Using an IAME engine, Alpine Cars’ ‘Affiliate driver’ (hence likely future Formula One star) Kean Nakamura-Berta has clinched the FIA Karting European Championship for the OK class. His title was secured at July’s final event at Franciacorta in Northern Italy. This meeting saw the first public demonstration of IAME and rival engines for the new OK-N class. The OK-N class has been devised as a more affordable platform for national events than OK. 
Engines have been developed for OK-N by IAME, Vortex, Modena Engines and TM Racing. These to-be homologated 2023 engines are water cooled, 125 cc single cylinder two strokes that are fitted with a balance shaft. Reed valves are used and OK-N permits use of either a bowl-type or a diaphragm-type carburettor of similar efficiency with the respective national authority deciding which type will be used under its jurisdiction.
Compared to - likewise direct drive - OK engines the OK-N engines run 1000 rpm slower due to a mandatory 15,000 rpm rev limit but nevertheless produce in the region of 35 bhp. Simplicity - for consideration of cost and reliability - is enforced by a ban on exhaust ‘power’ valves, batteries, wiring looms, clutches and starters. The OK-N engine is fitted with a decompression valve to assist push starting.
Designed to be run in stock homologated trim, the OK-N engine weighs in at just 10 kg due to its lack of ancillaries. Nevertheless the OK-N kart is mandated to be heavier than an OK machine. It is also restricted to a lower performance tyre yet the FIA reports that it will be “competitive [in terms of lap time] with anything else on the market in the niche of accessible national competitions”.
In 2024 the FIK will run an OK-N Karting World Cup for the top OK-N drivers from each national arena.