Gianfranco Galiffa, an iconic figure in the paddock and multiple-time world champion, is certainly one of the most qualified people to assess the state of KZ—a category we have always valued as one of the cornerstones of the sport, particularly among private drivers.

"First of all, KZ meets the needs of amateur drivers: it is easy to find a used kart on the market, and many people specifically look for a KZ because they are drawn to gearbox karts," explains Galiffa. "For those with some skills to manage their kart independently, it is ideal and well within reach for those who approach the sport at an amateur level. This category is the backbone of karting, especially at the club level. In many races, KZ is sometimes the only class with a full grid, unlike national single-speed categories."

Galiffa has no doubts about the strength of the category: "It is the foundation. When you drive a gearbox kart, you truly learn to become a car driver and to feel the engine. Single-speed karts are very fast in corners, and young drivers learn a lot from an early age. However, when you move up to KZ, you gain additional experience with a machine that requires a driving style more similar to that of a car. So, I would say that if you want to transition to car racing, KZ is absolutely necessary. The many young drivers entering KZ are proof of this. One of the biggest changes I have observed in recent years is that the average age of KZ drivers has dropped significantly—we now have many young talents."

 

A final consideration concerns the gap between KZ1 and KZ2, which many would like to see more pronounced: "Personally, I would support the idea of a TOP class KZ1 by modifying the regulations to allow a bit more freedom at every level, including tire choices. At the moment, KZ1 and KZ2 are essentially two identical karts."