Name: Darren Kidd
Age: 12
Team Mike Doty Racing (MDR)
2025 Classes: Rotax Max Junior & KA 100 Junior (possible x30 Junior)
2025 Series: Rotax, USPKS, SKUSA and Stars
Igniting the Passion: The Journey of Darren Kidd
Every great racer has a story of how their passion was ignited. For some, it begins with a spark of curiosity, and for others, it’s an unstoppable drive to chase speed. For Darren Kidd, a twelve year old rising star in the karting world, the journey began at an early age and quickly transformed into a thrilling and inspiring racing career.
A Childhood on Wheels
From an early age, Darren was drawn to the thrill of four-wheeled machines. Whether it was a four-wheeler, a yard kart, or a drift kart, the desire for adrenaline was always present. At just seven years old, his parents, Pam and Mike, signed him up for lessons at a local track, and it wasn’t long before he found himself on the starting line of his very first race.
His journey was born from pure love for the sport. “Racing was my dream, and I’ll always come back to it no matter what happens,” he says. This unwavering passion continues to fuel him every time he steps onto the track, pushing him to break barriers and aim for greatness.
Mental Toughness: Staying Focused Under Pressure
Kart racing is no easy feat—it demands laser-sharp focus, precision, and an unwavering mindset. So, how does Darren prepare mentally before a big race?
“Stay calm and take deep breaths,” he shares. “I think of my plan and lock into the mode.” Mental preparation is key to staying in the zone, and he finds that humming to himself helps him get into the right headspace. The ability to remain calm under pressure is something every racer must develop, and Darren continues to master it.
Turning Challenges into Triumphs
In a sport where every split second counts, setbacks are inevitable. But it’s not the failures that define a racer—it’s how they rise after each challenge. One of his most significant obstacles came during his first year of racing, when he flipped his kart. That could have been a moment that halted his career, but instead, it became a lesson in resilience.
“I got back into my kart and kept pushing myself,” he says. “I had to mentally get past it and put it behind me.” It’s this mentality—never backing down in the face of adversity—that has shaped him into the powerful competitor he is today.
The Thrill of the Track: What Keeps Him Coming Back
While speed is undoubtedly a key component of kart racing, it’s the total thrill of the sport that keeps him hooked. “The speed, the tracks, and the thrill,” he says, with excitement in his voice. Racing is more than a hobby or ‘just’ a sport —it’s his dream, and the rush of each race only adds fuel to his fire.
As he reflects on the journey, one of his proudest moments was coming in third at Rotax during his first year in Junior racing at the age of 11. “It was the best feeling I ever had,” he recalls. For any athlete, those moments of victory are sweet, but it’s the hard work and the learning along the way that truly define the experience.
Embracing Setbacks: The Power of Persistence
Of course, not every race goes as planned. Sometimes setbacks happen, but it’s how we respond that shapes our success. “One or even multiple bad races won’t stop me,” Darren insists. “I have to just get back to being focused and concentrate on my next race.”
Kart racing is a sport of some trial and error, but each mistake is simply a stepping stone toward improvement. This resilience to keep going, no matter the circumstances, is what makes champions.
Advice for Aspiring Racers: Never Give Up
For those just starting out in the world of kart racing, this inspiring racer has one piece of advice: “Never give up. Practice and take the advice of people who support you.” It’s not just about raw talent; it’s about listening to your coach, your parents, and your team—all of whom are there to help you succeed.
His message is clear: Keep pushing forward because greatness is earned one lap at a time.
The Future is Bright: Big Dreams Ahead
As he looks ahead, this young racer has big goals. “Win a national race,” he says with determination. “I want to get to the highest level of karting that I can.” There’s no doubt he has the drive and focus to achieve these dreams. And with his unyielding passion, it’s just a matter of time before we see him conquer new heights in the world of kart racing.
Inspired by Legends: A Coach Who Believes
In the world of racing, there are those who inspire us to push harder, aim higher, and believe in our potential. For this racer, that person is his coach, Mike Doty. “He has always supported me even when I was not on his team. He never gives up on me,” he says. “Mike is a legend. I want to be like him when he used to kart.”
Having a mentor who genuinely believes in your abilities is a powerful thing, and it’s clear that Mike has played a huge role in Darren’s development as a driver and as a person.
Finding Balance: The Importance of Relaxation
While racing might be his passion, Darren knows the importance of balancing life on and off the track. When he’s not racing, you’ll find him unwinding with his simulator or working on project cars, from Legos to RC models. And of course, he enjoys spending time with his dog, Dill Pickle (aka Diane), in the great outdoors.
Relaxation is crucial, and taking time to recharge ensures he’s always at his best when it’s time to race.
The Road Ahead
With unwavering determination, a supportive family, team, and an inspiring coach, this kart racer is on a path to greatness. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and a relentless drive to be the best. To all the young aspiring racers out there—take note, because the road to success is paved with hard work, focus, and the belief that no dream is too big to chase.
As Darren continues to chase his dreams, one thing is for sure: he’s going to keep racing toward the top, with no finish line in sight.
