scholarship entirely through competition at K1 Speed Phoenix:
- Compete in the 2026 K1 Speed Teen Challenge GP League
Show up, race hard, and refine your skills through monthly league nights. - Climb the leaderboard throughout the season
Consistency, improvement, and racecraft all matter. - Advance to the K1 Speed Arizona State Teen Championship
The best K1 racers in the state battle for the title — and a chance at the scholarship. - Win the Championship
The Teen State Champion at the end of the year will be awarded the scholarship and step directly into outdoor competition with NLK.
Creating Real Opportunities for the Next Generation
Next Level Karting and K1 Speed share a vision: to make motorsports more accessible, inclusive, and future-focused.
“There are incredibly talented young racers at K1 who simply need a pathway to the next level. This scholarship gives them that chance — a full season of outdoor racing with professional support, without needing to buy their own kart.”
— David Haraldsen, Team Principal, Next Level Karting
By removing the financial barriers that often stand between indoor drivers and outdoor racing, this partnership represents a major step forward in developing the future stars of karting in the US.
About Next Level Karting
Next Level Karting is one of nation’s fastest-growing youth development karting programs, supporting over two dozen drivers across multiple classes at PKRA and throughout the southwestern United States. NLK specializes in coaching, mentorship, race-day support, and driver development — building champions both on and off the track.
About K1 Speed Phoenix
K1 Speed is the nation’s premier indoor karting experience, offering high-performance electric karts, competitive league racing, and a structured pathway for youth development. The Phoenix location hosts one of the largest competitive indoor kart racing series in the region.
Learn More
Details, updates, and media assets for the scholarship program will be posted on
nextlevelkarting.com/k1-scholarship.
For direct inquiries, please contact:
nextlevelkartingteam@gmail.com
