South Africa’s Young Guns Gear Up for FIA Karting Academy Showdown

Photo: FIA Karting Academy Trophy

This weekend, the global karting spotlight turns to Spain’s Kartódromo Internacional Lucas Guerrero as the opening round of the FIA Karting Academy Trophy – Junior gets underway. Flying the South African flag are two bright young talents: Jack Moore and Emma-Rose Dowling, both determined to make their mark on the international stage.

The FIA Karting Academy Trophy represents a rare and valuable opportunity for emerging drivers aged 12 to 14 to compete on a level playing field. With all 52 competitors using identical Exprit chassis, Vortex engines, and LeCont tyres, the series focuses purely on driver talent. National federations select their representatives, making every entry a prestigious nod to a driver’s potential. For South Africa, Moore and Dowling’s participation underscores the country's growing prominence in global karting circles.

For Jack Moore, a reigning National OK-Junior Champion, the Academy Trophy offers a platform to showcase his racecraft against some of the best young drivers from 50 different countries. His sharp pace and tactical racing have already made waves at home, and now, he’s ready to prove himself on the world stage.

Joining him is Emma-Rose Dowling, a standout in the Junior MAX category for the Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy and a nominee of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission. With a string of national victories and podiums to her name, Dowling is also competing in the Champions of the Future Academy Program this season, further honing her international experience. Her participation reflects not only her personal ambitions but also the broader push to inspire and empower young female drivers in motorsport.

International exposure is crucial in developing well-rounded racing talent. Events like the FIA Karting Academy Trophy provide South African drivers with invaluable experience, teaching them to adapt to new circuits, unfamiliar competitors, and intense pressure. Success here can be a significant stepping stone towards higher levels of competition, including European karting series and eventually single-seaters.

As Moore and Dowling prepare to face off against the best of their generation, their journey represents more than personal ambition — it’s a testament to the growing strength of South African karting on the world stage. With grit, talent, and national pride, they are ready to take on the challenge.