If you’ve ever dreamed of racing wheel-to-wheel without needing to sell your house or remortgage your soul, EnduroKA might just be the series you’ve been looking for.
Launched in 2019, EnduroKA is a grassroots endurance racing championship designed around one simple idea: affordable, accessible fun. It’s a series that invites newcomers and seasoned racers alike to experience the thrill of proper circuit racing, all from behind the wheel of a humble Ford KA.
The Thinking Behind EnduroKA
At its heart, EnduroKA is about stripping racing back to the essentials. No aero trickery. No engine tuning wars. Just driver skill, race strategy, and reliability. Every car on the grid is based on a Ford KA Mk1 1300cc (2002–2008), with a fixed list of modifications allowed — most of them control parts like suspension, tyres, and brakes.
This spec approach means races are ultra-competitive, with minimal performance gaps between teams. It also keeps costs down and levels the playing field — ideal for those looking to dip a toe into motorsport without getting drowned by costs.
Why Race in EnduroKA?
For starters, it’s proper endurance racing. We’re talking 4.5, 5, and even 6-hour races — with a couple of feature events running into the night. The 2025 season opens with the “12 Heures Du Norfolk” at Snetterton and wraps up with the “KA 500” at Brands Hatch. You get a full spread of iconic UK circuits: Oulton Park, Cadwell, Croft, Donington… the works.
But the real magic? It’s doable. Teams can field up to 4 drivers (6 for longer events), making it more sociable and shareable — both in cost and seat time. The races require proper stints, pit strategy, and teamwork — it’s everything that makes endurance racing so special, just at a more human scale.
How Much Does It Really Cost?
Let’s break it down:
Car build:
- Donor KA: ~£500–£1,200 depending on condition
- Control parts (coilovers, brakes, tyres, cage, etc.): ~£3,000–£4,000 from Burton Power and SCP Tyres
- Safety kit (seat, belts, fire extinguisher, suit, helmet, etc.): ~£1,500–£2,000
Entry fees (2025):
- Round 1 (Snetterton 12hr): £1,750
- Other rounds: £900–£1,650 depending on circuit and race length
Split between 3 or 4 drivers, you’re looking at a few hundred quid each per race — which is astonishingly reasonable for circuit racing in the UK.
Of course, there are extras (fuel, transport, spares), but the point is this: it’s real racing on a tight budget.
What Goes Into a KA Race Car?
You’ll need to keep things fairly standard — that’s the rule. But here’s a quick look at what needs changing or fitting to race legally:
- GAZ suspension kit (GFH345KA)
- Toyo Proxes R888R tyres (185/60R13)
- Compo ML1357 13×5.5 wheels
- Control brake pads, window net, roll cage, etc.
- Under car lighting & spotlights for night races
- Mandatory towing straps, rear-view mirror, and FIA-compliant safety gear
Here’s a helpful visual showing the full car spec (from the series documentation):
Everything you need is available via series suppliers, with part numbers listed and bulk kits on offer.
Should You Build One?
If you’re itching to get into motorsport but have been priced out by the usual suspects, EnduroKA is genuinely one of the best-value options on the grid. It’s rough-and-ready, it’s competitive, and it builds proper racecraft — all in a car that most people wouldn’t think twice about.
Whether you’re part of a group of mates, a sim racer ready to jump into the real world, or just someone who wants to feel the buzz of a race weekend — EnduroKA is well worth a look.
