Local karting prodigy Charlie Simmonds had an unforgettable time at Buckmore Park where he met Formula 1 hero Daniel Ricciardo during Round 5 of the DRS100 series.

Eight-time Grand Prix winner and founder of the Daniel Ricciardo Series (DRS), Ricciardo made a surprise visit to the track in Kent to meet the young drivers and witness firsthand the growth of the series he helped create.  

Among those to meet the Aussie was 14-year-old Charlie Simmonds who completed his maiden karting season last year in the newly-launched DRS 45 class – the UK’s first arrive-and-drive championship designed to break down barriers to entry in motorsport.

Charlie said: “It was really exciting to meet Daniel and have my helmet signed by him. I’ve looked up to him since before I first started racing and getting the chance to meet him in person has made me want to push even harder to follow in his footsteps. 

“Seeing someone like him, who started in karting just like me, makes me believe that I can get there too if I keep working hard.”

Simmonds is recognised as the first driver in the series to step up from DRS 45 to DRS 100, debuting in the final two rounds of 2024. His progression has set a new precedent for others in DRS, helping shape the series’ development pathway.

Simmonds’ journey is supported by a network of local sponsors and partners including Empica, Zenico Racing, Bristol Audi, Sentient Electrical Services, Parker’s Estate Agents and Country Property, who will be backing him as he undertakes this next step in his career. 

For more information visit http://www.charliesimmonds.com