Draft:Alessandro Sarlas

Alessandro Sarlas, born on December 7, 2013, is a British racing driver currently making his mark in club championships within the cadet class, proudly racing under the British flag. In the notable year of 2023, he clinched the top spot in the Shenington championship and secured a commendable second place in the Whilton Mill championship, both achievements accomplished in the IAME Waterswift category. Adding to his accolades, Alessandro attained fourth place in the Rotax Micromax division of the Kimbolton championship. The same year, his outstanding performance in the Whilton Mill Cup earned him the prestigious WM Plate Award.

Undeterred by success, Alessandro has eagerly embraced the challenges of the 2024 season, joining the championships for Kimbolton, Whilton Mill, Shenington, and PFi. Beyond club competitions, he is set to showcase his skills on a broader stage by participating in the highly competitive British Karting Championships throughout the entirety of 2024. Alessandro Sarlas continues to carve out a promising trajectory in the thrilling world of racing.

Personal life
Alessandro Sarlas was born Hammersmith, London, UK to Pavlos Sarlas and Mika Sarlas.His father, Pavlos, holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at Noble Hospitality Group, overseeing a globally successful portfolio of restaurants including, Chotto Matte, Angus Steakhouse, Steak and Company, and Alley Cats Pizza. Through these endeavours, he has solidified his status as a notable figure in the hospitality sector. Pavlos has a noteworthy racing background, having spent his formative years in Australia and participating in competitions such as Formula Ford and the Australian Super Touring car championship, alongside various lesser-known categories.

Alessandro's mother, Mika (Meng Hsin Chu), originates from Hsinchu, Taiwan. As the youngest member of the Sarlas family, Alessandro has a single sibling. Possessing triple citizenship—British, Greek, and Australian—Alessandro is proficient in Mandarin. In addition to his racing pursuits, he exhibits versatility by playing the piano at a grade 3 level and actively engaging in sports such as swimming, tennis, and football.

Educationally, Sarlas attends St Marys Primary in Twickenham and is currently progressing through year 5. The Sarlas family has made Richmond, UK their home base, contributing to the area's vibrant community.

Racing Career
Commencing his racing odyssey at the tender age of seven, Sarlas initially delved into the thrilling realm of local outdoor karting. The pivotal year of 2023 marked Sarlas' foray into the cadet class, actively participating in three championships. Impressively, he clinched the vice-champion position in both the Shenington and Whilton Mill championships, showcasing his track prowess. Furthermore, Sarlas exhibited his skills in the Kimbolton championship, concluding the season with a commendable fourth-place finish. Racing in the IAME restricted class, he partners with the Jade racing team, piloting the Birel chassis. At Kimbolton, he races alongside the TWMotorsport team, navigating the Birel chassis coupled with a Rotax engine.

Beyond the championships, Sarlas also engaged in the Whilton Mill plate championship, emerging victorious and earning the esteemed WM plate—a testament to his exceptional performance and dedication on the racing circuit.

2023: PFi maiden pole position
In an impressive debut at the prestigious PFi circuit, known as the premier track in the UK with international acclaim, Sarlas secured pole position for the festive cup. Managing the complexities of changing weather conditions, the team tuned the kart for wet conditions, using wet tyres and a wet gearing setup. However, as the rain cleared and the circuit rapidly dried, a challenge for any driver, Sarlas relinquished his lead, ultimately finishing in fifth place. Notably, the top four drivers, equipped with a dry setup strategy, capitalised on the evolving track conditions, contributing to their overtaking manoeuvres and placing ahead of Sarlas. This event marked his first-ever appearance at PFi, showcasing his adaptability on one of the most revered tracks in the United Kingdom with a recognised international status.

2024 season
Looking forward to the year 2024, Alessandro Sarlas is poised to broaden his competition itinerary by engaging in four prominent championships: Kimbolton, Shenington, Whilton Mill, and PFi. In the same year, he will partake in the esteemed British Championships in the IAME Waterswift with Jade racing in a Birel Kart. The IAME Cadet contenders are slated to compete fiercely over four intensive weekends encompassing eight rounds against fellow championship participants. The competition unfolds across four distinct tracks, promising an exhilarating prospect for championship contenders. Commencing the season in May, the renowned PFi circuit sets the stage, followed by a visit to Whilton Mill in June, Shenington in July, and concluding with the penultimate round at 3 Sisters in September.