Life Between Laps: Rocco Simone
In Life Between Laps, we shine a light on the lives of our MP Kartracing drivers away from the track. For the first edition, we spoke with 12-year-old Canadian driver Rocco Simone.
During the Champions of the Future round in Sarno, we sat down with Rocco to discuss his life beyond racing. Competing for the team in the OK-Junior category, he has delivered several impressive performances this season, including a strong weekend at the FIA Karting European Championship.
Picture: MP Kartracing Team
Your father has raced his whole life. How did that influence your interest in motorsport?
Racing has always been part of my life because of my dad. When I was three, he put me on a four-wheeler and set up a small track for me. At four years old, I began driving at a track about five minutes from my house. I started racing karts when I was four. Because of my dad, I was surrounded by motorsport from a very young age.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a racing driver?
I think it started when I watched my father race for the first time. At that moment, I knew what I wanted to do with my life.
You began your racing career in Canada. What were your first major achievements at the national level?
I won quite a lot in Canada, although the competition there is very different from what you experience in Europe. Moving from Canada to Europe has been a big adjustment.
How does the racing culture in Europe compare with the culture in Canada?
It’s a completely different world. Back home, everyone wants to win, but the atmosphere is more relaxed and focused on having fun and getting used to karting. In Europe, it feels much more like every driver is out for themselves. Everyone is fighting hard and completely focused on winning.
What has been the highlight of your time with MP Kartracing so far?
Probably qualifying well and having a strong overall weekend at the FIA Karting European Championship in Kristianstad.
Picture: MP Kartracing Team
What is your biggest hobby outside of racing?
Probably following the NFL. I support the San Francisco 49ers.
How did your interest in the NFL begin?
I became very interested in the NFL toward the end of last year. My grandfather has followed it his entire life, so it has given us something special to share. We now call each other a few times a week to talk about the games and everything happening in the league. In December, he comes to stay with me at my home in Florida. We watch the games live together and place a few bets on them. It’s a small tradition, but it means a lot to both of us.
What does sharing this passion with your grandfather mean to you?
It means a lot, especially now that he’s getting older. I don’t know how much time I still have with him, so I really appreciate being able to share this passion with him. Unfortunately, he isn’t able to attend any of my races in Europe, but when I’m back home, we sometimes go to NFL games together. Those moments are very special to me.