French youth karting talents seek sponsorship as costs soar

Kylian Mourlhon, an 11‑year‑old from Lardin‑Saint‑Lazare in Dordogne, travels about three hours round‑trip twice a month to the Teyjat karting circuit. His season expenses are already over €4,000 and are expected to reach €6‑7 000, potentially up to €10 000, covering entry fees, insurance, equipment and travel. His father Nicolas, a part‑time butcher, built a trailer for the kart and created the KM Kart Compétition association to attract tax‑deductible donations.

Guillaume Patry, a 13‑year‑old student in Pechbonnieu, placed third in the Occitanie championship and qualified for the French national series. He aims to join the FFSA Academy. His first season cost about €60 000 and he estimates another €25 000 is needed for the academy year. Patry’s family and the Quinze21 association are soliciting corporate and private support through tax‑deductible donations.