TUV congratulates Ahoghill teen Reuben Kernohan on All-Ireland Karting Championship win

Ahoghill’s rising motorsport star Reuben Kernohan has received warm congratulations from TUV representatives following his recent triumph as All-Ireland Karting Champion — a victory that now sees him heading to Bahrain to represent his country at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals.

Seventeen-year-old Reuben clinched the Rotax Max All-Ireland title on Saturday 27 September after an intensely competitive championship season that spanned circuits across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Competing in the Senior Rotax Max class, he battled through eight demanding rounds — including events at Nutts Corner Circuit — to secure the prestigious title.

The young driver, who began karting at just six years old, now has his sights set on the World Finals in Bahrain later this year, where he will race against some of the best karting talents from around the globe.

TUV Alderman Stewart McDonald said Reuben’s achievement was an inspiration to the local community and a testament to his dedication.

“I am delighted that Ahoghill’s own Reuben Kernohan has been crowned All-Ireland Karting Champion,” Alderman McDonald said.

“This is a remarkable achievement and means that Reuben has secured a place at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, which will be held later this year in Bahrain, where he will challenge the best racers from across the globe.

“I wish Reuben all the best for that event and have no doubt that he will do Ahoghill proud.”

North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston echoed those sentiments, praising both Reuben’s talent and the region’s record for producing sporting excellence.

“This is yet another example of North Antrim producing talent who can compete at the highest level,” he said.

“I want to congratulate Reuben on this outstanding success and look forward to seeing what the future holds for him.”

Reuben races with the support of ADR (Alex Dempsey Racing), James Kernohan & Sons, and Campbell Commercials Ltd, and has already built an impressive résumé within the sport.

Alongside his latest victory, he has previously won the Ulster Championship in 2021 and 2022, the Tillotson World Championship, and the 2025 RMC Championship.

Currently leading the 2025 Ulster Championship, Reuben is set to return to Nutts Corner Circuit this weekend for the final round before heading to Whilton Mill in England for another major race meeting.

Reuben ecently described his All-Ireland triumph as the highlight of a long and hard-fought season, saying 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.”

With local political leaders, sponsors, and the wider motorsport community behind him, Reuben Kernohan’s remarkable journey from Ahoghill’s back roads to the international stage continues to gather pace.