DEVELOPMENT OF KARTING IN KAZAKHSTAN: A SUPPORT MODEL BASED ON THE SMP RACING PROGRAM

Karting represents the foundational stage of professional motorsport and serves as the primary entry point for the majority of international racing drivers. Countries that have achieved sustained success in motorsport have consistently relied on structured karting development systems that integrate athlete training, technical education, financial support, and international exposure. In Kazakhstan, karting development remains fragmented and largely dependent on private initiatives, lacking a centralized institutional framework. This article explores the feasibility of implementing a national karting development model in Kazakhstan based on the experience of the SMP Racing program. The study combines comparative analysis and institutional assessment to identify key structural gaps in the current system. A comprehensive development framework titled the “Qazaq Karting Program” is proposed, incorporating talent identification, centralized training, public–private partnerships, infrastructure expansion, and international integration. The findings suggest that adapting a systematic karting support model can enhance Kazakhstan’s international motorsport competitiveness and contribute to the formation of technical and engineering human capital.