PHOENIX, AZ, July 10, 2026 |
FZ Shifter has opened registration for the national debut of the FZ65 Cadet Shifter class at the RMC Trophy Final, as an arrive-and-drive program for FZ65 drivers, held at New Castle Motorsports Park from July 31 to August 2. FZ Shifter is the dedicated shifter-kart brand under the American Kart Manufacturers (AKM) umbrella.
Through this invitational program, AKM will provide competitors with brand-new, identical, fully prepared, turnkey FZ65 shifter karts directly from the factory, offering a true ‘Arrive and Drive’ program. By standardizing factory engine tuning and chassis configurations, the program removes complexity and ensures total parity across the grid. The focus shifts entirely to where it belongs: driver talent, race-craft, and pure skill for the sports youth.
“Our goal with the FZ65 Cadet Shifter is to introduce attainable shifter kart racing to the youngest competitors without the complexity and the cost of top-level racing,” said Duke Vander Ark, owner. “We have proved the engine’s speed and reliability in the SKUSA Pro Kart Challenge, and bringing the FZ65 to the RMC Trophy Final as a complete factory ladder is exciting. Young drivers get a factory-backed experience where the equipment is identical, and the racing is fair, at a fraction of the cost of a typical national campaign.”
Registration is limited to 15 drivers so the team can maintain consistent preparation and give each entry dedicated trackside support. Registered drivers select their chassis through a lottery system at the event on Wednesday, July 29. After collecting their kart, drivers report to the FZ Shifter team tent, where FZ Shifter technicians help with seat mounting, weight, and final setup ahead of Thursday’s on-track practice. Drivers are responsible only for their own data system, the light mechanical work involved, and getting to and from the grid. Full details for the FZ65 Cadet Shifter Invitational are available on the FZ Shifter website.
FZ65 High Points
A Complete FZ Shifter Ladder: With the FZ65 Cadet class joining the established FZ85 Junior and FZ125 Senior karts, drivers now have a dedicated, gear-grabbing motorsports path that starts at age eight.
True Spec Parity: Every driver takes the track on the same brand-new, factory-prepared FZ65 Cadet shifter kart, sealed by the AKM production team to ensure a level playing field.
Limit of 15 Grid Positions: The field is capped at 15 to ensure every driver receives consistent engine preparation and dedicated factory support.
All-Inclusive Entry Terms: The entry fee covers the complete kart package, event entry, and practice and race slick tires, lowering the cost for families entering national-level shifter racing.
Arrive and Drive: Drivers simply bring their safety gear and a few personal items; AKM handles the technical logistics, trackside support framework, and mechanical consistency.
Program details can be found
here.
The FZ65 Cadet Shifter class will run as an official category at the RMC Trophy Final in New Castle, Indiana. With only 15 grid spots available for the debut, registration is already more than half full. Teams and drivers can request invitational information by emailing Sales@fzshifter.com and can enter online with our partners at
RaceRotax.com.
