Kayleigh Cole

Kayleigh Cole is an Irish racing driver from Dripsey, County Cork, who went from receiving her first go-kart as a Christmas present in 2016 to becoming the first Irish driver to compete in the F1000 Championship—and she hasn’t lifted her foot off the accelerator since.

EARLY YEARS

Born around 2004, Kayleigh Cole—or “Kayls,” as she prefers—grew up in the Cork countryside, surrounded by Ireland’s rallying culture thanks to her father, Mike. But while Mike had a background in rallying, it was his Christmas gift in 2016 that changed everything: a go-kart that would kickstart his daughter’s racing career.[2][3]

Her first race came in May 2016, run in memory of Dawn O’Brien, and it was all the confirmation she needed. “Since that day I never stopped racing,” she said.[3] What started as a fun family activity on Sundays quickly turned serious. By 2017, Cole was fully immersed in karting, competing in Junior Rotax at age 14 and racking up seat time across Ireland’s circuits, including Mondello Park.[2][3][4]

Mike Cole’s influence was crucial in those early days, but he knew when to step back. As Kayleigh transitioned into circuit racing in 2021, he let her work directly with mechanics and coaches rather than hovering over her shoulder—a decision that forced her to develop independence and confidence quickly. “It was a bit different at the start,” she admitted. “Strange to be giving my feedback to strangers rather than to my dad.”[2]

While juggling her Leaving Cert studies in 2021, Cole was already making waves on track, splitting her time between Ireland and England to chase her single-seater dreams.[2][3]

OTHER INTERESTS

Outside of motorsport, Cole keeps her personal interests largely private. Her focus has been laser-sharp on racing, with her schedule dominated by travel between Ireland and England for competitions and testing.[3] Beyond that, details about hobbies, academic pursuits, or downtime activities remain under wraps—perhaps because when you’re chasing a career in single-seaters, there isn’t much time for anything else.

EARLY SUCCESS

Cole’s karting career was a steady climb. She competed in the Motorsport Ireland Kart Championship, the Tullyallen series, and various Rotax events, eventually representing Norway at the IAME World Finals and racing in Formula Nordic.[2][3][4][5] By the time she transitioned to circuit racing, she’d already earned the title of Irish Karting Champion—a solid foundation for what came next.[5]

In 2021, Cole made motorsport history as the first Irish driver to compete in the F1000 Championship, piloting a superbike-powered single-seater capable of hitting 150 mph.[1][5] As a rookie, she tackled nine weekends and 12 races across some of the UK’s most challenging circuits: Silverstone National, Donington Park, Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Snetterton, and the notoriously tight and twisty Cadwell Park.[1][2]

The learning curve was steep. Cole had to master unfamiliar tracks while competing against seasoned drivers in a highly competitive field. Her only retirements came at Donington, but she quickly found her rhythm.[1][2] At her opening weekend at Silverstone National, she earned both a Newcomer Award and the coveted 100 mph lap decal—proof she could hang with the pack.[2] By late August at Silverstone International, she posted her best F1000 result of the season: 13th place in a grid of around 30 cars.[2]

Her debut at Cadwell Park was particularly notable. She finished 14th in Race 1 and steadily improved her lap times throughout the weekend—a sign of her adaptability and determination.[1] By season’s end, Cole finished 24th overall in the F1000 Championship and 20th among Clubmans drivers, but more importantly, she was crowned the highest-scoring novice in the 2021 F1000 Swallow Hill Homes Championship, an honor she collected at the prizegiving event at Silverstone.[1][2]

Her coaching setup included Sarah Moore, a W-Series driver, who helped refine Cole’s racecraft during that crucial rookie season.[2] Cole also worked closely with two mechanics, learning to communicate her feedback and build her technical understanding from the ground up.[2]

In 2023, Cole returned to her roots in Ireland and dominated the Formula BOSS Ireland Championship, taking the title in the BOSS 3 category at Mondello Park.[1] That same year, she ran a partial F1000 campaign, securing one top-10 finish and seven top-15 results.[1] Continuity, as one recap noted, had been the key to her success.[1]

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2016: First race in memory of Dawn O’Brien; received first go-kart as Christmas gift from father Mike[2][3].
• 2017–2021: Irish Karting Champion; competed in Motorsport Ireland Kart Championship, Tullyallen series, Rotax series, IAME World Finals representing Norway, and Formula Nordic[2][3][4][5].
• 2021: First Irish driver to compete in the F1000 Championship; earned Newcomer Award and 100 mph lap decal at Silverstone National; highest-scoring novice in the F1000 Swallow Hill Homes Championship[1][2][5].
• 2023: Formula BOSS Ireland Champion in BOSS 3 category at Mondello Park; one top-10 and seven top-15 finishes in partial F1000 campaign[1].
• Testing: Tested Porsche at Brands Hatch; tested GB4 car (Tatuus F4-T014) with Fox Motorsport at Donington Park in December[3][4].

INSPIRATIONS

Cole’s biggest influence is undeniably her father, Mike, whose Christmas gift in 2016 set everything in motion. Though he introduced her to rallying culture as a kid, Cole chose the track over rally stages—a decision she’s never regretted. “I wouldn’t change my journey. I love where I am now,” she said.[3]

Beyond family, her early coaching from Sarah Moore, a W-Series competitor, provided valuable guidance as Cole transitioned from karting to single-seaters.[2] Mike’s decision to step back and let his daughter work independently with mechanics and coaches also shaped her development, forcing her to mature quickly as a driver and communicator.[2]

REPUTATION

Cole has earned a reputation as a “fearless motorsport talent, rising fast” and “one to watch” in British and Irish motorsport circles.[1][6] Her rapid development, combined with her history-making entry into the F1000 Championship as both a female and Irish driver, has drawn positive media attention and industry interest.[1][2][4][5][7]

She’s known for her ability to improve lap times and build confidence on challenging circuits like Cadwell Park, demonstrating adaptability and grit.[1] Her testing with Porsche at Brands Hatch—where she was one of six girls invited—and her GB4 test with Fox Motorsport further cemented her credibility as a serious contender in the single-seater pipeline.[3][4]

Supporters have rallied behind her through crowdfunding efforts on Sponsor Driven, with contributions coming in as recently as 2025 and 2026, reflecting grassroots backing for her career.[6] While she’s still building her profile, her pioneering achievements and steady progress have positioned her as a driver to follow.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Cole’s ambition is clear: “My ambition is to make a career in motorsport and in the single-seater route. GB4 is the next step… My goal is to race in GB4 this year,” she stated in early 2024.[4] As of January 2024, she was expected to compete in the GB4 Championship under the management of SLB Performance, viewing the series as a stepping stone toward the F1 Academy.[4]

However, funding remains her primary obstacle. “Funding and stuff we just kind of wanted to sit down… struggling going to the UK all the time,” she explained in a 2023 interview, acknowledging the financial realities of pursuing a professional racing career.[3] Despite the challenges, Cole has continued to push forward, using her F1000 campaigns to gain experience and maintain her competitive edge following the end of the W Series.[3]

Her tested interest in Porsche and her GB4 test with Fox Motorsport signal her readiness to move up the ladder, provided the financial backing materializes.[3][4] For now, she’s maximizing every opportunity on track, knowing that seat time and results are her best currency in a sport that demands both speed and sponsorship.

References:

Season recap: Kayleigh Cole continues her development in F1000 Championship
Leaving Cert student Kayleigh Cole shines at Silverstone
Kayls Cole Racing is LIVE in studio!
The female racers looking to join the GB4 grid in 2024 – part two
Irish Karting Champion Kayleigh Cole To Make Her Single Seater Debut
Kayleigh Cole Sponsor Driven Profile
New teen on racing scene