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TKART magazine Under Review | Formula K Dragon EVO3 XS1: all the secrets of the new IPK chassis for the Shifter categories
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FORMULA K DRAGON EVO3 XS1: THE LAST EVOLUTION OF THE IPK CHASSIS FOR THE SHIFTER CATEGORIES

Gianluca Covini
24 April 2026 • 20 min. read
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CIK-FIA 2025

HOMOLOGATION
The Formula K Dragon EVO3 XS1 chassis is registered with FIA Karting homologation number 006-CH-90, the validity of which is extended until the end of 2027. The new FIA Karting regulations introduced in 2018 provide that new approvals last indefinitely, provided that the manufacturers renew their validity annually by paying the relative approval fee (To learn more, read, "Special | FIA approvals: what they are, what they are for, how long they last... The ultimate guide!").

 

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SHIFTER

CONFIGURATION
The Formula K Dragon EVO3 is homologated for use in both direct drive and shifter configurations. The XS1 version is designed specifically for the Shifter category, while the XS3 is intended for direct drive categories. Compared to the XS3 version, the differences in the XS1 are minimal and mainly concern the presence of mounts for the shift lever and the brake caliper mounting plate. In fact, with this evolution (which debuted in 2025), the bearing housings have also been standardized across the two versions. This article analyzes the version specifically designed for the Shifter categories.

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TUBES DIAMETER
Chassis are usually constructed using 30 mm and/or 32 mm tubes. The Formula K Dragon EVO3 XS1 features a chassis made entirely from tubes with a diameter of 30 mm and – generally – a thickness of 2 mm. In certain parts of the chassis, which IPK does not specify, tubes with a diameter of 30 mm are used, but with a thickness of less than 2 mm.
 

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MANUAL

WELDING
The chassis welding process is entirely manual, using the continuous wire MIG technique with gas shielding, and is carried out within IPK, the company that owns the Formula K brand.

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ALUMINUM AND MAGNESIUM

ACCESSORIES
All standard components are made of lightweight aluminum alloy. Magnesium alloy hubs are available as an optional feature.

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The Formula K Dragon EVO3 XS1 chassis is designed and manufactured by IPKarting, a leading international company specialized in the production of chassis (under the Formula K, Praga Kart, OK1 Kart and RS Kart brands), components and accessories for racing karts. Now in its third evolution (designated EVO3, which debuted in 2025), the Dragon is one of the flagship models in the Formula K range of Junior/Senior-sized chassis. It is available in two versions: the XS1, specifically for multi-gear categories, and the XS3, for single-gear categories. With the exception of the bodywork, wheels and steering wheel, all chassis components are manufactured in-house at IPKarting and marketed under the IPK Engineering brand. This approach allows each individual component to be designed and developed in a dedicated and specific manner, thereby achieving – according to IPK – maximum performance, simplicity of construction and reliability. To find out all the details about this chassis, we visited IPK’s headquarters in the town of Salizzole, about 25 km south of Verona (Italy). Speaking with the technicians at the Italian factory, we explored the design philosophies and construction techniques behind the chassis and its components, both standard and optional.

The most obvious new feature on the Dragon EVO3 is undoubtedly the introduction of the new fairings, the front fairing and the front panel KG 509. However, this hasn't led to any changes to the sticker kit design. The graphic style, however, remains unchanged, having simply been adapted to the new fairing shapes.
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