Photo: Red RC (source)
Gubbio, the nitro touring world capital, hosts the 2026 IFMAR Worlds
The Italian town of Gubbio, nicknamed the “world capital of nitro on-road racing,” opens its doors from September 8 to 12, 2026 for the IFMAR 1/10 Nitro Touring Car World Championship. More than 120 drivers from 21 nations are competing for the discipline’s most prestigious title, following the classic format: a controlled practice session on Tuesday, two days of qualifying, then the decisive final on Saturday, September 12.
Jilles Groskamp defends his title against strong competition
Dutch driver Jilles Groskamp, on an Infinity chassis, arrives in Gubbio as the defending champion. A former 2012 electric world champion, he is a clear favourite but will have to deal with a particularly deep field.
Coelho, Matsukura and Kurzbuch, the other title contenders
Facing him, Portuguese driver Bruno Coelho, already crowned ISTC world champion in 2022, is aiming for a return to the top. Japan’s Naoto Matsukura, also on Infinity and 2018 world champion, completes the trio of past winners entered. Switzerland’s Simon Kurzbuch, a world championship podium finisher in 2016 and backed this season by a new Shepherd teammate, adds another card to this leading quartet.
An event marked by travel drama
Organising this edition has not been plain sailing for the discipline’s observers: a volcanic eruption forced the closure of several airports in Indonesia, delaying by 14 hours the return of specialist media who were covering the Asian Buggy Championship final at the same time. This weekend will reveal the name of the new IFMAR 1/10 Nitro Touring World Champion.
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