Latest news with #karting
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
How Ayrton Senna shared a distinction with late Hong Kong kart racer Paul Tarrant
Whizzing around Victoria Park in the 1970s, Hong Kong kart racer Paul Tarrant embodied a freewheeling era and a city gathering speed. Tarrant, who died this month aged 68, competed for the last time on home soil when he finished as top local driver in the 1974 Hong Kong International Karting Prix (HKIKP). By then, his short but successful career had launched him on to the silver screen and featured duels with a rival later dubbed 'the man Ayrton Senna could never beat': Terry Fullerton. Sepia footage captures a track marked out with cones and tyres, and a stream of karts hurtling down a straight towards crowds of enthusiasts with cameras ready, in the shadows of a smattering of high-rise buildings. An excited announcer relays the action and the winners receive cartons of Capstan cigarettes. How the Post reported the HK International Karting Prix in 1974. Photo: SCMP Tarrant had the dashing looks to accompany his talent, even if, weeks earlier, a barber at Singapore's old airport sheared his locks when he arrived for an event, because of the city state's rule against men having long hair. With his go-faster trim, Tarrant won every race.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
Bath student racing driver aims for F1 Academy after spine injury
A university student is aiming to continue making progress in motorsport after returning to action just months after fracturing her of Bath student Stephanie Hobeika enjoyed a podium finish in her car-racing debut at Brands Hatch in April after making the step up from 22-year-old, who suffered the serious injury during a karting race in January, now has her sights set on competing in the global F1 Academy Championship, which aims to get more women into the top level of motorsport, next year."I think in a few years time I can see girls going much further in the sport," added Ms Hobeika. Ms Hobeika, who has been racing competitively since the age of 15, started karting as a child in Lebanon and Dubai."I think motorsport for women has come so far," she said. "When I started I was the only girl."A friend's dad knew I loved motorsport and that I also did painting as a hobby, so I did a painting for him in exchange for his old kart. I haven't stopped since."Before coming to the UK I had never driven in the wet before but now I've got used to it," she added. In January, she took part in the karting O-Plate race in Dubai where a kart behind her crashed and landed on top of her, fracturing her spine."I couldn't do a lot, I had to rest and go to the gym. It was really boring," she said."I went from going to the gym in the week, driving the track on Thursday and racing the rest of the week, to nothing."I was so bored and missed it so much I just wanted to back to racing so badly."When she had fully recovered Ms Hobeika moved from karting to car racing and secured third place in the Class C category of the 750 Motor Club Radical Club Challenge at Brands Hatch."I've been karting competitively for a few years now, including representing Bath in the British Universities Karting Championship, but I felt it was time to take the next step," said Ms Hobeika."The big goal for next year would be to race in F1 Academy, which is the all-female championship and raced on the same weekend as F1," she added. 'Perfect fit' Ms Hobeika is also programme manager for Team Bath Racing Electric, the Formula Student racing team based out of the university's faculty of engineering and design."It was Formula Student that brought me to Bath. I loved Bath and the university, so getting to work in motorsport with Formula Student too was the perfect fit."I want to go into motorsport management at some point and it has given me a different profile as I know what it is like to be a driver and run a team," she said.
Khaleej Times
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Meet 6-year-old Emirati racer who wants to become next Lewis Hamilton
At just six years old with the spirit for speed and adventure, this young Emirati racer is not only passionate about kart racing but also has a deep love for cars, inspired by his father's enthusiasm for motorsports. Yousef Al Khayat is from Ras Al Khaimah, living in Abu Dhabi, whose passion for speed and mechanics is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in a family with a deep-seated love for cars, speed, and mechanics is as infectious as it is inspiring. "I am a karting racer and grew up in a car-loving family. This passion started with my grandfather, then passed to my father and uncle, and now it's my turn to continue the journey," says Yousef. Yousef draws inspiration from the legends of the racing world. "I aspire to learn and take something unique from each one," he says, admiring Lewis Hamilton's determination, Max Verstappen's bravery, Michael Schumacher's leadership, and Ayrton Senna's passion. He dreams of blending their skills to create his own unique style, aspiring to leave his mark on the racing world. When it comes to cars, "My favourite car is the Dodge Viper... the car my father owns," he said. His father's Viper holds a special place in his heart, not just for its thrilling design and engine sound, but for the bond it represents. "I might even know it better than him!" he jokes, already plotting to race and one day beat his dad. "My big goal? To race against my dad... and beat him! But calmly... so he doesn't get upset." Nawaf Yousef Al Ali, Yousef's father, is more than just an engineer at the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company; he's a guiding force in Yousef's journey. "Yousef's attachment to cars was clear... whether through his toys or by observing my cars and his grandfather's cars. I could see his passion when he sat next to me in the car, asking about its parts, types, and mechanical details," Nawaf explains. He ensures that Yousef receives the emotional and technical support needed even if his work doesn't allow him to be with him always, mentioning his mother's big role, 'she has always been a pillar during my absence'. Although karting requires a lot of time and effort, Yousif's parents always ensure to organise a balanced daily schedule that allows him to focus on school without affecting his training or participation in races. Yousef also enjoys swimming, fitness, and football, which has helped him build fitness and improve his focus in karting. Racing teaches Yousef more than just speed. "Winning is not the only goal," Nawaf emphasises, focusing on persistence, effort, and passion. Yousef has already faced mechanical challenges and unfair race scenarios, yet he remains undeterred. His decision to finish a race despite a broken arm one time stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication. Yousef's ambitions reach far beyond the track. "When I grow up, I want to be a professional race car driver," he said, with dreams of representing the UAE on global stages whether in Formula 1, endurance racing, or any sport involving cars and speed. Every race offers new lessons, and Yousef embraces each one with enthusiasm. Nawaf instils in him that true champions are defined by resilience and learning from setbacks. "Losing is a natural part of any path to success," he said. "I remember his first race where he came in third place... although it was an excellent achievement for his start, he cried at the time and was not accepting the result." That was the first real moment for Yousif's father when he began teaching him that the first place doesn't come easily and that hard work, persistence, and development are what lead to it.
The Herald
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Herald
Mixed fortunes for karting star Jack Moore in Spain
Young karting sensation Jack Moore finished in 14th place overall in the final of the opening round of the three-round FIA Karting Academy Trophy Series that was held in Valencia in Spain at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart Circuit at the weekend. Moore had qualified in 14th place out of 36 karts that had progressed to the finals. Unfortunately for Moore, the engine that he drew for the qualifying session that determines your grid position for the entire weekend was unfortunately 4km/h slower than the other pool motors, which meant that he would be starting in 14th for all three of the elimination heats. In race one, he managed a seventh-place finish, which he followed up with a 10th place in race two, setting the second quickest lap time in race one and third fastest in race two and then finished 11th in race three earning him a spot in the finals, starting in 15th place on the grid. In the final, Emma-Rose Dowling, the only other South African taking part, unfortunately, was an early casualty after tangling with another competitor, which led to her retirement from the race. Moore had a brilliant start and had progressed up to 12th place, but unfortunately, after four laps, a faulty electrical coil caused the motor to misfire, which led to him losing a few places to finish 14th. The FIA Karting Academy Trophy takes place over three rounds, with the next round being in Germany from July 17-20, followed by the final round in Italy from September 25-28. The Herald
