The buzz surrounding Season 3 of RMC Ontario feels different.
What started in 2024 as a championship put together on relatively short notice has quickly evolved into one of the most talked-about karting programs in the country. Year 2 saw dramatic growth in attendance, structure, professionalism, and overall momentum. Now, heading into 2026, RMC Ontario enters its third season with full head of steam and a growing belief that the championship is helping reshape Rotax racing in Ontario.
As Round 1 approaches at Hamilton Karting Complex, there are no shortage of storylines to watch.
1. Who Will Become the Inaugural DD2 Champion?
The biggest talking point entering 2026 is undoubtedly the addition of DD2.
The question everyone is asking is simple — what kind of turnout can we expect, and who will become the first-ever RMC Ontario DD2 Champion?
It is no secret that DD2 participation in Ontario has struggled in recent years. That is unfortunate because many would argue DD2 produces some of the best racing in karting. The speed, the starts, direct-drive racing, and driver skill required make it one of the purest forms of karting anywhere in the world.
So why introduce DD2 to the championship now?
The answer is simple: for something to exist, you have to offer it.
Or, to borrow from Field of Dreams — “If you build it, they will come.”
From the beginning, RMC Ontario has always been about more than simply offering tickets to the Rotax Grand Finals. The vision was to help rebuild Rotax racing in Ontario, and it is difficult to argue the series has not already had a major impact.
Back in 2024, the only major Rotax racing most Ontario drivers saw consistently was at the Canadian Karting Championships. Fast forward to today and the landscape looks very different.
Hamilton Regional Kart Club has fully embraced Rotax racing in all club races outside of Inter-Club weekends, and participation numbers have steadily grown. Mosport Karting Centre added Rotax classes into MIKA competition, while KartStars Canada has also expanded Rotax offerings into several of its events.
RMC Ontario has already proven that if opportunities exist, racers will support them.
Now the hope is that DD2 follows the same path.
The championship knows Quebec support will likely play a major role in Year 1, and all Quebec competitors are welcomed enthusiastically. Whether DD2 becomes a small strategic championship battle or an unexpectedly deep field remains to be seen, but either way it will be one of the most fascinating storylines of the season.
2. Will 2026 Produce a Repeat Champion?
Through the first two years of RMC Ontario competition, there have been six champions across six opportunities — every single title winner has been different.
That streak could end this season.
In Mini-Max, there will guaranteed be a new champion, as both the 2024 and 2025 title winners are racing Junior-Max competition this year.
That creates an intriguing storyline in Junior, where former Mini champions Mateo Pai and Leo Da Silva now have the opportunity to become two-time RMC Ontario champions in different categories.
Meanwhile in Senior-Max, former champions Arnaud Sabourin and Ryan Maxwell will both be chasing a second championship as well.
Neither path will be easy.
Senior-Max may be the deepest and most competitive class RMC Ontario has seen yet. The talent level entering 2026 looks exceptionally strong, and winning the championship will likely require consistency across all four rounds rather than simply outright speed on any given weekend.
3. Will the Hamilton Drivers Have an Early Advantage?
Round 1 takes place at Hamilton Karting Complex, where Rotax racing has become a near-weekly fixture through HRKC competition.
Naturally, that raises the question — will the Hamilton regulars hold an advantage?
It is certainly possible early in the weekend. Extra laps and local familiarity never hurt, especially at a technical facility like Hamilton.
At the same time, Hamilton has hosted countless major races over the past several years, and many competitors entering Round 1 already have substantial experience there. Add in the fact that HRKC rotates through four different layouts during club competition, and any early local advantage may disappear quickly once the event settles in.
As always in karting, the strongest drivers tend to rise to the occasion regardless of where the race is held.
4. Could an Out-of-Province Driver Win an RMC Ontario Title?
RMC Ontario continues to attract increasing participation from outside Ontario, and there is a very real possibility one or more championships leave the province in 2026.
Last year’s Mini-Max Champion Mateo Pai represented British Columbia and 2024’s Sr. Champ is from Quebec, proving already that Ontario drivers are far from guaranteed to dominate the standings.
The series has also incredible support from Quebec competitors over the past two seasons, and with four championships now available, the odds of an out-of-province champion are higher than ever before.
5. Could Round 1 Preview the Canadian Championships?
The Canadian Karting Championships at Hamilton Karting Complex are still months away, but do not be surprised if Round 1 offers an early glimpse into what August could look like.
For many drivers and teams, this weekend is about more than just championship points. It is also an opportunity to gather information, test setups, and establish momentum ahead of Nationals later this summer.
With the Canadian Championships returning to Hamilton, expect many competitors to approach this weekend with an extra level of focus knowing the work put in now could pay dividends later in the season.
One thing is certain — Season 3 of RMC Ontario feels like the biggest yet, and Round 1 should give us our first indication of just how high the ceiling for this championship really is.
If you are participating in RMC Ontario round 1 we strongly reccomend giving this a once over as it covers everything you need to know – https://rmcontario.com/everything-you-need-to-know-before-rmc-ontario-round-1/
