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, Lando Norris, George Russell, Isack Hadjar, Kimi Räikkönen, Jenson Button, 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 E20 started the first time as a fixed category at the RMC Grand Finals in Bahrain.
2019 Introduction of the Rotax E20 E-Kart at the RMC Grand Finals in Italy.
2018 Debut of the first Rotax electric kart, the THUNDeR, in the German E-Kart Championship.
2015 First RMC 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 RMC Grand Finals celebrate their 10th anniversary.
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 – and introduction of the Rotax RM1 kart.
2000 Introduction of the Rotax 125 Junior MAX engine and launch of the very first Rotax MAX Challenge (RMC) Grand Finals.
1999 Start of the first national Rotax MAX Challenge (RMC) race series.
1997 Introduction of the legendary Rotax 125 MAX engine, adapting our high-performance Aprilia motorcycle technology.
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).
1988 Rotax engines dominate the Karting World Championship, securing nine of the top ten positions.
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).
1972 Our passion for the track started with the Rotax 124 kart engine.
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 powersports markets. Since 1920, BRP-Rotax has been driving technological progress and sustainable mobility.
The innovative Rotax four-stroke and two-stroke high-performance engines are used in BRP products such as Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and pontoons, Can-Am on and off-road vehicles, Quintrex boats as well as in Rotax marine propulsion systems, karts and aircraft applications. With sustainable products such as the Can-Am electric ATVs and motorcycles and Lynx electric snowmobile, the first emission-free Lynx HySnow snowmobile and the high-performance E20 and E10 e-kart series, BRP-Rotax is a pioneer in the field of alternative drive technologies. Approximately 1,500 employees work in Gunskirchen, Upper Austria, on innovative propulsion systems for the global market.
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BRP - Powering the world of motor sports
BRP Inc. is a global leader in the world of powersports products and powertrains, built on over 80 years of ingenuity, innovation, and intensive consumer focus. Through its portfolio of industry-leading and distinctive brands featuring Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and pontoons, Can-Am on- and off-road vehicles, Quintrex boats as well as Rotax engines for karts, recreational aircraft and jet boats, BRP unlocks exhilarating adventures and provides access to experiences across different playgrounds.
The Company completes its product lines with a dedicated parts, accessories and apparel portfolio to fully optimize the riding experience. Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, BRP had annual sales of CA$8.4 billion from over 110 countries and employed close to 17,000 driven, resourceful people as of January 31, 2026.
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