Kayleigh Cole

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  Kayleigh Cole is an Irish motorsports racer who began her journey at age 15 after receiving a go-kart from her father, and has steadily risen through competitive racing ranks from karting to the F1000 Championship series.

  EARLY YEARS

  Growing up in an environment that fostered her love for racing, Kayleigh’s interest began when watching races from her dad’s shoulders. A Christmas gift of a go-kart in 2016 transformed her casual interest into serious passion, leading to her first karting experiences at Kartworld in Watergrasshill. Before motorsports, she participated in football, hurling, and hip-hop dancing. Her father Mike served as her chief mechanic and transport manager, while her mother Sue and sisters Myka and Courtney provided additional family support.

  EARLY SUCCESS

  After beginning competitive karting in 2017, Cole quickly progressed to the Junior Rotax class with the Tullyallen Kart Club. She adopted race number 18 in memory of former rally driver Donal O’Brien. Despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she competed in British Championships at venues like Warden Law, Whilton Mill, and PFI. Her transition to single-seater racing came in 2021 with entry into the F1000 Championship, where she raced at iconic circuits including Silverstone, Donington Park, and Brands Hatch, finishing 24th overall and earning the Rookie Champion title in her debut season.

  NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2019: Won the Formula Female Star Drive Award[4].
  • 2019: Achieved P1 Qualifying, P1 in Heat, and P2 in Final with the fastest lap overall at Kirkistown on May 5th[4].
  • 2021: Finished 24th in the overall F1000 Championship and 20th among Clubman drivers[1].
  • 2021: Secured a best result of 13th at Silverstone International circuit and was awarded the Newcomer of the Meeting award on the Silverstone National circuit[1][2].
  • 2021: Won the F1000 Championship Rookie Champion award[1][2].
  • 2022: Improved her best career result to 11th position in race three at Donington Park[1].
  • 2023: Won the Formula BOSS Ireland Championship in the BOSS 3 category[1].
  • 2023: Achieved her first ever top-10 finish in the F1000 Championship at Brands Hatch Indy circuit, finishing 9th in race two[1].
  • 2023: Set an 8th place finish at Silverstone International circuit, matching her pace with top-5 contenders[1].
  • 2024: Set the fastest lap time by a female racing driver in cars at Cadwell Park with a 1:25.909 lap time[1].
  • 2024: Finished 16th in the overall F1000 Championship standings and secured a top-10 placing in the Clubman classification[1].

  REPUTATION

  In the motorsport community, Cole has established herself as a determined and consistent competitor who shows continuous improvement. Her transition from karting to single-seater racing demonstrates technical adaptability and racing intelligence. Setting the record as the fastest female driver at Cadwell Park highlights her growing capabilities in the highly competitive F1000 Championship. With consistent top-10 finishes in the Clubmans classification, she has earned recognition as a promising talent with the potential for success in higher racing categories.

  FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

  Looking ahead, Kayleigh aims to climb higher on the single-seater ladder in 2025 and beyond. Her long-term aspiration is to compete in the W Series, the groundbreaking racing championship for women launched in 2018. To help advance her career, she works with driver coach Sarah Moore, a W Series driver who assists with data analysis, racing lines, and overall performance improvement. These strategic partnerships and her continued development position her well for future opportunities in professional motorsport.

  References:

  Season Recap: Kayleigh Cole Continues Her Development in F1000 Championship
  Kayleigh Cole Is Right On Track