Why People Love Winter Racing in Florida

For as long as we can remember, our season hasn’t started in April—it’s started under Florida sunshine. The Canadian off-season is long, the winter is cold, and it never takes much convincing for us to load the trailer and head south.

Once again, Prime Powerteam will kick off the 2026 season in Florida. We begin at ROK Cup Florida Winter Tour – Round 1 at Orlando Kart Center from January 16–18. From there, we stay in Orlando for two back-to-back weekends at the RMC Winter Trophy on January 23–25 and January 30–February 1.


After that, we head west—still staying warm—for the RMC West Trophy, scheduled for February 28–March 1, with the location to be announced soon.

Every year, these events draw large grids and strong international competition. If you can make it work, winter racing down south is one of the best decisions you can make for your development and your season. Here are some of the biggest reasons why.


1. Escape the Canadian Winter

January and February in Canada can be difficult months for outdoor motorsports. Winter racing offers a break from the cold and a chance to enjoy warm weather, sunshine, and mid-winter track time while most people are still dealing with snow.

Orlando is a fantastic destination for families. Many drivers turn the trip into a combined vacation enjoy everything Orlando has to offer (Disney, Universal, Sea World Etc.) on off days. It’s the perfect mix of competition and family time in a climate that feels like summer.


2. World-Class Competition

Florida winter racing attracts drivers from across North America and around the world. At last year’s RMC Winter Trophy, competitors represented more than 10 different countries, creating an environment filled with diverse driving styles and high-level racecraft.

If you want to improve, you need to challenge yourself. Racing against strong, varied competition accelerates learning and helps drivers see exactly where they stack up internationally.


3. Early Chance at Rotax Grand Finals Tickets

For Rotax racers, winter racing is a chance to secure a spot at the Rotax Grand Finals before the Canadian season even begins.
Both the RMC Winter Trophy and RMC West events award Grand Finals tickets to winners in select classes.

Securing a ticket early in the year allows drivers to enter the Canadian season without the pressure of chasing points or hoping for last-minute results. It’s a huge advantage.


4. Perfect Opportunity to Try a New Class

Every winter, we support drivers looking to:

  • Move from Briggs to two-stroke racing
  • Move up in class (Mini to Junior, Junior to Senior)
  • Test equipment before committing to a full season

Winter racing provides an ideal environment for this. We offer complete arrive-and-drive packages—including kart, engine, data, tuning, and coaching—so drivers can get real seat time in a new category without the stress and tight schedules that come with summer racing.

There’s no shortcut to development. Consistent laps and competitive racing are what prepare drivers for success when the Canadian season begins. The drivers who race with us in Florida typically arrive in April already comfortable, confident, and fast.


5. Excellent Tracks

Orlando Kart Center is widely regarded as one of the best racing destinations in North America. The layout is fast, flowing, and technical, offering multiple passing zones and rewarding drivers who can adapt quickly.

It’s no surprise that ROK Cup, Rotax, and SKUSA all host events there every year. The facility has excellent viewing areas and delivers great racing, making it a favourite for both teams and families.

RMC West also provides access to high-quality tracks out west. Last year’s event in Phoenix featured large amounts of track time, smaller grids, and several Grand Finals ticket opportunities—ideal for drivers who want focused development.


6. The Off-Season Is Simply Too Long

Waiting until April to get back into a kart means losing valuable development time. Winter racers enter the Canadian season with multiple race weekends already completed, racecraft sharpened, and consistency established.

Instead of using the first few events to shake off rust, drivers who compete in Florida start the year already prepared to fight for wins and championships.


2026 Winter Racing Schedule

ROK Cup Florida Winter Tour – Round 1
January 16–18, 2026 – Orlando Kart Center

RMC Winter Trophy – Rounds 1 & 2
January 23–25, 2026
January 30–February 1, 2026
Orlando Kart Center

RMC West Trophy
February 28–March 1, 2026
Location TBA


Join Prime Powerteam This Winter

If you’re interested in winter racing—even if you just want to explore the idea—we’d be happy to help. Whether you want to join the full team, book tent space for a major event, or try a new class with a complete arrive-and-drive program, we can tailor a package that fits your goals and your budget.

We can transport your kart to the event, or you can run one of ours. Engine rentals, kart rentals, and full support programs are all available.

To learn more or reserve your spot, contact us at [email protected].
We are now taking bookings for Florida, and details on RMC West will follow as soon as locations are confirmed.

Start your 2026 season early, escape the cold, and sharpen your skills with us in the sun. Winter racing is one of the best investments you can make in your development—and we’d love to help you experience it.

Share the Post:

Related Posts