Canberra Teenager Defies Limits in High-Speed Karting Pursuit
At just 15 years old, Hayden Mules is already experiencing forces that would challenge most adults. The Canberra student, who hasn't even obtained his learner driver's licence, regularly reaches speeds exceeding 100 kilometres per hour in his pursuit of motorsport excellence.
Building a Championship Pedigree
Mules, who attends Marist College and is about to commence year 10, has established himself as a favourite in the Kart Stars Championship. This seven-round series begins this weekend in Canberra, where Mules will defend his title won last year at his home track. His growing trophy collection already includes NSW and ACT Kart Championships, positioning him as one of Australia's most promising young racing talents.
The 2026 Kart Stars event serves as a crucial stepping stone toward Mules' upcoming campaign in the prestigious Australian Kart Championship later this year. Since beginning his racing journey in 2022, the dedicated teenager has committed every Tuesday after school to intensive training sessions at the track, completing between 50 to 100 laps over several hours each week.
Physical Demands of High-Speed Competition
Mules describes the adrenaline rush as a primary reason for his passion for the sport. "The fastest I've ever been is 114kmh," he reveals. "When I was a kid I did mountain-biking and that's quite a high-speed sport, so I love karting because of the thrill of the speed. Also racing with all my mates, it's been really fun."
His training regimen has intensified significantly as he prepares for national competition. "This year I've been getting more fit for the Australian Kart Championships, so I've been running more, doing long-distance bike rides, and hitting the gym heaps," Mules explains.
The physical challenges of kart racing become particularly apparent during high-speed cornering. "When you go into a corner really fast, because of the G-force (gravitational force), you can't breathe if you're not fit," he says. "The Gs can throw you around so you have to be fit to keep up. It can be three to four Gs that you feel depending on different tracks."
Weekend Showcase at Pialligo
This weekend's Kart Stars Championship at Canberra Kart Racing Club in Pialligo will feature:
- 150 competitors ranging from seven-year-old novices to 70-year-old seniors
- Several hundred additional attendees including friends, family, pit crew and volunteers
- Competitors from across NSW and Canberra vying for series prize money totalling $30,000
- Free entry for spectators on both Saturday and Sunday
Mules will debut a new kart acquired in December and enters the event with championship expectations. "I definitely want to win," he states confidently.
Pathway to Professional Motorsport
The Canberra event could well showcase future Formula One talent, with organisers noting that several competitors demonstrate the potential to follow in the footsteps of Australian F1 stars like Mark Webber or Oscar Piastri - the latter being Mules' current racing hero.
Mules credits his coach Brett Staples from KartShed Racing with helping refine his technique. "I just do lap after lap. Practice makes perfect and having my coach helps too," he says, emphasising the importance of repetition and expert guidance in his development.
The championship continues with its second round scheduled for April 11-12 at the Sapphire Coast Kart Club in Bega, where valuable points and prizes will again be contested. For now, all eyes are on Canberra's young contender as he prepares to battle both competitors and physics in his quest for racing glory.
