Ahoghill teen racer crowned All-Ireland Karting Champion and set for World Finals in Bahrain

Reuben Kernohan in action

Seventeen-year-old karting sensation Reuben Kernohan from Ahoghill has been crowned the Rotax Max All-Ireland Champion, following a fiercely contested season across circuits in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The talented young driver secured the prestigious title on Saturday 27 September, marking a major milestone in a career that began when he first got behind the wheel at just six years old.

Reuben, who competes in the Senior Rotax Max class, races across Ireland and the UK mainland. His All-Ireland victory comes after a year of intense competition, with four rounds taking place in Northern Ireland’s Nutts Corner Circuit and four in the South of Ireland.

Expressing his delight at the victory, Reuben said he was “over the moon to have won this title — it was an incredibly hard-fought championship.”

He added that he is “so proud to be heading to Bahrain for the World Finals. It’s an amazing opportunity to represent my country, and I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got.”

The victory secures Reuben a coveted place at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, which will be held later this year in Bahrain, between November 29 and December 6, where he will compete against the best kart racers from around the world.

Reuben’s journey through motorsport has been marked by consistency, determination and success. He has already claimed the Ulster Championship titles in 2021 and 2022, as well as winning the Tillotson World Championship, further cementing his reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s brightest young racing prospects.

Supported by ADR (Alex Dempsey Racing), James Kernohan & Sons, and Campbell Commercials Ltd, Reuben continues to build an impressive record both on and off the track.

This weekend, he returns to familiar territory at Nutts Corner Circuit for the final round of the 2025 Ulster Championship, which he currently leads. He will then travel to Whilton Mill in England in two weeks’ time to compete in another major race meeting.

Reuben’s All-Ireland Championship victory adds to an already remarkable season, having also secured the 2025 RMC Championship earlier this year.

Despite his growing list of achievements, the young racer remains focused on his future within the karting world, with ambitions to continue progressing through the motorsport ranks.

For those keen to follow his journey, highlights and coverage of the RMC All-Ireland Championship can be found on YouTube, where fans can also keep up with preparations for the upcoming 2025 World Finals in Bahrain.