2024 Update
At the end of 2023, I made a significant decision to pull out of the Honda 160 class. After growing too tall for the kart, I decided to take a major leap and move straight into the Junior Max class, skipping both the R200 and Inter classes. I knew this would be a huge challenge. Not only was I going to be the lightest driver in a class known for its demanding nature, but I’d also be up against older, more experienced racers. However, I wasn’t going to let that deter me—I was determined to prove I belonged in the Junior Max field.
My first experience in the Junior Rotax was nothing short of a shock. The raw power and the intense G-forces were completely different from anything I had experienced in karting. After just half a day of practice, I was absolutely drained. It became clear that if I wanted to compete at this level, I needed to make some serious improvements to my physical fitness. That’s when I turned to my mum, the fitness guru in our family. She helped me get started with the Couch to 5K program and introduced some strength training to my routine to build endurance and muscle, which would be critical in handling the kart.
In January 2024, I made my competitive debut in the Junior Max class at Bayford Meadows. This was the track where I’d be learning the ropes for the year. The BM plate race marked only my second karting experience at this level, and it was tough. Throughout the race weekend, I struggled physically, and my lack of experience showed. In the final, I made a critical mistake by flooding the engine, and because I didn’t have the knowledge or practice in that situation, I couldn’t get the kart restarted. I was gutted not to finish the race, but still managed to place 12th out of 16 drivers, which gave me the confidence to keep going.
I wasn’t about to give up that easily. I entered the BMKR championship the following month, determined to improve. I continued working on my fitness, balancing both cardio and strength training to better prepare for the physical demands of racing. Alongside fitness, I spent as much time as I could practicing on the track. During the early rounds, I found myself consistently finishing in the bottom third of the pack. It was frustrating, but I knew I had the potential to do better.
As the rounds progressed, my fitness and racecraft began to improve. I felt more comfortable in the kart, stronger on the track, and more confident in my decision-making. My hard work was starting to pay off, and by the final round of the championship, I qualified 5th. However, a penalty in the pre-final meant I had to start from the back of the grid in the final race. I was undeterred and gave it everything I had, battling my way from 17th all the way up to 8th place! That race was a turning point for me—it showed that I could compete in this class and that my determination was beginning to pay off.
I’m really excited about the remaining rounds of the BMKR championship. My goal is to finish the competition in the top half of the table, and I feel like I’m on the right track. I’ve learned so much about racing, fitness, and resilience over the past year, and I’m eager to see what the rest of 2024 brings.
Beyond the Junior Max class, I’ve also had the opportunity to race in the Club100 and DRS series at Buckmore and Shennington. Both series offer a fantastic introduction to competitive karting, and I highly recommend them to anyone thinking about making the leap into owner-driver karting. The experience I’ve gained from these series has been invaluable, providing me with insights that have helped me improve as a driver.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my karting journey has been supporting my best friend Zak in his UKC campaign. I’ve been there to offer advice, encouragement, and support as he navigates his own challenges in the world of karting. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of supporting Autism in Motorsport at Red Lodge, a cause that is very close to my heart. Watching Zak’s progress and seeing the impact of our support within the community has been incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me that karting isn’t just about competition—it’s about the friendships, teamwork, and shared experiences that come with it.
As I look ahead to the rest of 2024, I’m more motivated than ever. Karting has been a journey of growth and learning, both on and off the track. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited for the challenges that lie ahead. No matter the outcome, I know that each race is another step forward in my development as a driver and an individual.
2023 update
So I guess it makes sense to start at the beginning and hope by the end I’ve managed to explain my journey fairly well.
Ok, so it all started about a year ago at my Best Friend’s ( known by you guys as Zak from Zenico ) Birthday sleepover.
It was decided that Go Karting at Bayford Meadows was one of things we were going to do on that weekend. Little did either of us know just how much that decision would change so much for both of us.
I had only been in a Go Kart once, but this time I was much older and enjoyed it so much more.
To be honest I genuinely can’t remember all the details of what happened once we got out of the Karts that day.
What I do know is that Zak and I thought it was so much fun and wanted to do it again.
Both of our parents looked into how we could do it more often and came across the “Academy” at Bayford Meadows.
We joined up but I definitely felt nervous as I walked into the room on the first day. Some drivers were already in suits and helmets and I didn’t even know where to get mine or what size I needed!
The Academy Days were every month and each session we learnt something different about the Kart itself, Driving or about ourselves. Also as time went on I was getting a little bit better the more track time I got. Each time though, I was nervous and that didn’t seem to go away.
Zak and I began talking about Karting more and more in between the sessions and we both could see and feel that we were becoming better drivers.
As the Academy was coming to an end, neither of us wanted to stop so it was then that our parents looked into the next step.
We signed up to the Summer Cup at Bayford Meadows and started to talk about getting our own Karts at some point in the future ( though our Dads kept looking at Karts and Trailers a lot! ) However, one day Zak’s parents decided to get him his own Kart and sent us pictures. It looked amazing. I was happily invited to an Owners Day with Zenico and his brand new Go Kart.
That day we took it in turns to have a go in the Kart but I was too worried to even go fast as I might wreck his kart and was pulling 1:29 lap times ( if you don’t know this track - I’m not embarrassed to admit this is super slow )
However on that day, my parents saw how much I enjoyed it and started to talk to the other parents who did Karting professionally. They found someone selling a Kart.
As none of us knew anything about Karts at that time, we spoke to the local team Project One (by the way they are very helpful and would recommend talking to them if you have any problems or questions). They said it would be ok for non racing days, which was good for the time, but wouldn’t be so good in the future. So instead they offered us a deal we just couldn’t say no to.
So the next time we turned up at the track, I had my brilliant Go Kart. I had one thing on my mind -to beat my slow lap time!!!
As soon as I sat in the Go Kart something felt natural and I pulled a 59:90 and was constantly in the low one minutes.
I knew then that if I kept going I could get better and better.
So here we are today, almost a year down the line.
Alongside Zak in that year, I’ve practiced and practiced. Only a few weeks ago I got Best Novice at Bayford and this weekend managed 3 PB’s in a day, pulling in a 53.6.
I’ve just grown out of the 160 and about to get a Junior Rotax.
Our Dads have learnt so much about Karts along the way ( they are definitely our Pit Crew) and our Mums have learnt how to help us off the track, celebrating our successes and helping us to get over the races we know we could of done better on.
I’m not going to pretend it’s easy. To be honest it’s sometimes really hard……mentally and physically.
Sometimes you make mistakes, sometimes you lose concentration and sometimes your best doesn’t feel good enough.
But, deep down inside you have to remember that you can do it. You have to fail in order to learn and try not to put yourself down.
My advice to anyone starting out would really be this;
You have to put in the effort, remember why you started, don’t forget to look back at how far you’ve come. You are your own competition - beat yourself first, then you can start catching everyone else.
Good luck - you’ve got this.
