SKUSA SuperNationals
The Superkarts! USA 'SuperNationals, also known as the SKUSA SuperNats', is a kart racing competition organized by Superkarts! USA, taking place in and around Las Vegas, Nevada. Hosted annually since 1997, it is the largest karting competition in North America.
Several past entrants have progressed to premier motor racing series, such as Formula One, the NASCAR Cup Series, and the IndyCar Series. These have included two Formula One World Drivers' Champions: Michael Schumacher and Max Verstappen.
History
The Superkarts! USA SuperNationals was inaugurated in November 1997. While 1997 is recognized as the official start of the SuperNationals, the event evolved from a prior race organized by shifter kart enthusiast JR Clasen. In 1997, the manager of SKUSA, Jim Murley, took control of the event with the aim of growing the sport in the United States.The inaugural event was held at Race Kart City Raceway, later known as the Las Vegas Karting Center, and attracted over 180 entries across multiple categories. Alex Barron emerged as the winner of the highly competitive 125cc Moto class, one of the event’s premier divisions.
Over the years, the SuperNationals has been hosted at five different venues across Las Vegas:
- Las Vegas Karting Complex
- Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino
- Sam Boyd Stadium
- Las Vegas Convention Center
- Las Vegas Motor Speedway
The SKUSA SuperNationals has grown into an internationally recognized event, attracting top karting talent and professional drivers from various disciplines, including Formula One, IndyCar, NASCAR, and rallying:
- Formula One drivers: Michael Schumacher, Max Verstappen, Sergio Pérez, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Lance Stroll, and Logan Sargeant.
- Other notable entrants: Will Power, Sébastien Bourdais, Dan Wheldon, Alexander Rossi, and Josef Newgarden.