A Year To Remember

As 2024 draws to a close, one name continues to grow in the world of karting and motorsport: Lazarus Añonuevo.

Having just turned 10 years old, Lazarus has had a year filled with milestones, challenges, and extraordinary achievements that have captivated the hearts of fans and competitors alike. His unwavering dedication, advancing talent, and inspiring journey remind us all of the power of dreams and determination.

Championship Glory on Home Soil

Lazarus began the year with a series of remarkable successes in Australia. He was crowned State Champion in both the ACT and NSW – KNSW League, a testament to his consistency and skill. These victories solidified his position as one of the brightest young talents in Australian motorsport. Adding to this, he was honoured with the Karting Australia, Australian Karting Championship 2024 Most Improved Cadet of the Year Award, a recognition of his relentless work ethic and impressive progress.

His first full season in the Australian Karting Championship was equally noteworthy, culminating in a runner-up podium finish. This achievement demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest levels and laid the foundation for what would become a breakout year.

Moving Up (Cadet 12 / Rookie Class)

In October, Lazarus, his parents, team and coach decided that it was time for him to move up to the next class and embark on the next part of his journey. With virtually no practice in an unrestricted kart and carrying an extra fourteen kilograms of weight to qualify, they enrolled Lazarus into his first Karting Australia Cadet 12 race. The aim was purely to accelerate his learning and gain experience to help him prepare for the next three years racing in this new class. Lazarus was quick to adapt and was able to finish in the Top 10 in the finals.

The same was also achieved during Round 1 of the Karting Australia Summer Series which is a huge credit to Lazarus’ talent and perseverance to grow and improve. For his last race, in the Karting NSW League, Lazarus was moved up to the Rookie Class to race in his home track Mark Webber Circuit Canberra. Lazarus showed tremendous skill and determination during each race and was able to take his first Rookie Podium, the same result he achieved when he first started in the Novice Class. With over fifty combined trophies, awards, certificates and plates in the Novice Class, Lazarus hopes to continue his development and achieve equally exceptional results over the next three years while racing in the Cadet 12 / Rookie Class.

An International Debut to Remember

In November, Lazarus embarked on a new chapter in his racing career, traveling to Franciacorta, Italy, for his international racing debut at the Kartsport Circuit Championship. Competing in the highly competitive Mini GR3 class, Lazarus faced a formidable challenge: racing against older, more experienced drivers on an unfamiliar track, with new engines, tires, and an entirely different environment to adapt to. Yet, true to form, Lazarus rose to the
occasion.

Over four intense days, Lazarus proved why he is a driver to watch. He qualified in the Top 5 and
secured a coveted front-row start in the final. Though a DNF (Did Not Finish) in the final race
while defending his P2 position through some hard racing prevented him from claiming a
podium, his performance throughout the event did not go unnoticed. He was awarded the
prestigious Top Qualifier Award, recognising him as one of the fastest drivers in the
championship. His peers and rival teams alike applauded his adaptability, resilience, and sheer
skill—qualities that have become synonymous with his name.

Gold Kart International, Righetti Ridolfi and 3DK Kart Racing, which are prominent names in the karting world, expressed their delight at Lazarus’ performance. They highlighted his rapid progression and exceptional potential, further solidifying their interest in his future. These endorsements have set the stage for Lazarus and his family to shift their focus to the 2025 racing season, with plans to return to Italy and continue competing on the international stage.

“It was truly an incredible experience and I cannot thank Gold Kart Australia, Gold Kart International, Elite Driver Academy, Righetti Ridolfi and 3DK Kart Racing for their support and giving me an amazing racing package to drive. Their guidance and coaching throughout the event were truly awesome!” – Lazarus.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Lazarus’ journey is nothing short of extraordinary. At an age where many are just beginning to explore their passions, he has already demonstrated a level of commitment and professionalism that rivals seasoned athletes. Racing halfway around the world, overcoming cultural and environmental challenges, and competing with older and more experienced drivers—all while maintaining his characteristic humility and grace—Lazarus has shown us what it means to dream big and persevere.

As the year comes to an end, we celebrate not only Lazarus’ achievements but also the values he embodies; hard work, resilience, and an unyielding belief in his dreams. His goal of becoming the first Australian to drive for Ferrari and win the Formula 1 World Championship feels closer than ever, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 holds for this young prodigy.