Karting, golfing prodigy Krrish dares dream about Formula 1
Reading Time: 5min | Tue. 07.05.24. | 20:49
His recent participation in the inaugural African Karting Cup in South Africa has since reinvigorated an aggressive form of race craft in him
Ever wondered how Formula 1 superstars got started on their torrid road to stardom?
Well, the answer is as easy as pie! They all started in the same place- karting- where they spent years perfecting their craft.
Likewise, some of the most celebrated Kenyan drivers like Baldev Chager, Tejas Hirani, and Jeremiah Wahome had their own unique paths that they took, as young karters.
Jeremiah competed in various open-wheel formulae, including the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship and F3 Asian Championship whilst Kenya's Olsbeegs MSE superstar Hirani became Africa’s first FIA RX Lites World Championship podium finisher following brilliant displays in the season-closing round in Latvia some years back.
Chager became a multiple Kenyan and Safari Rally Champion, thanks to his initial career experience with go karts.
--Karting and Formula 1--
In 2014 Mclaren's F1 Star Lando Norris became the youngest karting World Champion when he won the CIK-FIA KF World Championship.
Max Verstappen, son of former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen, started his karting career in Belgium and won multiple championships in the Belgian and Dutch championships.
In 2010 Max took to international karting, becoming a CRG factory driver and went on to win multiple international championships.
Mercedes legend Lewis Hamilton started his karting career in 1993 and quickly got up to speed with winning races.
The list of karters who have made deeper inroads into the pinnacle of motorsport is endless.
-Rising Star Krrish-
Reigning Kenyan Junior Rotax Karting Champion Krrish Vadgama is an avid follower of the Formula 1 grid with a burning desire to become the first Formula 1 driver from Africa.
Krrish’s sublime driving has no doubt endeared him to fans in the Kenya National Karting Championship, a 10-round single-seater series that entails double-header weekend race meetings.
But Krrish's recent participation in the inaugural African Karting Cup in South Africa has since reinvigorated an aggressive form of race craft in him.
"Africa Cup was a very good experience down South, I mean, I came seventh out of 30 drivers, as it was my first time on that particular track and only got one day of practice against local drivers who took the top 4 slots given their local knowledge of the track," he narrates.
Krrish continued, "I think I personally did very well for a first-timer, considering the culture shock and many facets of tackling a new racetrack."
Krrish and Martin Thyge Nojgaard represented the country in the OKN senior class for drivers in the 14 and over category.
The two Kenyans were among the 36 drivers who signed up for the continental showpiece.
The continental Cup brought together racers from FIA Member Clubs across Africa. The inaugural event welcomed competitors from various countries, including Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Angola among others.
Krrish added, "The whole beauty about it was the fact that each driver was provided with identical karts – powered by Vortex engines and clad in OTK chassis – to ensure equitable and closely matched competition."
--Early Days--
Krrish started racing 5 years ago at Rift Valley Motorsports Club's Solai racetrack.
He was inspired by his elder brother Neel Vadgama who won the Kenya National Senior Rotax Championship in 2018
At the young age of 14, he is already making waves in the world of go-karting.
With a passion for speed and a natural talent behind the wheel, Krrish has quickly established himself as a formidable competitor on the track. His dedication and hardwork have earned him numerous victories and accolades, showcasing his relentless pursuit of excellence.
When Krrish is not zipping around the race track, he can be found honing his skills on the greens and fairways of local golf courses.
Despite his busy schedule, he manages to find time for his second passion, golf.
With a meticulous approach and a keen eye for detail, Krrish brings the same level of focus and determination to the fairways as he does on the racetrack.
Beyond his sporting endeavors, Krrish is a well-rounded individual. He is known for his friendly and approachable nature, always ready to support and encourage his fellow racers and golfers.
His commitment to sportsmanship and teamwork sets a positive example for those around him, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers.
As Krrish continues to pursue his dreams, he remains committed to pushing his limits and striving for excellence in both go-kart racing and golf.
With his incredible talent, unwavering dedication, and a true love for the thrill of competition, Krrish is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of motorsports and golf.
Krrish started playing golf at school when he was 10 years old. But he started playing golf seriously two years ago, winning the Junior Strokeplay Championship at Muthaiga and brought home the Junior League Cup as a team player of the Junior Windsor Team
Commenting about his favourite between motorsport and golf, Krrish continued; "My favorite sport is motorsport and precisely F1 because the foundation of F1 is karting, and one day I want to drive an F1 car or be in a F1 team. Karting is by and large a “hidden gem” of motorsports where almost all of the world’s professional racecar drivers began their careers."
Krrish believes that there's no other form of motorsports that can even be compared to the value that karting offers.
"Karting teaches you race craft and helps to develop useful driving techniques as well as revealing to you if you would be able to keep up with the physical nature of motorsport and if it’s something you like.
What's more, Karting is definitely less expensive than car racing, more safe than motorcycle racing, It is simply unmatched in its ability to givile a driver the rush of speed and competition in a low-cost, low-maintenance motor vehicle."
Krrish hopes to try his hand in professional karting in countries like the UK, South Africa and Europe then maybe try to get into Formula 3 or Formula E.
So how does Krrish merge school with his sporting engagements? He quipped: "I just manage and try to strike a balance."
His favorite golfer is Tiger Wood. "Despite all the hurdles that Tiger has had to contend with in life, he became the golf icon that he is at the present," said Krrish.
Krrish is currently playing off Handicap 11.2 and is a member of Windsor Golf Club. He is also a Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) member. He loves tee shots more and the longer the drive the better for him.
"My favorite golf course is Augusta National because that’s where my favourite Masters event is played," he said in finality.
NORE ABOUT KRRISH
Date of Birth: 14/09/2009
Occupation: Student
Kart - Tony Kart
Team Name: MadMax Racing
Hobbies: Golf / Karting / Shooting
Mentor : Elder Brother - NEEL
Race Category: Junior Rotax
Karting Debut and position:
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
1. 2023 Junior Rotax Champion
2. Muthaiga Junior Golf Strokeplay Winner
3. 2022 Cadet Class 2nd Overall
4. 2021 Cadet Class 2nd Overall
