Radnor House student makes history at British Karting Championships
Year 7 student Max has broken records by becoming the youngest driver ever to achieve a podium finish at the Junior x30 British Karting Championships. Some of the world’s most famous motorsport stars started their careers karting and drivers including Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris and George Russell have British Kart Championship titles. At 12, Max broke the Championship records by earning third place and a spot on the podium - the previous record was held by a 13 year-old.
Max started karting at the age of six when he received go-karting lessons for his birthday and now he reaches speeds of more than 80 miles per hour on the track. He mostly competes in Europe and with race meetings up to a week long and practice weeks before, Max and his teachers at Radnor House Sevenoaks work together to ensure his education continues.
Max commented “I just love driving. I love the high speeds and the adrenaline I get from racing the best drivers in the world. Without the support of my teachers, I would not be able to race and get a great education. The school helps me with time off to race and provides extra homework. I have to do as much school work as I can fit in when I have spare time in the evenings and weekends. So far, my results are good!”
His latest success happened last month at the PF International Kart Circuit near Nottingham. Regarded as the UK’s premier karting facility it has a track length of 1,382m and regularly hosts national and international competitions. Max excelled in the Junior X30 category, which sees thirty drivers aged 12-15 compete. In November, Max fights for the World Championship in a one off race in Valencia. By the age of 15, he hopes to be racing in an F4 car on his way to become a Formula 1 driver.
David Paton, Head said “We are so proud of Max’s achievements. It takes a lot of courage, determination and focus to excel in motorsports and these qualities will serve Max well both on and off the track. Our school motto is Celebrating every individual, which means we recognise students’ talents and do everything to support them to pursue their passions and achieve in their chosen fields. We understand Max has a busy race schedule so work with him and his family to ensure he can balance school work with karting and continue to astound us all. We can’t wait to see what he does next!”
