The rubber will be heating up on the Bundaberg Kart Club track this weekend as more than 260 competitors put pedal to the metal for the 2026 PanelFab Queensland Kart Championships.
Supported by Bundaberg Regional Council through its Sports Championship Funding Program, Karting Queensland’s premier annual event will bring together the state’s best drivers to compete for titles across 11 racing classes.
The championships will be held from 10 to 12 July, with hundreds of competitors and their support crews expected to travel to the region to take part.
Bundaberg Kart Club secretary Hayley Loeskow said it would be the first time in 10 years since the event was held locally and was possible thanks to ongoing support.
“Bundaberg Kart Club is extremely grateful for the support received through the Bundaberg Regional Council Community Grants Program,” she said.
“This funding has assisted the club in delivering the 2026 PanelFab Queensland Kart Championships and has helped us enhance the event experience for competitors, officials and spectators.
“The support has also enabled us to better showcase Bundaberg as a destination capable of hosting major state sporting events.”
Bundaberg Regional Council provides a range of grants and financial assistance programs to support local community groups, clubs and not-for-profit organisations.
Hayley said hosting an event of this scale required significant financial investment and thousands of volunteer hours from the club’s dedicated members.
“This funding has enabled us to invest in infrastructure, event presentation and services that improve the experience for everyone attending, while helping attract hundreds of visitors to the Bundaberg region,” she said.
“The championships are expected to deliver a significant economic benefit to local accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes, retailers and tourism operators over the event weekend.
“We would like to acknowledge the Bundaberg Regional Council grants program for its valued support of this event.
“We’d also like to acknowledge our naming rights sponsor, PanelFab, together with our many event sponsors and volunteers whose contributions have made the championships possible.”
The 2026 PanelFab Queensland Kart Championships will kick off on Friday with Mayor Helen Blackburn attending the Opening Ceremony at 4.30 pm.
She said the championships provided an opportunity to showcase Bundaberg to visitors from across Queensland and beyond.
“Events like this not only demonstrate the strength and dedication of local sporting organisations such as the Bundaberg Kart Club, they also generate valuable economic activity and help promote Bundaberg as a welcoming destination for major events and tourism.”
