ELITE R CLASS

Dutch Racing Series – Elite R Class 2026



A unique step in karting

Dutch Racing Series is proud to introduce the Elite R class: a completely new and unique racing concept in the Benelux. For ambitious drivers who are ready for the next step, Elite R offers a professional platform where talent can compete under equal conditions. 

What makes this concept so special? All drivers participate with identical, professionally prepared Sodi sports karts with 2-stroke Rotax engines – a combination that is rarely offered worldwide. Both the frames and karts will be brand new and will hit the asphalt for the first time with our season drivers behind the wheel.

Race format 2026 (subject to change):

• Free practice: 20 minutes
• Qualifying: Q1, Q2 and Q3, each lasting 5 minutes.
• Races:
  • Race 1: 10 minuten (opgesteld op basis van kwalificatie)
  • Race 2: 12 minutes
  • Race 3: 14 minutes
  • Final (Race 4): 14 minutes, based on the results of the previous races.
    
    

Each driver will have 1 kart available per day. There will therefore be no kart lottery per race and you will drive all races on 1 day in the same kart.

Working with two different fleets of karts (SODI RT10 & SODI Sport Rotax) has advantages for the schedule: refuelling, getting in and out, and lead changes can take place while other races are in progress. This allows for more peace of mind during preparation and takes the pressure off during changes.

Two seasons per calendar year

The Elite R class has two seasons within one calendar year. Whereas the regular DRS season adds up all Grand Prix results from one year, the Elite R is divided into two seasons of five races each. This means two entry moments per year.

• Season 1: before the summer break, from February/March 2026 to June 2026 inclusive.

• Season 2: after the summer break, from the end of August/September 2026 to November 2026 inclusive.

Important: the Elite R works exclusively with seasonal drivers. This means that it is not possible to participate in a single Grand Prix; you always register for a full season of five GPs.

Ready for the world's elite –
Sodi W Series

Since the first official DRS season (2024), drivers have been able to collect points for the Sodi W Series Final. In 2027, Sodi will go one step further: from that year onwards, Sodi Rotax 2-stroke karts will also be included in their final programme. The year 2026 will be the first official qualification year.

Whereas the current SWS points system awards points in all races with Sodi karts, only results from races with Sodi Rotax 2-stroke karts count towards Rotax qualification. Because only a few organisations worldwide work with these karts, the chance of a DRS driver qualifying is virtually guaranteed.

The Sodi W Series Rotax Final 2027 will be a top international event with a large audience, media attention and substantial prizes. This is a unique opportunity for drivers and makes it extremely attractive for sponsors. Dutch Racing Series is ready to support drivers who qualify with promotion, guidance and possible sponsorship.

Professional and safe racing

In the Elite R class, strict standards will apply to the equipment of each driver. For example, helmets and racing overalls must meet a specified safety level, supplemented by approved gloves and racing shoes. Drivers under the age of 16 are required to wear rib or neck protectors to ensure maximum safety.

The exact standards will be laid down later in the official regulations. Prior to each Grand Prix, DRS will carry out additional safety checks.

Hardware

The competition uses new Sodi Sport frames and Rotax engine blocks. Maintenance is provided entirely by KombiKart, so that every driver can count on equal and reliable technology.

The Elite R runs on a softer tyre compound and drivers are allowed to determine their own tyre pressure with their own tyre pressure gauge. At each GP, advice is given for both dry and wet conditions.

The registration fee covers: tyres, maintenance and the kart provided. This does not include the deposit and any damage caused while driving, nor any personal investment in necessary equipment, etc.

Selection procedure and registration

The Elite R is open to drivers aged 15 and above. There is room for a maximum of 35 seasonal drivers. Admission is exclusively via an assessment and a possible test day, to ensure that the competition consists of serious drivers.

Registration in steps:

1. Pre-registration + deposit (€250 also serves as a damage deposit)

2. Organisation assessment

3. Test invitation (if deemed necessary)

4. Admission by organisation with payment obligation

5. Opening ceremony & briefing

Investment in your racing future

Pre-registration for the 2026 Elite R Class is now open. The costs for participating in one season, consisting of five Grand Prix races, are as follows:

The registration fee is €2,999. In addition, you pay a €250 deposit for your registration. This €250 also serves as a deposit for any damage caused while driving.

This deposit will be used if damage is caused by the driver. Liability is determined by the organisation for each damage incident. If it is determined that damage has been caused, the repair costs will be deducted from the deposit and a new deposit of £250 is expected to be paid before the start of the next Grand Prix, or the remaining amount will be topped up to at least £250. After the last race of the season, this deposit will be refunded, provided that this last race is damage-free. A list of fixed costs for the most common types of damage will be issued at a later date.

Season 1 will take place from February/March to June/July 2026. Season 2 will start in August/September 2026. When registering for both seasons, the deposit must be paid twice, once per season.

The selection procedure will start after pre-registration. The previously completed registration forms will be reviewed. Each selected driver will be contacted personally to finalise their registration when they are admitted, at which point the registration fee will be paid.

Please note: The registration fee does not include training sessions, which are offered separately.

The first registration period is now open.

During this first registration period, you can choose to register for Season 1 or Season 1 + 2. It is not yet possible to register for Season 2 only. This option will be available at a later date in 2026, provided there are still places available. To register, please complete the form below and pay the registration fee immediately. Registrations without accompanying payment will NOT be included in the selection process.

Pay Downpayment

Elite R Season 1 Elite R Season 1 and 2

Complete your registration by paying the required deposit. Your registration will only be processed by the organisation after payment has been received.