The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting,
digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading
multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
Have you ever wondered how the stars of Formula 1 began their incredible journey to the top? The answer is simple: karting.
It’s where many spent years honing their skills before reaching the pinnacle of motorsport. While we may only see them in F1, behind every racer are countless hours on the karting track.
Some of Kenya’s own motorsport icons like Baldev Chager, Tejas Hirani, and Jeremiah Wahome all began their careers in karting. Jeremiah Wahome competed in various open-wheel series like the BRDC British Formula 3 and F3 Asian Championships.
Tejas Hirani became Africa's first podium finisher in the FIA RX Lites World Championship, while Chager is now a multiple-time Kenya and ARC Safari Rally champion.
Globally, the path has been similar. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton both rose through the ranks of karting before dominating F1. The list of former karters who’ve excelled in Formula 1 is vast.
Kenya’s reigning Junior Rotax Karting Champion, Krrish Vadgama, is one of the country’s brightest prospects. A fan of Formula 1, Krrish dreams of becoming the first African F1 driver. His impressive performances in the Kenya National Karting Championship have earned him a following. The championship, comprising 10 rounds, offers a competitive platform for young drivers.
Krrish began karting five years ago at Rift Valley Motor Sports Club’s Solai Racetrack, inspired by his older brother Neel Vadgama, who won the Senior Rotax Championship in 2018.
Earlier this year, Krrish represented Kenya in the OKN Senior Class at the inaugural African Karting Cup in South Africa. Alongside teammate Martin Thyge Nojgaard, he competed against drivers from countries like Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, and Angola.
“The continental event was a great experience and a real eye-opener. I finished 7th out of 30 drivers, which I’m proud of, especially since it was my first time on that track, and I only had one day of practice,” Krrish shared.
Krrish Vadgama in action. [Courtesy]
Balancing Karting and Golf
When Krrish isn’t racing, he’s often found on the golf course, pursuing his second passion. He began playing golf at the age of 10, but it was only two years ago that he started taking it more seriously. Since then, he has won the Junior Strokeplay Championship at Muthaiga and helped his Junior Windsor Team win the Junior League Cup.
"My favorite sport is motorsport, especially F1, because its foundation is in karting, and one day I want to either drive an F1 car or be part of an F1 team. Karting is truly a hidden gem where nearly all professional racecar drivers begin their careers," Krrish said.
In golf, Krrish currently plays off a handicap of 11.2 and is a member of Windsor Golf Club and the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF). His favorite course? Augusta National, where his favorite event, the Masters, is played.
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting,
digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading
multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
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