Greenvale’s rising motorsport star Ari Djemil has claimed 1st place at the 2025 Victorian kart championships, held at Oakleigh Go Kart Racing Club.
Competing in the Cadet 9 division against 24 of the state’s best young drivers, Ari’s victory cements his place as a future talent to watch.
After countless hours of training and dedication, Ari’s efforts paid off as he crossed the finish line, earning the prestigious title of Victorian State Champion.
“I felt so happy I won, it was my first win in a big field and a big race like that,” Ari said.
Ari’s mum, Ayesh Djemil, was overwhelmed with emotion watching her son take out the title.
“He’s been karting for two years now, he had a bit of a rough run at the beginning, but now he’s pulled through, and I was crying, honestly. I couldn’t believe he got the title of state champion against so many talented Cadet 9s,” Ms Djemil said.
Karting is widely regarded as the first step for aspiring motor-sport professionals, with many formula 1 stars starting their careers in similar junior championships.
At just nine years old, Ari’s victory marks the beginning of an exciting journey in the sport.
His karting journey began when he received a go-kart for Christmas when he was six, initially just for fun.
However, things quickly became more serious when he started racing competitively.
“My dad drove a go-kart for a bit, and then he wanted me to do it. He stopped and didn’t make me but said, ‘do you want to race go-karts?,’ and I said yeah,” Ari recalled.
With his eyes set on more championships, Greenvale may just have a future international racing star in its midst.
While the family is incredibly proud, Ms Djemil admits the journey hasn’t been easy.
“A lot of the travelling’s been interstate – my husband does that – but yeah, it’s a lot in terms of the anxiety. Obviously I’m worried about the safety, and I know it’s a lot of pressure,” Ms Djemil said.
“It’s a very brutal, emotional sport, but moments like this make it all worth it.”
