16 Apr 2024In the dynamic world of motorsport, karting opens the door for our youth to immerse themselves in the thrill of the track. Each twist and turn offers an exhilarating journey marked by passion, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence.
Dating back to the 1950s, the first kart created in the United States was powered by the McCulloch Mc-10, a modified two-stroke engine originally designed for chainsaws. Over time, these karts have evolved into sophisticated machines, and our young driver Carson commands the track with a Falcon Charlotte OK/Rotax kart by Veloce Karting.
Beyond the realm of competition, karting instils invaluable life skills in our youth. As young karters evolve into tomorrow's road drivers, karting gives our next generation the opportunity to develop crucial skills in car control, defensive driving, and situational awareness, laying the groundwork for future success both on and off the road.
At SD European, our core values of Family, Driven, Innovation, and Quality resonate deeply with the opportunity to support our youth within the motorsport environment. We proudly support a few individuals as they learn and grow within the discipline of motorsport in New Zealand, such as Taylor Mitchell Racing in his BMW E46 but more recently, we celebrated Carson Daly #97 triumph at the National Sprint Championship 2024 in Blenheim over Easter, a testament to his dedication and skill on the track.
Racing to the Top – 8 Years with Carson Daly
Carson's journey began at a young age, ignited by the unwavering support of his parents and his dad’s passion for building and working on race cars. Regularly his dad commits to supporting drivers as a race car mechanic. During a couple of seasons, he even jumped behind the wheel at the BMW Race Series. After the race he caught up with some of the drivers who were very talented. They explained how they started out in Go karting when they were young. In New Zealand you can join a Kart Club from the age of 6 and when the opportunity was presented to Carson he delved into the world of go-karting, where he swiftly showcased his natural talent on the track.
Driven by his passion for racing and his determination to follow in the footsteps of talented New Zealand drivers he has met like Chris van der Drift, Scott McLaughlin, Scott Dixon, Liam Lawson and Shane van Gisbergen, Carson's family supports him wholeheartedly. At home, his parents initially set up a basic simulator for daily practice sessions, with Carson seated in a go-kart frame facing a TV screen. However, as lockdown measures took effect, Carson’s parents recognised the need to refine his technique further to maintain his competitive edge. In pursuit of this goal, they reached out to family friends at Michell Race Xtreme. With their assistance, he acquired a high-quality simulator frame, significantly enhancing his racing simulation experience. This upgrade elevated Carson's training regimen to new heights, providing him with a superb platform to hone his skills and prepare for the challenges ahead on the track.
Veloce Karting Academy
Recognising Carson's potential on the track, Chris Van der Drift - NZ born professional racing driver, TCR New Zealand Champion, Lamborghini Super Trofeo Champion, 3 times Porsche Carrera Cup Champion, 3 times European Single seater champion, multiple New Zealand karting champion and creator of Veloce Karting invited him to join the Veloce Karting team in 2019. Under Van der Drift's guidance, Carson flourished, steadily climbing the ranks of competitive karting.
Despite his rigorous training schedule, Carson remains grounded in his aspirations. His ultimate goal is to become a V8 Supercar driver or compete as a GT3 driver in Europe, aiming for the pinnacle of motorsport excellence.
Beyond the racetrack, Carson's family life is infused with the same passion for adrenaline-fuelled activities. Weekends are often spent immersed in circuit racing events around the country, motor cross, speedway races, drags, and jet boats, reinforcing Carson's deep-rooted connection to the world of motorsport.
Whats Next
Now, at just 14 years old, Carson competes in the highly competitive Rotax Junior class, showcasing his skill and determination on the track. Occasionally, he also ventures into the Junior DVS category, demonstrating his versatility and readiness to tackle new challenges.
Upcoming events include Rok Cup in NZ, National Schools in July, North Island Championship (where his goal is to win the title this year) and heading to Italy in October as a part of the NZ Team driving in ROK Cup Super Worlds Final in South Garda.
Being a part of Carson's journey has provided us with a fresh perspective on how this sport moulds our youth. Through karting, young drivers like Carson not only cultivate a strong sense of driver etiquette, but also learn to navigate the myriad emotions that accompany both defeat and victory. Witnessing their growth, we observe the development of crucial social skills as they confidently stand before a crowd, expressing gratitude to their supporters and celebrating the successes of their peers.
Carson's journey from a wide-eyed child captivated by the roar of engines to a rising star in the racing world is a testament to his unwavering dedication, innate talent, and the unwavering support of his family, friends, sponsors and mentors. As he continues to inspire others with his passion and determination, Carson Daly represents the future of racing, driven by excellence and fuelled by dreams.
SD European proudly sponsors Carson Daly #97
Stay tuned as Carson continues to work diligently and fundraise towards his trip to Italy as part of the NZ Karting Team competing in the ROK Cup Super Worlds Final in South Garda.
