Death of Mike Wilson, six-time world karting champion

He is one of the greatest figures of karting Mike Wilson passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the age of 66. The Barnsley (Yorkshire) native began his international karting career by joining the Zip team in 1977. Moving to Milan at the age of 20, he subsequently joined the Birel team to progress through the ranks. 

With the Italian team Birel, and later the Kali-Kart team, Mike Wilson achieved his greatest feats, notably six Formula K (135cc) world titles in 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1988, and 1989. This record still stands. He then acquired the nickname "Mike the Kart," so much did he single-handedly symbolize this discipline.

Mike Wilson also crossed swords with Ayrton Senna. Their battles left a lasting impression. He was very fast, very determined, and very tough on the track. he emphasized in the AUTOhebdo Collector dedicated to the Brazilian legend, available on our online store. The kind of guy you didn't want on your tail because you knew he wouldn't let you go. He'd do anything to get past. We collided at Jesolo during the Champions Cup in 1979. It was in a qualifying heat. I was in the lead, Ayrton was second.

Since I had fairly low tire pressures, I knew Ayrton was going to be difficult to hold off for the first two or three laps. I was on the defensive and braked a little early. We collided. He ended up in the hospital. I managed to finish the race with a puncture, but in the final, I had to finish second. He came back that evening with two or three broken ribs while I was on the podium. When I got off the bike, I got a real earful, and I called him a few names myself. That's the kind of conversation we had when we raced together… »

Unlike the three-time world champion Formula 1Mike Wilson never took the plunge. Single seatBut the Briton, who had acquired dual Italian nationality, didn't really want to force his destiny, as Rinaldo Capello, one of his rivals, recounted in the pages of AUTOhebdo. He who would become a three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Bentley and Audi (2003, 2004, 2008) recounts that Wilson voluntarily declined a steering wheel in Formula 3 with the Prema Racing team in 1985 following a private test.

“Facing me was Mike Wilson, the benchmark coming from karting (six-time world champion – Ed.). The prize for this test was attractive, as Ralt was offering a Volkswagen chassis and engine to the winner. Although my performance was good, I went home unsure if I had won this confrontation. A few days later, Prema Racing called me to tell me that Mike Wilson had decided not to switch to cars. Ralt, having been impressed by my performance, gave me the drive for the season.”

After retiring from racing following his sixth world championship victory in 1989, Mike Wilson transitioned into kart manufacturing with his own brand, Rakama. He also became a talent scout. Fernando AlonsoJuan Pablo Montoya, Lance stroll or more recently Andrea Kimi Antonelli pass through his workshops and benefit from his expertise.

The editorial team at AUTOhebdo sends its sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mike Wilson.

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