She talks about the different karts she drives, what it’s like being one of the few girls in her class, and how she stays focused when races get chaotic. Along the way, Athena opens up about learning racing lines, handling disappointment, working with her mom and dad in the pits, and why she believes there’s always another race.
Her story is also a reminder that racing isn’t just about competition—it’s about friendships, family time, sponsors, and being an example for other young girls who might be thinking about giving it a try.
Key Topics
[00:01:53] - Discovering racing at age four after attending a NASCAR race
[00:03:25] - Getting family involved and moving from practice to first race
[00:03:36] - The different karts Athena drives: track car, wing car, flat kart, junior sprint
[00:05:38] - Traveling to different tracks and making new friends
[00:06:15] - Being one of the few girls in the class and why racing matters
[00:07:25] - Support system: family, brother Apollo, and sponsors
[00:09:17] - Learning racing lines and other early challenges
[00:10:41] - Race-day mindset and passing strategy
[00:12:42] - Tulsa Shootout experience and a third-place C-main finish
[00:14:07] - Kart colors, number 15, and family racing setup
[00:17:25] - Pit jobs, tire cleaning, oil changes, and helping mom
[00:18:57] - Staying calm after a bad race: “You always have another chance”
[00:20:35] - How social media helps grow racing and inspire other kids
[00:22:38] - Trophies, wins, and moving up from kid kart to cadet kart
[00:27:34] - Future goals: stepping up to bigger cars over time
Relevant Links
Athena Rose Racing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Kansas City Karting Association (KCKA): https://www.kckarting.com/
Tulsa Shootout: https://www.tulsashootout.com/
Flo Racing: https://www.floracing.com/
High Limit Racing: https://www.highlimitracing.com/
Athena’s journey is proof that young drivers can learn fast, grow with every race, and build a future in motorsports one step at a time. Her attitude, her work ethic, and her love for racing make this a great listen for families, young racers, and anyone who wants to see more girls in karting and sprint cars.
If you’re near one of her tracks, follow along, show up, and cheer her on—because athletes like Athena are helping make racing more welcoming for the next generation.