California driver John “JohnJohn” McLellan will advance into the international OK-Junior category with Ward Racing for the next phase of his European karting program.
The move follows a breakthrough summer in Italy. McLellan earned pole position, won both heat races and recorded the fastest lap of the final at IAME Series Italy. One week later, he finished fourth among 64 international drivers at the WSK Euro Series finale in Cremona, making him the highest-finishing American in the category.
WSK Euro Series Finale Highlights
Competing with Ward Racing in OK-N Junior, McLellan produced one of his strongest international weekends to date:
- Fifth-fastest in his qualifying group
- Two third-place heat-race finishes
- Fourth in the pre-final
- Fourth in the final
McLellan began his 2026 European program in OK-N Junior, contesting the opening round of the ACI Karting Italian Championship and Rounds 2 and 3 of the WSK Euro Series with Ward Racing.
The Next Step in European Competition
OK-N Junior serves as the national-level version of the direct-drive Junior category. OK-Junior is its faster international counterpart and attracts leading factory-supported teams, manufacturers and young drivers from around the world.
The category represents an important step towards FIA Karting competition and, ultimately, Formula racing.
McLellan completed a successful initial OK-Junior testing program with Ward Racing before confirming the move.
“JohnJohn has made outstanding progress during his first season in Europe. His performances showed he was ready for the next challenge. Moving into OK-Junior is the natural next step, and racing in the WSK Final Cup will give him valuable experience against one of the strongest fields in international karting.”
— Joakim Ward, Ward Racing Team Principal
Building Toward 2027
McLellan began competing in OK-N Junior in Mexico’s Formula Karts Series in 2025. He finished as vice-champion, earned Rookie of the Year honors and secured an entry to the 2025 FIA Karting World Cup in Cremona, Italy.
With another full year of OK-Junior eligibility in 2027, the WSK Final Cup will begin the next phase of his international racing program.
McLellan will make his OK-Junior race debut during the opening round of the WSK Final Cup at Franciacorta Karting Track in Castrezzato, Italy, August 26–30.
He will then continue the championship at:
- Round 2: South Garda Karting, Lonato — November 18–22
- Round 3: Leopard Circuit, Viterbo — November 25–29
Follow JohnJohn’s European racing program: @johnjohnracer on Instagram.