Life in the Fast Lane with Alex Grocott

Everyone has a different starting point, and for Alex Grocott, it all began at the age of nine. From casual karting to competitive racing, his love for speed has only grown stronger. Today, we’ll dive into his racing journey and his most intense moments on the track

Q: Can you introduce yourself and tell us how you got into racing?

I’m Alex, and I’m 17 years old. I first started racing when I was 9. I began with rental karts and quickly realized that I was pretty fast, so I decided to try professional karting at the Singha Kart Challenge. That’s where it all really started for me.

Q: What’s the moment you knew you were destined to be a racer?

I think the moment I knew I wanted to be a racer was after my first race at the Singha Kart Challenge. I won my very first race, and that made me realize that maybe I had a decent shot at this.

Q: Have you ever had a “heart-stopping” moment on the track? What happened?

I’ve had a few over the years, but the most recent ones have probably been the worst. As I move up in categories, the speed of the cars increases every year, making these moments even scarier. The latest one happened at Bira Circuit around the 100R. We were testing the Lambo, and I lost the back end a bit—I really

thought I was heading for the wall. Luckily, I managed to save it just in time.

Q: What’s the hardest skill to master as a professional racer?

One of the hardest skills to master as a racer is adapting quickly to different situations. Even though we race for maybe 20 laps, no two laps are exactly the same. You have to be able to recognize where you’re losing time and adjust your driving technique accordingly, all while maintaining speed.

Q: Can you break down what goes through your mind during an overtaking move?

When I’m planning an overtake, it’s all about reading the driver in front of me—understanding how he drives and identifying his weak points on the track. Once I spot those weaknesses, I already have my move planned out a lap before I actually make it. By the time I go for the overtake, everything is already calculated in my head.

Q: How do you handle the pressure when you’re leading a race with a competitor right behind you?

Handling pressure is mainly a mental game. It all depends on how well you can stay focused. Personally, it doesn’t really bother me. If I’m in front, I feel in control of the race, which gives me an advantage over the guys behind me. It’s all about how you play the game.

Q: What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that has happened to you during a race?

The most unexpected thing happened when I was racing at the Bangsaen Street Circuit. After Turn 2, I saw a monkey running across the track.That was definitely something I never saw coming.

Q: How do you prepare before a race?

On race day, I don’t do much in terms of preparation, but during the weeks when I’m not racing, I’m usually at the gym, training to stay fit for the next event.

Q: What competitions are you going to compete in this year?

I’m not entirely sure yet, as the schedule hasn’t been confirmed, but there will definitely be some exciting events coming up this year.

Q: Could you give some advice to individuals who aspire to become race car drivers like you?

For those who want to become race car drivers, my advice is to start slow and gradually move up. Everyone has to begin somewhere, and the key is to never give up. Ambition will always beat talent in the long run.