Josh Cooke, an 11-year-old karting sensation from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, has made a name for himself as a world champion in the sport of karting. In October, Josh won the Micro Max class at the RMC Grand Finals, a prestigious event in the Rotax World Championship held in Sarno, Italy. Representing Team UK, Josh achieved a remarkable feat, claiming the title at just 10 years old. “It feels amazing,” Josh said of his win, adding, “It is a massive privilege and worth all the sacrifice.” His victory capped off a successful year in karting, which also saw him win the British Open and the Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy, a major event at the Le Mans circuit in France.
Josh’s passion for racing was sparked at the age of six, when he watched YouTube videos of Formula 1 and saw his idol, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, racing in go-karts. Inspired, Josh decided to take up the sport. “I clicked on a link and saw him racing in a go-kart when he was young at Rye House and fancied a go,” Josh recalled. He loves the challenge of racing, particularly the speed and competition. His kart can reach speeds of up to 70mph (113km/h), and although it feels fast on the track, Josh noted, “It does not seem that quick when you are behind the wheel. But when you are off track, it looks really fast.”
Josh’s father, Oliver Cooke, plays an integral role in his racing career, working as his part-time mechanic while also balancing his job as a solutions engineer. Oliver described his son as resilient and praised his ability to drive consistently, even under pressure. Looking ahead, Josh is moving up to a higher age category and will soon begin considering a transition into single-seater cars. His ultimate dream is to race in Formula 1. “I want to be one of the best drivers in England; maybe even the world,” Josh said. For now, he is focused on defending his karting world title.
