Who are behind Zenico Racing, the Heart of Family Karting

Building a Supportive Karting Community: Our Mission to Help Parents and young people Succeed

When we first embarked on our karting journey, it became apparent very quickly that, while motorsport is thrilling and rewarding, it can also be a complex and sometimes isolating world for parents and newcomers. We found that there weren’t many clear resources online to help guide families through the intricacies of the sport. The steep learning curve that comes with understanding the technical side of karting, navigating race events, and finding the right equipment can feel overwhelming.

But amid this challenge, we also discovered a powerful truth: the vast majority of parents and race teams in the paddock are more than happy to share their knowledge, experiences, and support. There’s an unspoken camaraderie among most of the karting community, where parents help each other out, from advice on engines to tire choices, or simply offering a comforting word on race day. It’s this spirit of generosity and mutual aid that truly embodies what motorsport should be about.

However, like in any competitive environment, there are those who focus solely on the pursuit of winning. Some parents and teams become so focused on the outcome—on seeing their child on the podium—that they hesitate to share insights or advice with others, worried that it could give their competitors an edge. It’s a mentality we’ve encountered along the way, and while we understand the competitive drive, we believe it misses the bigger picture. Racing isn’t just about claiming first place; it’s about the growth, the learning, and the lifelong memories that come with every lap and every race.

For us, finding people willing to offer advice and share experiences made a world of difference. We were fortunate to connect with parents and teams who understood that karting is a journey, not just a series of results. Their guidance helped us overcome obstacles and navigate the often-complicated path of competitive racing. It’s this spirit of collaboration that we are passionate about passing on to others, and it’s something we are determined to cultivate at every opportunity.

How We’re Helping Others on Their Karting Journey

At the core of our mission is the desire to help other parents and their children succeed—not just on the track, but in all the ways that matter. As a family, we’ve made it a priority to share our own experiences with others in the karting community, and we’ve built a supportive network of families and racers who are on this journey together. Whether it’s helping a newcomer understand how to properly maintain their kart, guiding them on race day preparation, or simply being a friendly face in the paddock, we’re committed to making the karting world more accessible and less intimidating for all.

One of the ways we help is by mentoring new families and young racers who are just starting out. Many times, these families have no idea where to begin—what equipment to buy, what classes to enter, or how to find the right tracks. We’ve been through all of that uncertainty, so we take great pride in offering advice based on our own experiences. From the technical aspects like kart setup, tire selection, and engine maintenance, to the softer skills like racecraft, strategy, and mindset—we try to cover it all. We believe that sharing this knowledge doesn’t take away from anyone’s potential to succeed; instead, it elevates the entire karting community.

We’ve also made a point of creating opportunities for young racers to develop and hone their skills in a supportive environment. Through grassroots racing and local karting events, we encourage children to push themselves, not in pursuit of a trophy, but to grow as racers and as individuals. We often organize track days where families can come together to practice, share tips, and learn from each other. These events are less about competition and more about building confidence and skills in a relaxed setting, without the pressure of a race weekend.

Our goal is to cultivate a mindset where parents feel comfortable supporting not just their own child, but others as well. We want to create an atmosphere where families feel empowered to collaborate and share their journey openly. The relationships formed in these environments are what drive us forward—they’re the reason we’re so passionate about karting as a community sport.

Fostering Team Spirit and Celebrating Growth

The karting journey, in our eyes, is about much more than winning races. It’s about the personal growth that happens along the way. For every win, there’s a lesson learned in defeat. For every podium finish, there are countless hours of hard work, perseverance, and dedication behind the scenes. This process is what we truly celebrate—the development of character, resilience, and teamwork that karting teaches our children.

I’m incredibly proud of what Zenico and his friend Fletcher have achieved in such a short amount of time. They’ve become not just better drivers, but more confident, capable individuals because of the experiences they’ve had on the track. Watching them navigate challenges, improve their racecraft, and support each other has been nothing short of inspiring. Their success isn’t just measured by their results but by the way they’ve embraced the sport and learned from every race, win or lose.

It’s this spirit of growth and learning that we aim to instill in others. We want parents to see that karting is about far more than just getting to the top step of the podium. Win or lose, the benefits our children gain from karting extend far beyond the track. The friendships, the discipline, the understanding of teamwork, and the development of problem-solving skills are things that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. These are values that no amount of money or top-tier equipment can replace.

Looking Forward Together

As we look to the future, our goal remains the same: to bring parents together, to share in each other’s journeys, and to work as a team. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our children and help bring their dreams to the forefront of their minds. We are committed to continuing to offer our support, advice, and friendship to anyone who needs it, ensuring that motorsport remains a space of opportunity, growth, and collaboration for all.

Karting isn’t just about trophies or titles—it’s about building a foundation of skills and memories that will shape our children’s futures. Win or lose, the lessons they learn and the relationships they form will be worth more than any medal or accolade. This is the vision we want to share with others, and this is the legacy we hope to leave behind in the karting world.

It all started innocently enough—the kids wanted to do some go-karting for a bit of fun. "Great!" I thought, remembering how much I used to enjoy karting in my youth. It seemed like the perfect way for them to blow off some steam, and I figured it would be a good opportunity for a couple of mates to spend time together. Zenico’s dad booked both Zenico and FGKarting into an academy session at Bayford Meadows, and I assumed it would be just a casual outing.

We all know how easy it is to dive into the world of hire karts: you show up, pay a bit of cash, and before you know it, they hand you a helmet, suit, and gloves. The boys sat through a video briefing, and soon enough, they were out on the track. I remember thinking it would just be a fun 30 minutes, but when the boys returned, their faces said it all—they were buzzing with excitement! They had been bitten by the karting bug, and in that moment, what started as a bit of weekend fun took a serious turn. This is where our story really began.

What was meant to be a one-off session quickly became a commitment. After their first academy session, it was hard not to keep going. The academies at Bayford Meadows were excellent—they didn’t just focus on letting the kids race around the track. The boys learned the basics of racecraft: how to approach an apex, master the race line, and understand kart control. On top of that, they were taught about fitness and kart maintenance, which really rounded out the experience. After just a few sessions, it became clear that the boys had something special. They weren’t just enjoying karting—they were good at it.

Naturally, the next step was to look at getting them their own karts. This, however, is where things got complicated.

Zenico was the first to take the plunge and buy a kart, and soon after, we found ourselves at an owners' day at the track. The idea was for Zenico and FGKarting to share the kart, giving them more time to practice and improve. At the owners’ day, we almost made our first big mistake. We came across a kart being sold privately, and on the surface, it seemed like a real bargain. It was going for just £800—no flattening on the tires, the engine started on the first try, and it sounded decent. It looked like a good deal, and we almost went for it.

Thankfully, we decided to dig a little deeper, and it turned out that the kart wasn’t quite what it seemed. Beneath the surface, it was clear why it was so cheap—it had an old-model chassis, which meant it couldn’t be raced competitively. While it would have been fine for owners' days, it wasn’t what we were looking for if the boys wanted to start racing. Bullet dodged!

After that, we spoke to Project One, the local race team, and soon enough, a Honda Cadet 160 was purchased. This was the real start of our karting journey. Little did we know, buying the kart was just the beginning of the learning curve. Who knew you could accidentally put the wheels on backward?!

Being a karting mum is a unique and rewarding experience. At first glance, karting may seem like it’s all about the drivers and their machines, but behind every successful young racer is a strong, supportive family making sure everything runs smoothly. The role of a mum in this journey is crucial, as we balance the logistics, emotions, and needs of everyone involved. While it may seem daunting at times, being a mum in the karting world can be an incredibly fulfilling way to bond with your family and watch your children grow both on and off the track.

When we first started, like most families, I thought karting was just going to be a bit of weekend fun. The kids wanted to try it out, and I was happy to support them. But very quickly, I realized that karting is more than just a hobby—it becomes a way of life. Once the kids are bitten by the karting bug, there’s a lot more that goes into it than just showing up to the track. From booking sessions and managing logistics to offering emotional support, mums become the glue that holds it all together.

Here’s how I’ve found that a mum can support her family through the racing journey:

1. Be the Organizer:

Karting weekends can be incredibly busy, especially if you’re managing more than one child or even helping other families. From registering for races to booking travel and accommodation, a karting mum often becomes the chief planner. Keeping track of race schedules, equipment needs, and any maintenance the kart requires can feel like juggling multiple tasks at once. Having a checklist, a calendar, or even a karting-specific notebook can be a lifesaver in keeping everything organized.

2. Emotional Support:

Karting, like any sport, comes with its highs and lows. There will be races where your child finishes on the podium, and others where things just don’t go to plan. As a mum, offering emotional support is one of the most important ways you can contribute. Racing is intense, and it’s not just about winning—it’s about learning from mistakes and growing stronger with each lap. I’ve always believed that it’s the journey, not the result, that matters. Reminding your children that every race is an opportunity to grow helps them keep a healthy perspective, win or lose.

3. Be Part of the Team:

Karting is a family effort, and being involved hands-on at the track can make the experience even more special. Whether it’s helping load up the kart, organizing the kit, or keeping everything clean and in order, there’s always something to be done. For me, the team aspect of karting is one of the best parts. We’ve made so many connections with other parents, sharing tips, advice, and even just a cup of tea between races. It’s a chance to build friendships while supporting your child in a positive, competitive environment.

4. Manage the Logistics:

The logistics of karting can be overwhelming. Getting the kart to the track, making sure it’s in top shape, organizing race-day essentials like food, drinks, and spare parts—there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes. As a karting mum, one of the ways to help is to streamline these logistics. Whether it’s keeping an eye on tire pressure, making sure the fuel is topped off, or packing a race-day kit with snacks, water, and tools, staying on top of the small details ensures race day runs as smoothly as possible.

5. Encourage Learning and Growth:

Karting is not just about racing around a track—it’s about learning valuable skills. From racecraft to understanding how an engine works, karting teaches children so many lessons beyond speed. As a mum, you can encourage your children to take an interest in the technical side of things. When Zenico and his friends first started, they learned about race lines, apexes, and kart maintenance through the academy, and that hands-on education was invaluable. Encouraging this curiosity and being there to learn alongside them not only builds their confidence but deepens your bond with them as well.

6. Keep the Fun Alive:

While karting can become a serious sport, it’s important to keep the fun at the forefront. At the end of the day, we’re all there because of the joy it brings. Whether it’s celebrating the small victories, like mastering a tricky corner, or laughing off a mishap, maintaining a light-hearted attitude helps everyone enjoy the experience. It’s not just about winning—it’s about having fun, growing as individuals, and creating lifelong memories as a family.

7. Foster a Supportive Community:

One of the things that makes karting special is the community that surrounds it. I’ve seen firsthand how families in the paddock support each other, offering advice or a spare part in a pinch. As a mum, you can help foster this sense of community by reaching out to other parents, sharing your experiences, and being a friendly face for new families. It’s important to remember that while karting can be competitive, it’s also about building lasting relationships and helping each other out. The support we’ve received from other families has been a huge part of our success, and we’re always happy to pay it forward.

8. Balance the Commitment:

Karting is a big commitment—time, money, and energy go into every race weekend. As a mum, you often have to balance the needs of the family, ensuring that karting doesn’t overwhelm other important parts of life. It’s essential to maintain that balance, keeping things in perspective and making sure that the joy of racing doesn’t come at the expense of family time or other activities. Sometimes, a well-timed break or an off-weekend can make a huge difference in keeping things enjoyable and sustainable.

Coming soon

Families need support, we are lucky to have a great extended family of friends behind us, you will see them supporting the boys at the track, even if its only to pop in and say well done