In the exhilarating world of motorsports, where speed is paramount and determination is key, two young race drivers stand out with their remarkable journeys and aspirations. Kristian Harrison spoke with both Luca Houghton and Tye Mejia about their passion for racing that fuels their dreams of reaching the pinnacle of motorsport.
For Luca Houghton, racing isn’t just a passion – it’s a way of life. Born and raised in Bahrain by Dutch and Australian parents, Luca’s love affair with motorsports began at the tender age of eight when he first stepped into a kart. Inspired by his hero, the legendary Lewis Hamilton, Luca was determined to follow in his idol’s footsteps and become one of the greatest racing drivers of all time.
Despite facing enormous challenges, the most serious of which was being diagnosed with Perthes disease, a condition which causes severe hip and pelvic pain, Luca’s determination only grew stronger. Racing under a Bahraini licence, he swiftly rose through the ranks of karting, clinching championships in Bahrain and the UAE with his undeniable talent and unwavering dedication. His breakout moment came when he secured his first European race win in the IAME GK4 championship in 2019/2020, marking the beginning of a promising international career.
With each victory and milestone, Luca’s ambition soared higher. From competing in the FIA European Championship to showcasing his skills on the world stage at the Rotax Grand Finals and finishing fourth, Luca has consistently proven himself as a force to be reckoned with. His short-term goals are to be a European then world champion in karting, but in the long run he wants to be a Formula One driver.
You can follow Luca’s racing career on Instagram @lucakane_14
In the karting world, Tye Mejia shines as a beacon of talent and determination. Introduced to karting at the age of seven by his grandfather, Tye was instantly captivated by the thrill of racing. Born in Bahrain and both a British and American national, Tye’s unwavering appetite for the sport drives him forward to success.
For Tye, every moment on the track is a testament to his love for racing and he feels constantly inspired by the feeling of driving. His fondest memory to date is the World Finals last December, where he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s top drivers. Doing so well as a team, including making the final, his performance was the motivation he needed to believe in himself and his push for greatness.
With his father as his hero and mentor, Tye draws inspiration from his family’s unwavering support as he sets his sights on conquering the Bahrain Championship and beyond, including the World Finals in Naples in October. His long-term goal is to be involved in racing at the highest level.
