Ballygawley schoolboy Charlie Condy takes world stage at karting finals in Portugal

WHAT began as a childhood love of ride-on lawnmowers has developed into an impressive karting career for Ballygawley teenager Charlie Condy, who is now preparing to take on the world’s best young racers.

The 13-year-old has secured his place at the prestigious Rotax World Grand Finals in Portugal after claiming first place in the RMC Championship.

Taking place from November 7-14, the competition will bring together racers from 60 countries across the globe, providing Charlie with an exciting opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage.

Speaking to the Courier ahead of his trip to Portugal, Charlie shared his thoughts on the competition and the challenge that lies ahead.

“This is my seventh or eighth year of racing. I’m nervous but I’m also confident because everything is equal, so I think anything can happen and I just have to see how it goes.”

This is not Charlie’s first success story in his karting career as he has previously been crowned the 2026 Provincial RMC All-Ireland Rotax title as well as various club karting competitions.

“I’ve won the NIKA Championship, every heat and final so I’ve got maximum points in the Championship which is really good.”

With a major international competition on the horizon, Charlie has continued to follow his usual training routine, putting in countless hours of practice as he prepares to compete against some of the world's best.

“It’s been a normal routine, we’ve been practicing so I’m just going to treat it as a normal weekend. I’m not going to overthink it too much.

“A lot of time and effort has obviously gone into this, plenty of laps in the kart. I wouldn’t even call it sacrifice, it’s a lot of fun and it’s been a great journey this season.”

Despite his young age, Charlie already has ambitions of progressing through the motorsport ranks, with Dutch and Belgian racing driver Max Verstappen serving as his inspiration.

“After Portugal, my plan is to try and get into F4 and work my way up, I’d like to try and make it big.

“I don’t really have any expectations for when I’m out there, I’m just going to go out, have fun and enjoy myself while obviously doing the best I can. We’ll just have to see how things go.”

Charlie is an avid sportsman and member of multiple clubs around the country including Bishopscourt Kart Club, Coleraine Kart Club, Kildare Kart Club and Ulster Kart Club. He has been overwhelmed by the support from his family, friends and wider school community at Aughnacloy College.

“The support has been great, my granny, mum and dad, everyone’s been an unbelievable support and it’s been amazing to see.”

Charlie’s parents, Ivan and Jill, are so proud of their son’s achievements to date and are excited to see what Portugal will hold for him.

“We’re definitely nervous, we’ve told Charlie to treat this like any other race and not let the nerves get to him,” said his mum Jill.

“These karts travel at 80 miles per hour which is obviously very nerve racking but we are supporting Charlie all the way.

“We would like to thank all the local sponsors and those who have donated to Charlie’s GoFundMe which has helped him get to Portugal.”