Carlos Sainz is a name that needs no introduction in the world of motorsports.
A two-time World Rally Champion, Sainz is one of the most successful Spanish drivers of all time. But like many of his peers, Sainz’s career began in the world of go-karting.
With a natural talent for racing and an unquenchable passion for speed, Sainz quickly rose through the ranks of karting to become one of the most promising young drivers in the sport.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Sainz’s go-karting career, exploring how he got started, his rise to prominence, and the key moments that helped shape his journey to becoming one of the most successful racing drivers of his generation.
When Did Carlos Sainz Start Racing Go-Karts?
Carlos Sainz started racing go-karts at the age of nine. His father, Carlos Sainz Sr, was a famous rally driver and two-time World Rally Champion.
Sainz Jr.’s interest in go-karting grew after he visited a go-kart track with his father when he was eight years old. He was immediately drawn to the speed and excitement of the sport.
The following year, his father bought him his first go-kart, and Sainz Jr. began racing competitively.
Sainz Jr.’s parents were supportive of his racing career from the beginning, and they made many sacrifices to help him pursue his passion.
They often traveled long distances to take him to races and provided him with the best equipment and coaching.
Their support paid off as Sainz Jr. quickly began to make a name for himself in the world of go-karting.
How Good Was Carlos Sainz At Karting?
Carlos Sainz’s go-karting career was marked by his outstanding talent and competitiveness. From a very young age, he showed a natural ability to drive go-karts and quickly began to excel in competitions.
Sainz’s skills as a go-kart driver were evident from the beginning of his career, and he quickly gained recognition as one of the most promising young drivers in the sport.
He won his first championship title in 1995, when he was only 15 years old, in the Spanish Cadet category.
In the following years, Sainz continued to dominate the karting circuit, winning numerous titles and competing against some of the best drivers in the world.
One of Sainz’s most notable achievements in karting was his victory in the prestigious Junior Monaco Kart Cup in 2003.
He won the race against a field of talented young drivers, including future Formula One driver such as Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
Sainz’s impressive performance in the race solidified his reputation as one of the top karting talents in the world.
His skills behind the wheel of a go-kart gave him a strong foundation for success in higher-level racing series, where he would go on to achieve even greater success.
However, Sainz never forgot his roots in karting, and he continued to credit the sport for giving him the skills and experience he needed to succeed at the highest level of motorsport.
Breakthrough
In 1977, Sainz won the Spanish Junior Karting Championship. It was his first major victory, and it signaled that he had what it takes to compete at the highest level. From that moment on, Sainz’s career took off.
Over the next few years, Sainz established himself as one of the top go-kart drivers in Spain.
He won numerous races and championships, including the Spanish Karting Championship in 1980 and 1981. By the time he was ready to move up to higher levels of motorsport, he had already made a name for himself as a dominant force in the karting world.
| Year | Championship | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Spanish Championship | 2nd |
| 1996 | Spanish Championship | 1st |
| 1997 | World Junior Championship | 2nd |
| 1998 | Italian Championship | 3rd |
| 1999 | Italian Open Masters | 1st |
| 1999 | Spanish Championship | 1st |
| 2000 | European Championship | 1st |
| 2000 | World Championship | 1st |
| 2001 | Formula Ford | 1st |
| 2002 | Nissan World Series | 4th |
| 2004 | World Series by Renault | 1st |
| 2005 | World Series by Renault | 5th |
Where Did Carlos Sainz Go Karting?
Sainz did most of his go-karting in Spain, where he competed in various regional and national championships.
He also traveled to other countries to compete in international events, gaining valuable experience and exposure to different driving styles and tracks.
Sainz’s success in go-karting paved the way for his entry into professional motorsports. He made his debut in rallying in 1980 and quickly established himself as a top driver.
He went on to win the World Rally Championship twice, in 1990 and 1992, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest rally drivers of all time.
Final Thoughts
Carlos Sainz’s go-karting career was the starting point for his successful career in motorsports.
His natural talent, combined with his dedication and hard work, allowed him to excel at every level.
Sainz’s legacy continues to inspire young drivers to pursue their dreams and achieve greatness in the world of motorsports.
