Athlone’s Senan aiming for go-karting success in Spain
A passion for go-karting will be realised in a global competition setting when Athlone’s Senan McLoughlin represents Ireland at the T4 Nations Cup Karting Championship in Valencia, Spain this week.
Senan (12) departed for the southern Spanish city with his parents, Emma and David, and extended family members yesterday (Tuesday) for the week-long event which commences with practice sessions on Thursday before culminating on Sunday with the finals.
The Arcadia resident will be one of 36 participants in the competition’s T4 ‘Mini’ category.
Prior to the family’s departure, Senan’s mother Emma spoke of his love for go-karting describing the sport as a “passion” for the first year Marist College student.
“Senan first sat into a go kart at two years of age and started participating in competitions from the age of seven. Go-karting runs in the family so it seemed a natural fit for Senan,” Emma said.
Senan recently claimed a runner-up finish in the Tillotson Ireland Karting Championship in his age category and is now hoping to achieve further success on an international stage.
“The event has taken place in Valencia for the past number of years and Senan always has had an interest in participating at these championships. It is a major event with 268 competitors from 36 nations participating during the course of the week,” Emma stated.
Senan will compete alongside go-kart drivers from Costa Rica, Chile, the Dominican Republic and the USA as he aims for a podium place finish in the 8-12 age category.
“After we arrive in Valencia Senan will pick up his go-kart, then participate in practice sessions, before the start of competition heats which hopefully ends with a place in the finals on Sunday,” Emma said.
Senan is also a playing member of Southern Gaels and Athlone GAA clubs, but his mother said his “number one passion” is for go-karting.
Expressing gratitude to sponsors Realpower Limited and Midland Karting, Emma emphasised that Senan’s sole ambition at the T4 Karting Championships was “to win”.
“He’s very excited about the competition so hopefully, he achieves his ambitions,” Emma said.