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From Fear to Pride: My Journey as a Mum of a Young Go-Karter



When Theo first started karting, I won’t lie—my stomach was in knots. The thought of my baby hurtling around a track at high speed left me questioning whether this was really a good idea. I knew karting wasn’t just a hobby; it was a sport where precision, speed, and risk are part of the package.

Theo’s first time in a kart aged 8 years old
Theo’s first time in a kart aged 8 years old

As a mum, your instinct is to protect, to keep your child safe. But here I was, standing trackside, watching my then 8 year-old strap on a helmet and take the wheel of a kart. I was smiling and saying all the right things , but inside, I was terrified. What if he crashes? Is he too young? Was he ready for this? Was I ready for this?

But then something happened.

From moment he started driving, I saw a side of him I hadn’t seen before. He wasn’t just my little boy anymore; he was a skilled, focused, and determined racer. He was a completely different person on track. As soon as that helmet goes on he becomes a racer. Watching him in action, I realised this wasn’t just a thrill for him—this was his passion.

Of course, my nerves didn’t disappear overnight. Each time he gets into a kart, I feel that pang of worry. But as I saw how much effort he gave his training, how much joy he found in karting, and all the safety precautions that are put in place, I began to trust in his ability.
Being a mum of a mixed-race Scottish go-karter has brought its own set of challenges and joys. I love that he’s breaking stereotypes, showing that motorsport is for everyone, and proving that with hard work and passion, you can belong anywhere. Karting isn’t just about speed—it’s about discipline, strategy, and resilience, and it’s shaped my son into someone I am incredibly proud of.

Now, when I stand trackside, I don’t feel fear—I feel pride. Pride that my son has found his passion. Pride in the community we’ve become a part of. And pride that I’ve been able to let go of my fears and cheer him on as he chases his dreams.

If you’re a parent considering letting your child try karting—or any sport that pushes them outside the usual boundaries—my advice is simple: trust their ability, support their passion, and don’t let fear hold you back. They might just surprise you—and in the process, you might surprise yourself too.


Thanks for reading 😌


Jen












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