2017 CIK-FIA Best-Of: 2017: The irresistible progression of Dexter Patterson

The new CIK-FIA World Junior Champion is part of the bright-eyed younger generation. Raised in the tough British karting scene, Dexter Patterson was well-equipped to learn about the international OK-Junior class in 2017. After a few achievements at the start of the season, everything was set up for the CIK-FIA World Junior Championship. After his world title, his speed and maturity have opened the doors to a great career.

Dexter, how did you come to start kart racing?

– My father was himself a kart driver. So I was immersed in the racing atmosphere very early, which made me want to follow in his footsteps. I started racing at the age of 6 in Scotland, in a Bambino, then I raced in Mini and Junior. My family has always been my main support to progress in competition. The many races I’ve been to in the UK have taught me a lot about strategy and fighting in the pack.

Can you tell us about your progress this season?

– I had a busy racing programme at the beginning of the year to familiarise myself with the OK-Junior category at the international level. I learned a lot with Birel ART Racing, although the results were not very convincing. With this experience, I then found my place in an English team, Forza Racing, for the World Championship and success immediately arrived.

How did this World Competition unfold for you?

– The essential point was to get through Qualifying Practice in a good position. I could then achieve very good Qualifying Heat results, without incident and without penalty. The Final was decided in the first two laps. I was able to build a small lead and finally manage the return of my team-mate until the last lap, helped by my knowledge of the track.

What is your future as a Driver?

I really like karting and I would be willing to continue in the top category, OK, but we must consider all the options available to me to make the best choice. We are thinking of single-seaters, of course, but there are other possibilities in motorsport, like GT for example. Nothing definitive has been decided yet.

Info CIK-FIA / © Photo KSP