From humble beginnings in karting at just nine years old, Mayer Deonarine's journey has catapulted him to compete in high-speed races, breaking records and winning multiple events in the Honda Indy Toronto Radical Cup North America Race series by age 15.
Mayer shares the incredible experience of racing in front of a home crowd in Toronto, the rigorous training and discipline it takes to succeed, and his dreams of making it to the pinnacle of motorsports in Formula 1 or IndyCar.
He also opens up about the invaluable support from his family and the profound influence of his Trinidadian heritage. We explore Mayer's exhilarating journey, the challenges he faces, and how his fans can support his promising career.
From Karting in Uxbridge to records on the streets of Toronto
In the world of motorsports, the path to success is often as thrilling as the races themselves. One such exciting journey is that of Mayer Deonarine, a young Canadian racer who's speeding around tracks and making global waves.
Mayer Deonarine’s love for racing began at a young age. Invited to a local karting track in Uxbridge, Ontario, at the age of nine, Deonarine quickly found his calling. “I did a couple of laps. The owner said I was pretty good,” he recalls. Moving up to a kart capable of 60 kilometres per hour seemed daunting—especially to his father, who initially signalled a red flag on the venture. But for Mayer, it was just the beginning.
As he advanced through the junior ranks, Deonarine’s talent became undeniable. His journey took him from local tracks to competing internationally in Italy and the UK. These opportunities helped him evolve from a karting enthusiast to a professional racer, now competing in GB4 racing at speeds over 230 kilometres per hour.
Triumph on home ground: The Toronto win
One of Mayer’s most memorable accomplishments was winning three consecutive races in the Radical Cup series on the streets of Toronto last month. This victory was particularly special as it occurred in front of a supportive home crowd and his grandparents, who were celebrating their 50th anniversary. “Winning at home was amazing, and the home crowd was so cheerful to see a home Canadian boy win all three races,” Mayer shares. Achieving this milestone while breaking records at just 15 years old exemplifies his exceptional skill and determination.
Mayer Deonarine speaking to AfroToronto.com on Zoom with his three Honda Indy Radical Cup series trophies in the background.
Racing against champions
Racing in the Radical Cup series is no small feat. The competition includes an age range from 15 to 60 years old, featuring champions of multiple world events like Le Mans. Deonarine, the youngest competitor, describes his achievements as both challenging and rewarding. “Me winning all three races against drivers like that makes it so much better and so rewarding,” he says. Mayer’s ability to excel against seasoned racers highlights his exceptional talent and fierce competitive spirit.
The inner workings of a radical car
A radical car is a testament to engineering brilliance—essentially an upside-down airplane designed for the racetrack. With no windshield or roof but an upper rear wing, these cars generate immense downforce, allowing them to corner at incredible speeds. Mayer explains it succinctly: “We get pushed into the ground, and that’s how we’re able to take corners at over 200 kilometres an hour, an inch apart from each other.” The precision required in navigating these vehicles contributes significantly to the adrenaline rush and the enthralling nature of the sport.
The road to Formula 1 and IndyCar
Mayer Deonarine’s aspirations extend well beyond the current series in which he competes. With dreams of reaching the pinnacle of motorsports—be it Formula 1 or IndyCar—he knows the journey demands considerable physical and mental work. He draws inspiration from Lewis Hamilton, who, like Mayer, hails from a less fortunate background and rose to become one of the best drivers in the world.
Overcoming financial and physical hurdles
One of the significant challenges in motorsports is funding. Racing can cost upwards of $40,000 per race, necessitating financial support from sponsors and the broader community. Mayer encourages supporters to visit his site, mayerracing.com, for donations and sponsorship opportunities.
"20% of motors or motorsports of my career is the driving portion. The other 80% is looking for sponsors, training, sim racing, preparing for what has to come," he shares.
Maintaining peak physical condition is equally crucial. Training extends beyond driving to include diet, mental focus, and rigorous physical exercise to withstand the immense G-forces and physical stresses experienced during races.
Representing Trinidad and Tobago
Though born in Canada, Deonarine’s roots trace back to Trinidad and Tobago—a culture he’s grown up in and deeply respects. "My grandparents are from Trinidad and Tobago. My dad is a first-generation Canadian," he said. Representing Trinidad in motorsports holds a special place in Mayer’s heart, and it’s a goal he hopes to achieve in the future. “For me to grow up in that culture is amazing, and I would love to represent Trinidad,” he further shares.
The next lap: Future goals
Mayer’s sights are set on the 2025 season when he hopes to advance to the USF series, the entry-level IndyCar series. This move represents another step toward his ultimate goal of racing in IndyCar or Formula 1.
When asked who his driving here is, Mayer says: "I definitely look up to Lewis Hamilton because he has a very similar story to me in the sense that we both came from less fortunate backgrounds. We both didn't have loads and loads of money, and he overcame that. Now he's in Formula 1, and he is the best driver in the world. I definitely want to follow in his footsteps and become one of the best drivers in the world."
As he prepares for this significant transition, Mayer remains focused on securing the necessary funding, rigorous training, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
In summary, Mayer Deonarine’s journey in motorsports is a compelling blend of talent, discipline, and determination. His story inspires young athletes everywhere, proving that with passion and support, the sky—or, in Mayer’s case, the track—is the limit.
