Registrations open for the CRG Rental Kart World Contest
Registrations open for the CRG Rental Kart World Contest

Registrations open for the CRG Rental...

Registrations open for the CRG Rental Kart World Contest

Registrations open for the CRG Rental Kart World Contest

In just over 10 days, many rental kart drivers have already registered for the Sprint Cup and several teams have signed up for the Endurance Cup, the two main events of the Rental Kart World Contest...
Registration now open for  30th annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix
Registration now open for  30th annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix

Registration now open for 30th annual...

Registration now open for 30th annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix

Registration now open for 30th annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix

Registration is now open for the 30th annual The Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest and most prestigious karting street race. This year’s race is August 30-31, 2025 and...
ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report
ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report

ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report

ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report

ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report

One month after Jesolo, the ROK Cup Italy is back on track for the fifth round of the season, on the occasion of the "night event" in Lonato del Garda. In total, 262 drivers livened up the...
A brilliant start to the International season for Modena Kart
A brilliant start to the International season for Modena Kart

A brilliant start to the International...

A brilliant start to the International season for Modena Kart

A brilliant start to the International season for Modena Kart

Drivers in the colours of the Modena Kart team have become regulars on the podiums of the biggest events since the start of 2025, in the WSK Promotion series as well as the ACI Karting Italian...
Carr drives towards glory as KZ King equals record
Carr drives towards glory as KZ King equals record

Carr drives towards glory as KZ King...

Carr drives towards glory as KZ King equals record

Carr drives towards glory as KZ King equals record

Liam Carr is knocking on the door of a maiden KA2 Junior SP Tools Australian Kart Championship after an immaculate weekend in Newcastle, while double KZ2 Champion, Troy Loeskow, recorded a...
A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO Challenge 2025’ initiative
A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO Challenge 2025’ initiative

A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO...

A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO Challenge 2025’ initiative

A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO Challenge 2025’ initiative

As part of their 2025 ‘ACO Challenge’, Team WRT continues its commitment to meaningful, human-driven initiatives. After winning the 2024 ACO ‘Coup de Cœur’ Award for its...
Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two
Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two

Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart...

Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two

Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two

Jac Preston has taken his first ever SP Tools Australian Kart Championship round win in KZ2 at Murray Bridge, South Australia, while Ky Burke broached the top step of the podium in KA2 for the first...
Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo
Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo

Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with...

Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo

Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo

The ROK Cup Italy continues its seasonal journey with the second round held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo (PV). Almost 200 are the attendants in the seven categories competing, in a...
IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition
IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition

IPK strengthens its presence in...

IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition

IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition

Since its creation in 2010, the IPK factory has rapidly established itself as one of the leading companies in the global karting market, thanks to its innovative technology and the quality of the...
Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne
Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne

Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as...

Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne

Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne

Young Queenslander, Cooper Folley has stunned the field in his first KA2 Junior round at the opening SP Tools Australian Kart Championship, presented by Castrol event sweeping to the win at the...
Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy
Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Great weekend for Kalì Kart colours at the 36th Margutti Trophy that took place this weekend in Lonato. In the OK Junior category, Ilia Berezkin dominated the OK Junior by winning all 3 qualifying...
Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener
Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener

Italian Champion to line up in...

Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener

Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener

Italian Champion Moritz Ebner is set to make his Australian debut at the opening round of the 2025 SP Tools Australian Kart Championship presented by Castrol in Melbourne next weekend (March 28-30).
Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne
Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne

Stars of Karting take centre stage in...

Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne

Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne

Melbourne’s Grand Prix week started off with a bang with the Stars of Karting Event at Port Melbourne’s Todd Road facility on Monday. The short and sharp format saw qualifying followed up...
Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit
Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit

Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double...

Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit

Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit

The first event of the 2025 ProKart Challenge program was held on the February 28-March 2 weekend at the new K1 Circuit. The Winchester, California facility welcomed the Superkarts! USA regional...
Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy
Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy

Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025...

Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy

Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy

Karting Australia is proud to announce that Annabel Kennedy (Brisbane, QLD) and Hamish Campbell (Gold Coast, QLD) have been selected to represent the nation in the 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy...
WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026
WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026

WKA Realigns National Road Racing...

WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026

WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026

With a very busy Road Racing Calendar and events so close to each other throughout the year, racers have expressed their concerns that some events are simply not feasible to attend.  Responding...
2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga
2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga

2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury...

2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga

2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga

Karting Australia can confirm that the 2025 Rotax National Cup will be hosted at Albury Wodonga Kart Racing Club on September 13-14.
Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne
Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne

Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1...

Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne

Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne

More than 100 of Australia’s top kart racers will take centre stage at the Go-Kart Club of Victoria on Monday, March 10, as the Stars of Karting event launches "Race Week" for the...
2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon
2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon

2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the...

2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon

2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon

Fresh off a record setting campaign in Florida, the Superkarts! USA organization is turning its focus on the 2025 SKUSA Pro Tour. Set for its 16th straight season, the championship will again be...
Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!
Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!

Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the...

Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!

Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!

Back in 1978, The Blues Brothers took the world by storm with a skit on Saturday Night Live. A movie followed in 1980, then a sequel and some albums as Dan Aykroyd (Elwood) and John Belushi (Joliet...

Registrations open for the CRG Rental Kart World Contest

Registrations open for the CRG Rental Kart World Contest Read more

In just over 10 days, many rental kart drivers have already registered for the Sprint Cup and several teams have signed up for the Endurance Cup, the two main events of the Rental Kart World Contest 2025, scheduled for the weekend of October 18 and 19 at the Castelletto circuit.

Registration now open for 30th annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix

Registration now open for  30th annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix Read more

Registration is now open for the 30th annual The Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest and most prestigious karting street race. This year’s race is August 30-31, 2025 and features classes for 2 cycle, 4 cycle, shifter and Vintage racers.

ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report

ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report Read more

One month after Jesolo, the ROK Cup Italy is back on track for the fifth round of the season, on the occasion of the "night event" in Lonato del Garda. In total, 262 drivers livened up the races of the seven categories running at South Garda Karting. Kralev Leo (Mini ROK U10), Verde Marco (Mini ROK), Melis Matteo (Junior ROK), Gaglianò Giuseppe (Senior ROK), Sorbello Andrea (Expert ROK), Ferrari Riccardo (Super ROK) and Pasiewicz Karol (Shifter ROK).

A brilliant start to the International season for Modena Kart

A brilliant start to the International season for Modena Kart Read more

Drivers in the colours of the Modena Kart team have become regulars on the podiums of the biggest events since the start of 2025, in the WSK Promotion series as well as the ACI Karting Italian Championship. At the wheel of their OK-N Junior Parolin / TM Karts, the Italian team has just put together a sensational all-round performance at Sarno, with Albert Tamm taking victory, Gioele Girardello 3rd, and Nojus Stasionis 5th.
 

Carr drives towards glory as KZ King equals record

Carr drives towards glory as KZ King equals record Read more

Liam Carr is knocking on the door of a maiden KA2 Junior SP Tools Australian Kart Championship after an immaculate weekend in Newcastle, while double KZ2 Champion, Troy Loeskow, recorded a record-equalling career round win.

A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO Challenge 2025’ initiative

A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO Challenge 2025’ initiative Read more

As part of their 2025 ‘ACO Challenge’, Team WRT continues its commitment to meaningful, human-driven initiatives. After winning the 2024 ACO ‘Coup de Cœur’ Award for its project with the Fondation Arthritis, the Belgian team now shines the spotlight on a young driver with an extraordinary story: Gabin Léger.

Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two

Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two Read more

Jac Preston has taken his first ever SP Tools Australian Kart Championship round win in KZ2 at Murray Bridge, South Australia, while Ky Burke broached the top step of the podium in KA2 for the first time since round three last year to round out the second round of the five round Title chase.

Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo

Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo Read more

The ROK Cup Italy continues its seasonal journey with the second round held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo (PV). Almost 200 are the attendants in the seven categories competing, in a weekend featured by good weather. At the end of Sunday, we have the following championship leaders: Almekdad Ghazi (Mini ROK U10), Bissa Patrick (Mini ROK), Cichoracki Tomasz (Junior ROK), Giudice Andrea (Senior ROK), Sorbello Andrea (Expert ROK), Ferrari Riccardo (Super ROK) and Pasiewicz Karol (Shifter ROK).

IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition

IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition Read more

Since its creation in 2010, the IPK factory has rapidly established itself as one of the leading companies in the global karting market, thanks to its innovative technology and the quality of the products it sells. In 2025, IPKarting will rely on its extremely competitive chassis brands - Formula K, Praga, OK1, RS Kart and Tillotson - but also on a renowned Racing Team which has been reorganised during the off-season and which its managers are pleased to officially present.

Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne

Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne Read more

Young Queenslander, Cooper Folley has stunned the field in his first KA2 Junior round at the opening SP Tools Australian Kart Championship, presented by Castrol event sweeping to the win at the opening round in Melbourne.

Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy Read more

Great weekend for Kalì Kart colours at the 36th Margutti Trophy that took place this weekend in Lonato. In the OK Junior category, Ilia Berezkin dominated the OK Junior by winning all 3 qualifying heats, the Prefinal and the Final, always with an impressive race pace.

Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener

Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener Read more

Italian Champion Moritz Ebner is set to make his Australian debut at the opening round of the 2025 SP Tools Australian Kart Championship presented by Castrol in Melbourne next weekend (March 28-30).

Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne

Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne Read more

Melbourne’s Grand Prix week started off with a bang with the Stars of Karting Event at Port Melbourne’s Todd Road facility on Monday. The short and sharp format saw qualifying followed up by a Sprint race and Feature race for the four feature categories.

Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit

Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit Read more

The first event of the 2025 ProKart Challenge program was held on the February 28-March 2 weekend at the new K1 Circuit. The Winchester, California facility welcomed the Superkarts! USA regional program for a third time since opening its doors in August 2024. Rounds One and Two of the 2025 championship program kicked off with perfect racing weather to begin the 21st season of the series.

Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy

Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy Read more

Karting Australia is proud to announce that Annabel Kennedy (Brisbane, QLD) and Hamish Campbell (Gold Coast, QLD) have been selected to represent the nation in the 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy – Senior and Junior.

WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026

WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026 Read more

With a very busy Road Racing Calendar and events so close to each other throughout the year, racers have expressed their concerns that some events are simply not feasible to attend.  Responding to these comments, WKA has realigned its 2025 National Road Racing Schedule and announced its 2026 National Road Racing Schedule.

2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga

2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga Read more

Karting Australia can confirm that the 2025 Rotax National Cup will be hosted at Albury Wodonga Kart Racing Club on September 13-14.

Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne

Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne Read more

More than 100 of Australia’s top kart racers will take centre stage at the Go-Kart Club of Victoria on Monday, March 10, as the Stars of Karting event launches "Race Week" for the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025.

2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon

2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon Read more

Fresh off a record setting campaign in Florida, the Superkarts! USA organization is turning its focus on the 2025 SKUSA Pro Tour. Set for its 16th straight season, the championship will again be comprised of three events to crown this year’s title winners. The highest entry numbers ever at the 2025 SKUSA Winter Series could forecast a big year for the SKUSA Pro Tour.

Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!

Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party! Read more

Back in 1978, The Blues Brothers took the world by storm with a skit on Saturday Night Live. A movie followed in 1980, then a sequel and some albums as Dan Aykroyd (Elwood) and John Belushi (Joliet Jake) rose to fame and stardom. The back story is that Jake and Elwood were raised in a Catholic orphanage in Rock Island and learned the blues in the basement from the janitor, Curtis, who wore sunglasses, a thin black tie, and porkpie hat. The brothers went on “a mission from God” to raise money (and create mayhem) so the orphanage could pay its taxes.

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From Brazil to Europe with winning ambitions
Bas Kaligis
/ Categories: CIKFIA

From Brazil to Europe with winning ambitions

A 14-year-old Brazilian, Rafael Câmara has a passion for racing. He is currently competing at the highest level of world karting in FIA Karting competitions. After early beginnings in his native country, he moved to Europe to make progress alongside the top drivers. He is preparing to move into the top category of karting next year before thinking about his future in motorsport.

From a competitive family
Rafael discovered karting at the age of five after his older brother tried this sport without feeling enough motivation to continue. Too young to get behind the wheel, Rafael insisted that his family keep his brother's kart until he could start racing. This is how he completed his first laps at the wheel once he had reached the required age of six years. He then followed in the footsteps of the drivers of the family: his great-grandfather and his uncle, but perhaps even more so of his grandmother, a young woman passionate enough to become one of the first drivers in Brazil between the ages of 17 and 19.

Passion in the blood
Once he discovered driving a kart, Rafael never wanted to stop. From his first racing season in 2011, he became Vice-Champion in the north-east region of Brazil where he lives. He won several Brazilian Championships then participated in the Florida Winter Tour in Rotax Micro Max to increase his experience.

Focus on Europe
On the old continent, karting competitions are of the highest standard, especially in Italy, a true nursery of champions. This is where Rafael discovered, thanks to the encouragement of his parents, the famous 60 Mini category, the school of champions. He then met a man who would play an important role in his young career, Giorgio Pantano. A World Champion and double European Champion in karting, the Italian driver had managed to climb to Formula 1. He is now a team manager recognised for his talent in finding and training young hopefuls.

A real driver
With Pantano, Rafael really started to learn the driving profession on the Italian tracks. In his Birel ART, he quickly progressed at the age of 11 years. In 2017, he won his first victory at the Sarno circuit and finished 5th in the WSK Super Master Series. He was ready to take an important step and make his debut among the best Juniors in the world.

Overcoming challenges
Racing remains a very demanding environment. Rafael had to use all his strength of character to continue learning in OK-Junior. His natural combativity both behind the wheel and in everyday life gave him the strength to continue despite the inevitable disappointments. Particularly consistent, and able to quickly adapt to different situations, he constantly enriched his experience as the races continued while making it a point of honour to continue to obtain excellent educational results.

Towards new horizons
In 2019, he again joined his mentor Giorgio Pantano for an early season with the Birel ART team, again in the OK-Junior category, an important moment in his career. In search of more performance, Rafael then joined the British team Forza Racing, the World Champion in 2017, with the goal of continuing among the specialists of the OK category next season to the heights of the discipline.

In search of success
His grandmother can be proud of Rafael. The young Brazilian has already managed to stand out among the best hopefuls in international karting. He now dreams of developing all the elements necessary to be able to win. With his talent, will and experience, he now has all the cards in hand to achieve his goal, guided by the only role model that inspires him, the great Ayrton Senna.

 

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