CRG (kart manufacturer)

CRG is an Italian kart chassis manufacturer. Notable drivers who competed using their machinery include Max Verstappen and his mother Sophie Kumpen, as well as Alex Zanardi, Vitantonio Liuzzi and Lewis Hamilton.

Founded by three Italian racers (Carlo Vanaria, Roberto Vanaria and Giancarlo Tinini), CRG was originally known as Kalì Kart. In the beginning, the company was viewed as unfavorable, with Zanardi being told by his original team, DAP, that if he didn't stop complaining, they would "send him to Kalì". By the mid-1980s, Kalì had recovered from its inauspicious beginnings and was winning world championships with drivers including Mike Wilson.

Kalì changed its name to CRG in the 1986. They soon competed in more world championships with drivers including Danilo Rossi and Alessandro Manetti. CRG also goes under the name of Tinini Group, which was created in 2017, which is now visible on all sticker kits. CRG has also relations with Dino Chiesa (Chiesa Corse); the notable Italian chassis mechanic assisted multiple world champions as well as many other drivers through CRG.

CRG began building engines in the mid-1990s, but they were never widely used outside of the factory teams. In 2001, they were replaced by the Maxter brand which produces 100 cc and 125 cc gearbox engines. They also have been involved in the Maxter engine range. They were also the main supplier for brands including Maranello, Vanspeed, Zanardi, Dino, and DR Kart. In recent years, the team has partnered with TM racing.

In the past 30 years, CRG has been one of the most successful brands and has been chosen by several current motorsport champions. For this reason, CRG Racing team is considered the “Champions Factory”. Drivers such as Michael Schumacher (for Kali), Max Verstappen, Alex Zanardi, Ralf Schumacher, Giancarlo Fisichella, and others have competed for the brand.