Guru Tarun SK is just a few hours away from the race of his lifetime when he speaks to us over phone from Thailand. The Coimbatore-based 10-year-old has been selected by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) to represent India in the Under-12 category of the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship 2026 in Thailand. What began as a fun attempt at go-karting at the city’s Kartkrew Motorsports and CoASTT Kartmania in Karumathampatti, has resulted in an opportunity to shine on the international stage.

Tarun says that it was his father V Santhosh Kumar who inspired him to take up go-karting. Santhosh used to be a rally racer himself and is his son’s guiding force now, accompanying him for races and ensuring he gets the best training. While it has been only six months since Tarun took up the sport, he is showing promise. “The FMSCI selected him to represent India after seeing his performance in IAME Championship held earlier this year,” says Santhosh.

Tarun has been training hard ever since, and Santhosh says that he takes his son to Chennai and Bengaluru to drive in the best tracks. He trains from 6am every day, spending around a week every month on the track. Participating in international events results in him missing school for several days, and Santhosh says that SSVM School of Excellence where Tarun studies, has been particularly supportive.

Go-karting is an expensive sport, with safety gear alone costing up to several lakhs. There also is the risk that comes with racing — Santhosh says Tarun has suffered several injuries, including a broken arm. “But it’s all part of the experience,” Santhosh says, adding that his family has seen him recover from several such injuries during his racing days. Which is perhaps why Tarun has learned to take it in his stride.

Tarun has set his sights on the Asia Championship, that is soon set to take place across Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. His ultimate aim is to become an F1 racer. “Go-karting is the base for that,” says Tarun, adding that he aspires to become like British Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton.

His favourite part about racing? Pat comes the reply: “Speed.”