Think Mario Kart, but way faster and without the banana peels—kart racing is a high-speed motorsport where young drivers like Pearce Wade '28 push their skills to the limit. Recently, Pearce represented Team Canada at the prestigious Rotax Grand Finals in Sarno, Italy. Balancing the demands of school and international competition, Pearce shows how commitment and focus can open extraordinary doors, reminding students that, with the right support and hard work, big dreams are achievable.
For Pearce, racing isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way of life. He trains daily using a simulator and travels regularly to Ontario to train and refine his craft. Karting is a significant commitment, involving kart maintenance, coordination with mechanics and coaches and planning for potential sponsorship opportunities to support his travel and competition ambitions.
For someone like Pearce, who dreams of one day racing in Formula 1, karting is the crucial first step in a long and competitive journey.
A Formative Milestone
Pearce’s love for racing began after he read an F1 article in a magazine at the age of 10.
“I read about how F1 drivers started their early experiences in racing and they all went through karting," Pearce vividly recalled. “I knew from that moment that I just had to get into this.”
Soon after, Pearce joined a kart racing club and it didn’t take long for him to stand out. He won his first club championship and from there he progressed through the ranks of Canadian karting, earning his place on Team Canada.
“It’s amazing to represent my country in sport,” he said proudly. “Competing has taught me the importance of focus and mental strength, which are also helpful for me as a student.”
Making Education a Priority
Racing on the international stage requires sacrifices. Pearce spent two weeks in Italy in October, racing against the best young drivers in the world. Between studying on flights, completing assignments late at night, and catching up on missed work, Pearce has learned how to manage his time effectively. Pearce is also deeply grateful for the support he has received from SMUS.
“I’m thankful to my teachers and classmates who helped me catch up on schoolwork when I was away,” said Pearce who spent two weeks in Italy during October. “It was a team effort and I couldn't have stayed on top of both without them,” he shares.
Pearce’s dedication demonstrates that, with discipline and time management, students can pursue their passions while maintaining a focus on their education.
Learning Through Racing
Karting offered Pearce more than just competition; it has helped him grow as a critical thinker. His experiences calculating fuel loads, analyzing telemetry data and understanding aerodynamics have even improved his performance in math—a subject he once struggled with.
“When I could put math into practical terms, like calculating fuel for my kart, it started to click for me,” Pearce said.
Whether it's scheduling, understanding the physics required in racing strategy or taking care of his body and mind, the skills in karting have given Pearce practical experiences that have helped him also perform in the classroom.
“If you’re going to commit to something, make sure you have a deep passion for it,” said Pearce as advice for his peers “There are ups and downs, and passion keeps you going through the tough times.”
Looking Ahead
With the 2024 racing season behind him, Pearce is now focused on future competitions and hopes to continue racing internationally. His journey is a reminder to fellow students that, with dedication, resilience and a supportive community, even the most ambitious goals can be within reach.
