How old was Vivek when he started racing, and how did this passions come about? Vivek started competitive racing at 10 years old. He is now 15 years old. He started with Regional Karting (2019), then to National Karting (2020), then to European Karting (2022), then to FIA Championship Karting (2023). He was signed to Campos Racing Spanish Formula 4 in October 2024. He will debut in single seater Formula Car racing in 2025. Formula 4 Racing is the initial step on the ladder to Formula 1.
What does Vivek love about racing, and what is his ultimate goal/dream?
His passion comes from growing up watching motorsports racing with the family, and then discovering that he actually had a talent for racing. He enjoys winning, of course, and loves the thrill of speed and fierce competition, racing at the highest level of his sport against the best racers in the World. His dream is to be a Formula 1 Driver.
What has been the hardest part (and most exciting part) as a mom watching this journey?
As a family, we all enjoy supporting Vivek’s journey. It has been an unexpected thrill in our lives to watch him grow as a young man in a very demanding environment. A lot happens behind the scenes that many outside of the Sport do not know about. It is physically and mentally draining at times. He is a professional athlete in a sport that requires immense dedication and complete focus to perform at the highest level. It is a lot for a young teen to deal with. Vivek impresses us with his absolute drive to be the best he can be at whatever comes his way.
As a Mom, watching Vivek’s journey, I have absolute confidence in his abilities. I am in awe of the speeds he drives at (235 kph/160 mph), with such control and precision. I know that nothing is 100% safe in any sport, but I am confident in the safety of the race car and protocols in the sport.
How long has your family lived in Westport- and where are you living now? Our Family moved to Westport in 2014. We now split our time between Europe and the USA. Vivek’s schedule requires him to spend 200+ days a year in Europe. We are a family of 5. Our eldest son, Nikhil, is a sophomore at Duke University, studying Mechanical Engineering. Daughter, Shivali is a freshman at the University of Michigan, studying Fine Arts-Graphic Design, and Vivek is on his own path now!
Is there anything the Westport community can do to support Vivek in the weeks, months and years ahead? From our Westport community, we would love for everyone to follow his journey. You can check in on his website: vivekkanthan.com or follow his Instagram @vivekkanthan
And for anyone who is interested in learning more about the sport or partnership opportunities with Vivek, please reach out via his website here.
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