From Gqeberha to the UK: Aashay Nagura Continues Learning Curve on UK Circuits

Photo Credit: Supplied by Clayton Morar

The 14-year-old South African tested himself against some of Europe’s strongest junior drivers across two challenging race weekends

Gqeberha, South Africa (15 June 2026)- Racing on unfamiliar circuits against drivers with years of local experience would test any young competitor. For 14-year-old Aashay Nagura, it became another opportunity to learn, improve and continue building towards his dream of competing at the highest level of motorsport.

Competing at both the Whilton Mill Circuit and the legendary PFI Circuit in May, the young South African tested himself against highly competitive international fields as part of his 2026 development programme with Kokoro Racing Academy.

While the results were encouraging, the biggest reward was the experience gained on unfamiliar circuits against drivers with years of local knowledge.

His first challenge came at Whilton Mill, where he raced in The Kart Championship from 8 to 10 May. Despite tackling the circuit for the first time and facing one of the strongest fields of his career, Aashay steadily improved throughout the weekend and finished 24th overall.

“Whilton Mill was honestly one of the hardest tracks I’ve raced so far. The competition level was incredibly high and many of the drivers had raced there for years. At first it was overwhelming, but every lap taught me something new.”

Just days later, he headed to PFI Circuit for the Champions of the Future Academy event, another venue he had never raced before.

After spending Friday learning the circuit during multiple test sessions, Aashay produced one of the standout performances of his season. Starting from 17th on the grid in the final, he charged through the field to finish seventh, gaining 10 places against more experienced competitors.

“Starting that far back against drivers who know the track so well wasn’t easy, but I stayed calm, trusted myself, and just focused on making smart moves.”

The following day presented a different challenge altogether. Battling illness and a stomach bug, Aashay still lined up for the final and fought his way from 19th to 12th place.

“Even though I wasn’t feeling well, I wanted to finish strong and prove to myself that I could push through adversity.”

The teenager’s racing journey began in Gqeberha after falling in love with motorsport through video racing games With the help of a community raffle, he raised funds for his first kart and began racing at the age of nine.

Now competing internationally, Aashay believes every challenge is helping prepare him for bigger opportunities ahead.