Rob started racing in the Cadet class for 8-12 year olds with Quinn Racing, competing in local and National races. He showed potential and for 2004 decided to race in the UK as well, moving up to the Minimax class. He also made a switch to Team Simpson International, where team principal Michael Simpson has experience racing against F1 drivers such as Jenson Button and Jarno Trulli.

Rob thrived in the competitive British series, finishing 13th, unusually for a debut season. This gave him the confidence to move up into Junior Intercontinental A (JICA) for 2005, the premier junior class in karting. In 2005, a busy season was in prospect, with Rob competing in the Irish, British and European Championships with Team Simpson International.

He coped with it all in style, winning the Irish title with victories in every round except one. He also won the All-Ireland Championship and was leading the Race of Champions at Mondello Park when he was taken out two laps from the finish.

In the UK, Rob again did well for a first-timer, finishing 15th against one of the most competitive fields in years. In the European races, Rob reached the finals of the prestigious championship, despite having to cope with 40-degree heat at the first round in France.

In 2006 Rob took on the European Junior Championship again, and in the final came through to finish 17th despite being half a lap down after a startline crash. He was also the fastest man on the track by quite a margin. Robert also achieved seventh in the British Championship.

In 2007 Rob moved up to seniors in the new KF2 class. The high point was two fourth places at the third round of the Italian Championship, which is every bit as challenging as the European Championship. He finished the season in ninth despite missing the final round due to an illness which also forced him to miss the Europeans.

Rob also found the time to do some races in ICC in Ireland as well as a demonstration in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, and has tested a Formula Renault.

Kart Maranello
Engine Parilla
Team Maranello Kart
Class KF2
Ambition To race in F1
Lives Navan, Co. Meath, Ireland
Age 16
School Dunshaughlin Community College
Favourite Music Eminem