About
In the early 1980s, our engineers began to adapt our already popular Rotax motorcycle engines to kart racing. Since then, BRP Rotax has emerged as a leading player in the kart engines business offering a safer and more affordable karting experience without compromising on performance or the fun factor. Testament to the popularity of Rotax engines are the many Formula 1 pilots who started their racing careers in the seat of karts with Rotax engines like Max Verstappen, Kimi Raikkonen, Jenson Button, Giorgio Pantano, Anthony Davidson, Esteban Gutierrez and Robert Kubica. Rotax engines have won the most kart racing titles – and still leads the list of overall championship titles.
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Countries
100+
Rotax karting is represented in more than 100 countries worldwide.
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Distributors
50
Over the years, Rotax's worldwide distribution network has grown to comprise about 50 distributors for kart engines - enhancing the experience of our customers worldwide
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Network
700+
Worldwide, over 700 appointed authorized service centers and dealers are constantly trained to ensure the highest quality of service
The History of Rotax Karting
2022 125,000 Rotax 125 MAX engines manufactured
2021 Rotax Project E20 started the first time as fixed category at the RMC Grand Finals in Bahrain
2019 Introduction of the Rotax Project E20 E-Kart at the RMCGF in Italy
2015 First Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals with the new Rotax 125 MAX evo engine series in all categories
2014 Introduction of the Rotax 125 MAX evo engine series
2009 60,000 Rotax 125 MAX engines manufactured and the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals celebrate their 10th aAnniversary
2007 Introduction of the Rotax 125 Micro MAX
2006 Opening of market to all chassis manufacturers for the Rotax 125 MAX DD2 engine
2004 Introduction of the Rotax 125 Mini MAX engine
2002 Market introduction of the Rotax 125 MAX DD2 engine – innovative chainless drive system with 2-speed gearbox. Introduction of the Rotax RM1 kart
2000 Introduction of the Rotax 125 Junior MAX engine and Organization of the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals
1999 Start of the first national Rotax MAX Challenge race series
1997 Introduction of the Rotax 125 MAX engine
1995 CIK homologation of the innovative left-side-drive Rotax 100cc rotary and reed valve engines
1992 Introduction of the Rotax 100cc piston port engine. (CIK/ICA-Junior class)
1986 Introduction of the Rotax 100cc reed valve engine. (CIK/ICA class)
1983 Introduction of the legendary Rotax 100 cc rotary valve engine for kart racing. (CIK/FA and FSA classes)
Powering the ultimate ride
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Rotax – The power to excite
BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, the Austrian subsidiary of BRP Inc., is a leader in the development and production of propulsion systems for the leisure and powersports sector. Founded back in 1920, BRP-Rotax has been committed to future-proof mobility and technological progress for more than 100 years. Headquartered in Gunskirchen, BRP-Rotax employs more than 1,700 people and produces engines for the global market.
The innovative Rotax four- and two-stroke high-performance engines are used for BRP products such as Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo Personal Watercraft, Can-Am on- and off-road vehicles as well as for karts and recreational aircraft. With sustainable products such as the high-performance E20 e-kart series, BRP-Rotax is also a pioneer in the field of alternative powertrain models.
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BRP - Powering the world of motor sports
BRP is a global leader in the world of powersports vehicles, propulsion systems and boats built on 80 years of ingenuity and intensive consumer focus. Our portfolio of industry-leading and distinctive products includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am on and off-road vehicles, Alumacraft, Manitou, Quintrex boats and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts and recreational aircraft. We complete our lines of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and apparel business to fully enhance the riding experience. With annual sales of CA$7.6 billion from over 120 countries, our global workforce is made up of close to 20,000 driven, resourceful people.