Karting star Bruce Chirino claims another impressive victory in the IAME Benelux! “Really great that it worked out again!”

Written by Team Bruce

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6 August 2025

Published by Bas Kaligis • August 2, 2025

GENK – With a perfect score of three wins from three races, Bruce Chirino has once again claimed victory in the third round of the IAME Series Benelux. The ten-year-old karting talent from The Hague, racing for Kartstore International MP Kartracing / Henza Racing Team, dominated the weekend in the Mini Rookie class by winning both heats and the final.

Karttopper Bruce Chirino pakt wéér overtuigende zege in IAME Series Benelux

“It’s really great that it worked out again,” Bruce beamed right after the final. “It was quite a battle! When I was behind someone, I could catch up to them. But when I was in front, I couldn’t pull away because the driver behind me was in my slipstream.”

The weekend already looked promising for Bruce with a second place in qualifying. “I was actually on the fastest lap, but another boy caught a slipstream which made him just a bit faster on the straight,” he explained. Still, it didn’t stop him from showing his speed in the races. “I had two heats before the final. I came first in both.”

That earned him pole position for the final. Starting from the best position, Bruce was able to perfectly execute his race strategy. “In the beginning, the plan was to drive away as fast as possible. And if that didn’t work, then break away together with one other driver,” he shared.

It led to an exciting fight with his closest rivals, especially a French driver who brought serious competition. And yet, Bruce once again did what he has been doing nearly all season: winning.

The key to his success? Staying calm under pressure, Bruce said. “Staying calm is always a good idea. If you get too worked up in your head, you’re more likely to make mistakes,” he reflected. That mindset helped him make the decisive move about three laps before the end. “That’s when I took the lead. After that, I was able to pull a gap.”

After crossing the finish line, the relief was clear. “Yeah, I’m really happy it worked out again. I think I was so fast because I know this track really well. And of course, because I can drive well too,” he added with a smile. His fantastic Henza kart also played a major role. “The kart was perfectly set up, thanks to my mechanic Peter.”

Karttopper Bruce Chirino pakt wéér overtuigende zege in IAME Series Benelux

This win meant even more to Bruce because his father, who was previously stationed abroad as a military officer, is now back and able to attend the races again. “Since he’s been back, I’ve been racing really well. I don’t know why,” Bruce said.

At his school in The Hague, where Bruce will soon enter Grade 5, his achievements are starting to gain attention. “They sometimes see it online or something,” he mentioned.

His ultimate dream? Racing in touring cars or single-seaters like Formula 4. “And if that doesn’t work out, I’d still love to do touring cars. Or maybe even Le Mans!”

What draws him to motorsport? “Just how fast it is, how dangerous it is. You sit so low to the ground – and it goes so fast!”

Bruce thanks his little sister, mom, dad, mechanic Peter, his team, and his sponsors. And grandma came to watch this time too — thank you!

Bruce Chirino is supported in his racing career by: