Sergio Perez, also known as “Checo,” is a Mexican racing driver who has become a household name in the world of Formula One.
However, long before he became a regular face on the F1 circuit, Perez was honing his skills on the track by racing go-karts. For many racing drivers, go-karting is where it all begins, and for Perez, it was no different.
From a young age, he showed a natural talent for racing and quickly rose through the ranks of go-karting competitions in Mexico.
His impressive performances on the go-karting circuit caught the attention of racing professionals, and it wasn’t long before he was scouted by Formula One teams.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Perez’s go-karting career, exploring when he started racing, his early successes, his breakthrough moment, and where he honed his skills on the track.
When Did Sergio Perez Start Racing Go-Karts?
Sergio Perez began his go-karting career at the age of six in his hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico and it quickly became his passion. From the moment he sat in a go-kart, Sergio knew that he wanted to become a professional driver.
Perez’s father, Antonio Perez, was instrumental in kickstarting his son’s career. He built Sergio his first go-kart and supported him throughout his early years in racing. Antonio even sold the family home to help fund Sergio’s career, demonstrating his unwavering belief in his son’s talent.
Sergio’s natural ability behind the wheel of a go-kart was clear from the outset. He quickly made a name for himself in the Mexican karting scene, winning numerous races and championships. By the age of 12, he had already won three national championships in Mexico.
How Good Was Sergio Perez At Karting?
Sergio Perez was a very talented kart racer from the very beginning. He showed great potential and skill as a driver from a very young age.
Throughout his karting career, he won numerous races and championships and quickly established himself as one of the most promising young drivers in the sport.
Perez began racing karts at the age of six and quickly showed a natural talent for the sport. He progressed rapidly through the ranks of karting, winning his first major championship at the age of 12. From there, he continued to dominate the karting scene, winning multiple championships and setting new records along the way.
In 2004, at the age of 14, Perez won the Mexican National Karting Championship, becoming the youngest driver ever to win the title. The following year, he won the Latin American Karting Championship, further cementing his status as one of the top kart racers in the region.
Perez’s success in karting caught the attention of the motorsport world, and in 2005 he was invited to join the Formula BMW USA championship. Despite being only 15 years old at the time, Perez quickly adapted to the new format and finished the season in fifth place, with one win and several podium finishes to his name.
Overall, Sergio Perez’s success in karting was nothing short of remarkable. He was widely regarded as one of the most talented young drivers of his generation, and his success in karting helped him to launch his career in motorsport.
Breakthrough
Sergio Perez’s breakthrough in go-karting came when he won the national championship in his home country of Mexico at the age of 15. This victory helped him catch the eye of Formula One teams and kickstarted his journey toward becoming a professional racing driver.
After his national championship win, Perez went on to compete in the North American Karting Championship and the World Karting Championship, where he showed impressive speed and consistency. He also gained experience racing in different countries and against drivers from around the world.
Perez’s breakthrough moment in terms of international recognition came in 2004 when he finished second in the Pan-American Championship held in Mexico. This result attracted the attention of Italian kart manufacturer CRG, who offered Perez a factory driver for the following season.
With CRG, Perez achieved several victories and podium finishes in the European and World Championships. He also competed in various single-seater racing series, including the Formula BMW USA and the British Formula Three Championship.
| Year | Championship | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | National Copa Telmex | 1st |
| 2003 | National Copa Telmex | 1st |
| 2004 | World Karting Championship | 2nd |
| 2004 | North American Championship | 1st |
| 2004 | Mexican Karting Championship | 1st |
| 2005 | World Karting Championship | 1st |
| 2005 | North American Championship | 1st |
| 2005 | Mexican Karting Championship | 1st |
| 2006 | British Formula Three Championship | 9th |
Where Did Sergio Perez Go Karting?
Perez competed in go-karting events all over the world, including Europe, South America, and Asia. He raced on some of the most famous tracks in the world, such as the Kartodromo Internacional de Sarno in Italy and the Karting Circuit de Catalunya in Spain.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Perez’s success in go-karting was a combination of talent, hard work, and the ability to attract the attention of top teams and manufacturers. His success in karting laid the foundation for his future achievements in the world of professional motorsport.
His early success in go-karting is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. It is no surprise that he has become one of the most successful Mexican drivers in motorsport history.
Despite moving on to higher categories of racing, Perez has never forgotten his roots in karting and has credited the sport of karting with teaching him many of the skills and techniques that have helped him succeed at the highest levels of motorsport.
