Your Mission: Dominate Go-Karting and Inspire the Next Generation

Written on the 24 January 2025 by Abby Wijesekera

In just her second-year of the West Future Stars program at the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, athlete Deniel Vermeulen is on a mission to cement her name in the not so common sport of go-karting.

In this male-dominated sport, Vermeulen proudly declares, “I don’t want them to view me as a girl; I want them to view me as a competitor.”

Recently, South West Sydney Academy of Sport Operations Manager Stephen Craig caught up with Vermeulen, who shared insights into the remarkable world of go-karting, addressing both the prejudices and breakthroughs she has encountered. She remarked, “There are two perceptions: either that it is an elite sport or that it’s not even a sport.” Vermeulen uses these misconceptions as motivation, striving to showcase the mentally and physically demanding nature of go-karting.

With a keen interest in motorised sports from a young age, Vermeulen has dedicated herself to the sport with a passion that has driven her toward prestigious achievements, including winning the ‘Australian Women’s National Race’ in 2023. However it was through her early grassroots years, where she honed her skills and cultivated her passion through the Junior Race League at Fast Lane Karting in Minto.

As she continues to excel in the sport while balancing her educational commitments, Vermeulen remains deeply appreciative of her beginnings. This gratitude has inspired her to give back to the community, as she now combines her school and race commitments with coaching at Fast Lane Karting, sharing her knowledge and skills with young karters who admire her accomplishments.

However, the sport comes with significant challenges. Vermeulen explains that the karts are equipped with “big horsepower engines…[which] hit around 125 km per hour.” Reflecting on one of her less than greatest moment – crashing, she recounts the experience of sustaining three crushed bones, requiring three surgeries and over six months of recovery.

The physically gruelling nature of go-karting, coupled with its mental demands, underscores Vermeulen’s resilience – using these setbacks as fuel to propel her forward and returned to the track, where she continues to pursue even greater ambitions.

It was this determination that led Vermeulen to find out about and ultimately be successful in gaining a position within the Academy’s West Future Stars program, which has been instrumental in developing athletes across various individual and niche sports.

The Future Stars program offers personalised mentorship aimed at fostering holistic growth, and in the highly competitive world of go-karting, Vermeulen has benefited from working closely with her mentors, who provide guidance on critical aspects such as nutrition, mental preparation, and building meaningful connections. She credits the Future Stars program with giving her the confidence to push her limits and achieve more.

Vermeulen has recently advanced to one of the top karting categories in Australia, where, as she notes, “There is only one other girl in Australia” competing at this level.

This category is not only male-dominated but also attracts an older demographic due to its physically demanding nature. Looking ahead, Vermeulen aims to travel to the United States this year to complete testing in an entry-level category for Open Wheelers, a key stepping stone toward her ultimate goal of competing full-time in the U.S. IndyCar series.

Vermeulen continues to impress the go-karting community with her unwavering dedication and fierce determination. She defies stereotypes and excels in her field while inspiring and mentoring the next generation of young karters. Her story is a testament to her exceptional talent, resilience, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.

For more information on the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, head to www.swsas.org.au or email sport@swsas.org.au today.

---END---