Rob Smedley launches new low-cost electric karting series

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Former Ferrari and Williams man Rob Smedley is launching a new electric karting series that will allow young talent to go racing at a very low cost.

Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton recently expressed his concern over the spiraling costs associated with junior motorsport series which thwart diversity and allow money to prevail over talent for many aspiring young racers.

Smedley's initiative, called Electroheads, aims to give access to those with limited means, democratizing grassroots motorsports as its first step.

"As Lewis Hamilton himself said recently, racing has become too expensive and is not diverse enough. I totally agree," said Smedley in a report published by RaceFans.net.

"Through electrification we can change that. We will be the driving force to inspire, energise and thrill racers as they climb the ladder. It is cleaner, cheaper, faster and importantly, fairer."

Hamilton concerned by rising cost of junior motorsport

The evolution of the automotive industry and the emergence of electrification has led to a paradigm shift from which motorsport won't remain immune contends Smedley.

"For the next generation of racers, the era of the petrolhead is coming to a close," said Williams' former Head of Vehicle Dynamics.

"The whole philosophy of the Electroheads group is to get digital natives to experience the unique awe of the electric revolution. Electroheads Motorsport is a critical part of that ambition."

Electroheads karts will cater to the passion of two young age groups - Bambino and Cadet.

"Electrification allows for complete parity, where the principal performance differentiator is driver talent," Smedley added.

"Democratic. Meritocratic. Electric. That’s why we’re here."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.