Since I was born my brain has wanted to drive. The faster, the better. The louder the engine, the better. The bumpier, the better. The more physical, the better.
I’m 16. I’ve not had much exposure to professional level karting due to the cost of the sport. I realise that I am unlikely to be the next Lewis Hamilton. But I’m good. It’s in my DNA. It’s what I was born to do.
At age 15, I was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. This was at the start of my GCSE school year.
Finally, I started to get the support in education that I had needed my entire life. I’m high masking / high functioning so teachers, support staff just thought I was lazy and disinterested.
The trauma of 10 school years being publicly shamed and gaslit by teachers, bullied by school staff and peers has left me with severe anxiety and depression.
However, when I’ve got my race suit on and helmet, get behind the wheel of a kart and “fly”, my brain is so clear of thought that I’d struggle to even remember my Mum’s name!
Nothing in this world gives me the peace and satisfaction of driving a kart around a track.
I am part of a race team, but have only raced 4 times in the last 12 months. This is not enough to get a sponsor. I love to attend race weekends and watch my team compete - they all have sponsors and compete most weekends around the country.
I’m not looking to be the next karting hero - although of course that would be amazing! I need to race. It’s a physical, mental and emotional scaffold for me that allows me to face “real life” - training to be an motorsport engineer and the challenges that an autistic/ADHD mind throws at you 24/7.
Please help to support me to be able to attend regular race weekends. Thank you so much.