Maranello MK3 vs Formula K Dragon EVO3: Which OK Chassis?
Two chassis, many classes, two driving philosophies. We are not going to tell you which is “the best” here: there is no such thing. We explain how they are built and how to choose the right one for you, your class and your weight.
In short Both are top-level chassis: the choice depends on class, weight and grip. The Maranello MK3, with 30 mm tubes, rewards precision, rotation and turn-in, with the Sniper system for adjusting caster and camber from the front.
How to read a chassis: Ø30 vs Ø32 tubes
Tube diameter determines the stiffness of the frame, and stiffness determines how the kart works in corners.
Ø30 tubes, more flexible: the chassis flexes more, lifts the inside rear wheel better and helps rotation. It works best with good grip and lighter drivers. It is the most common diameter and the standard in single-speed classes.
Ø32 tubes, stiffer: they flex less and give more traction and stability on low grip (cold or dirty track) and with heavier drivers. It is the typical choice for KZ, which has to cope with shifter torque and braking with front brakes.
Mixed 30/32: the middle way, balancing flex and stiffness.
Rule of thumb: more grip or a lighter driver, go towards 30; less grip, a heavier driver or a shifter, go towards 32.
Maranello MK3: our flagship chassis
The Maranello MK3, for which TKS RaceLab is an official dealer, is the range's reference chassis for OK/OKJ: a chrome-moly frame with Ø30 mm tubes, progressive and stable, forgiving of mistakes and the most intuitive chassis to drive. Quick adjustments with the Sniper system (caster and camber from the front), FL/2.0 bearing carriers and a Ven hydraulic braking system.
The Maranello range, model by model
All Maranello chassis share the same design approach, but the frame and tube diameter change to suit the class:
MK2: Mini. Ø28 mm tubes and a dedicated wheelbase (950/1010 mm): designed for Mini classes and younger drivers.
MK3: the all-rounder. Ø30 mm tubes: the reference for OK and OK Junior, also available in KZ and direct-drive versions. Progressive and stable.
MK1: built for shifters. Ø32 mm tubes, a stiffer frame: developed for the KZ class, where you need structure and grip under the torque of a shifter engine.
MK4: the KZ evolution. Mixed Ø30/32 mm tubes: the latest evolution for KZ, balancing stiffness and free rolling.
RS11: DD2. A chassis dedicated to the Rotax DD2, with a reinforced bearing carrier on the brake side.
The racing models are CIK-FIA homologated: check the homologation form for your class and the current homologation cycle, because it is updated periodically.
Formula K Dragon EVO3: the solid alternative
The Formula K Dragon EVO3 is a complete and adaptable chassis, available in Ø30 and Ø32.
Three versions: XS3 (TaG/OK), XS1 (Shifter/KZ) and DD2 (dedicated to the Rotax DD2). A rear axle adjustable on 4 levels, an IPK eccentric system at the front, Carbotech alloy components (light and strong), reinforced seat supports and adjustable Ackermann angle.
OK, KZ or DD2? The right version for your class
OK / OKJ / TaG / Rotax MAX (single-speed): MK3 direct drive or Dragon EVO3 XS3, normally Ø30.
KZ (shifter): MK3 KZ or Dragon EVO3 XS1, Ø32 or mixed.
DD2 (two-speed Rotax): a dedicated chassis, Maranello RS11 or Dragon EVO3 DD2.
Which to choose: the rule of thumb
Light driver, high grip, looking for rotation: Ø30, Maranello MK3 (its home ground) or Dragon EVO3 30.
Heavy driver or low-grip tracks: Ø32, Dragon EVO3 32 or KZ versions.
You race in KZ: MK3 KZ or Dragon EVO3 XS1 (Ø32).
You race in DD2: Maranello RS11 or Dragon EVO3 DD2.
You want a benchmark chassis, focused on 30 mm, with quick front adjustment (Sniper) and official support: Maranello MK3.
You want a wide choice of class versions: Formula K Dragon EVO3.
Not sure where to start? We will help you choose the right chassis based on your class, weight and the tracks you race on.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the Maranello MK3 or the Formula K Dragon EVO3?
Both are top-level chassis: the choice depends on class, weight and grip, not on a ranking. The Maranello MK3, our flagship chassis and one we are official dealers for, is built around 30 mm tubes and rewards precision, rotation and turn-in, with quick front adjustment via the Sniper system. The Formula K Dragon EVO3 is a solid alternative, with its range of versions. Either way, we help you choose and set it up.
What is the difference between 30 mm and 32 mm tubes?
30 mm tubes flex more and help rotation: great on high grip and with lighter drivers. 32 mm tubes are stiffer and give more traction on low grip and with heavier drivers; they are the standard in KZ.
Do you sell chassis for OK, KZ and DD2?
Yes. In our shop you will find Maranello chassis for single-speed classes (OK, OKJ, TaG, Rotax MAX), for KZ shifters and for DD2, the latter on a dedicated chassis. We are official Maranello dealers.
Where can I find these chassis?
In the TKS RaceLab shop, with support to choose the right model and set it up.
Questions about this topic?
Message us on WhatsApp: we reply personally, with the experience of people who live at the track. And if you want to drive a real racing kart, with Arrive & Drive you jump into one of ours, ready to go on track. Need the right spare part? You will find it in the shop.
Arrive & Drive Pro by TKS RaceLab: 2026 karts with Rotax Senior MAX and DD2 engines, Alfano 7 telemetry and trackside technical support at Lonato, Franciacorta, Cremona and Ala. Message us on WhatsApp for information and availability.
TKS RaceLab | Performance Engineering Karting | tksracelab.com
Read also: Maranello chassis: range, classes and how to choose → · Rotax MAX EVO: classes, power and how to choose →
📞 Contact
📞 +39 352 0280 133
Author: Sergio, TKS RaceLab | Published: 2 July 2026 | Updated: 4 October 2026
TKS RaceLab is the Italian online store dedicated to karting: spare parts, accessories and everything you need to get on track. With Arrive & Drive you arrive at South Garda Karting (Lonato), Franciacorta, Cremona or Ala and find your kart ready to go. No hassle, just driving.
Comments