ATTO BAILEY

Driven by Grit

I didn’t just fall into racing or follow in anyone’s footsteps. I had a need for speed and an obsession with cars before I could walk. My racing journey began at age 8.5, and from that first ‘have-a-go’ session, I knew this was where I needed to be.

Now at age 13, I compete in 125cc Junior Rotax Max class, with goals this year of Top 6 at the National events. My long-term goal is to become a professional racing driver. Outside the helmet, I review data and footage from the track, practice on the Sim, hit the mountain bike trails and develop my endurance and strength at Cross-fit. In my slower time, I’m playing piano, learning to code and mowing my neighbour’s lawns to help contribute to my karting costs.

I pride myself on being a smooth, fast, clean racer, and a dedicated learner; giving and seeking feedback. My goals: consistency, speed, precision and improvement.

In a sport defined by the size of a budget, I’ve chosen to be defined by the strength of my determination. I compete against the best-funded teams and drivers in the country. While many of my competitors have the luxury of a regular brand new chassis, unlimited tyres, uncapped travel and track time... my picture looks a little different.

My track time, tyres, travel and coaching are limited, my chassis runs for over a year and replacement parts are when needed, the budget doesn’t stretch to racing in South Island-held events, and I cannot afford overseas experience or to buy my way to the front on horsepower.