The 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy is set to reach its dramatic conclusion this week at the Steel Ring in Trinec, Czech Republic. This season finale will not only crown the championship winners but also award coveted tickets to the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Portimao. The event marks the second consecutive year that the Steel Ring has hosted the Euro Trophy, following a memorable 2025 debut.
The Steel Ring circuit, opened in 2017, has quickly established itself as a premier venue for international and national karting championships in Central Europe. With a length of 1,234 meters a width ranging from nine to ten meters, and seven meters of elevation change across 18 corners, the circuit offers a challenging and exciting racing experience. Its international CIK FIA homologation further solidifies its reputation as a top-tier racing destination.
The Stakes: Grand Finals Tickets and Championship Titles
The season finale in Trinec will award tickets to the 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Portimao. The following competitors will secure their spots: the Mini MAX winner the top three in Junior MAX and Senior MAX the DD2 Champion and Vice-Champion and the DD2 Masters Champion. Additionally, the Czech Euro Cup titles will be assigned in Mini MAXE20 Senior and E20 Masters.
The event will also decide the 2026 Euro Trophy champions in Junior MAXSenior MAXDD2 and DD2 Masters. The excitement is palpable as competitors vie for these prestigious titles and the opportunity to represent their categories in the Grand Finals.
Leaders in the Pack: Who’s Ahead?
Junior MAX Standings
In the Junior MAX category, Zdenek Babicek leads the classification with 463 points followed by Rares Pascu with 426 points and Martin Soltys with 415 points. The competition is fierce, and the outcome remains uncertain as the final races approach.
Senior MAX Standings
The Senior MAX category sees Jeremy Reuvers at the top with 434 points closely pursued by Freddie Lloyd with 418 points and Gilbert Lewis with 403 points. The battle for the top spot is intense, and every point counts in the final rounds.
DD2 Standings
In the DD2 category, Jakub Bezel arrives in Trinec as the points leader with 474 points ahead of Leonardo Baccaglini with 444 points and Patryk Donica with 430 points. The competition is tight, and the final races will determine the ultimate champion.
DD2 Masters Standings
The DD2 Masters category is led by Nicolas Picot with 489 points followed by Dimo Notarfrancesco with 460 points and Martin Pasandin with 289 points. The experienced racers are giving it their all in the final rounds to secure the championship title.
Exclusive Prize: Porsche Test Day
Adding to the excitement, the winners of the Senior MAX and DD2 categories will secure a test day in the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup with Team Omnia. This exclusive prize, introduced for the 2026 season, offers winners the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving the same cars fielded by Omnia Motorsport in the Porsche Carrera Cup Italia. This incentive further elevates the stakes and adds a layer of prestige to the competition.
Event Timetable
The event kicks off with free practices on Wednesday, September 9 and continues on Thursday, September 10. The action intensifies on Friday, September 11 with free practices, non-qualifying practices, qualifying practices, and heats scheduled throughout the day. Saturday, September 12 features a warm-up session followed by heats. The grand finale takes place on Sunday, September 13 with live TV and streaming coverage starting at 10:20 AM for the prefinals and 1:45 PM for the finals.
The final races will be broadcast in the following order: DD2/DD2 Masters at 1:45 PME20 Senior/Masters at 2:15 PMMini MAX at 2:45 PMJunior MAX at 3:15 PM and Senior MAX at 3:45 PM. Fans and enthusiasts can look forward to a day filled with high-speed action and thrilling competition.
