In a remarkable display of talent and determination, 12-year-old Swedish-American racing sensation Deven Grabko claimed victory at the 2024 Gothenburg Grand Prix in the Junior Open 125cc category. This win not only marked his third victory of the season but also secured him the title of Sweden’s IAME Junior X30 champion.
The Gothenburg Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious karting events in Sweden, draws top racers from Scandinavia and Europe. This year’s competition, with 45 entries in the Junior category, also served as the final round of the IAME Series Sweden – a hotly contested championship boasting over 170 participants across six rounds.
For Deven, who entered the weekend in third place in the overall standings, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. He needed a victory to have any hope of clinching the championship. The young driver, competing in his first season at the Junior level, faced immense pressure, but he rose to the occasion in a thrilling series of events.
A Dramatic Start to the Weekend
Qualifying saw an unexpected turn when another competitor leaked water onto the track, causing chaos and sending several karts, including Deven’s, skidding off course. With just minutes left in the session, Deven managed to drag his kart out of the grass and put in a last-minute flying lap, securing second place in his group and fourth overall. It was a testament to his grit and determination.
In the heat races, Deven’s talent continued to shine. He finished third in the first heat and took the win in the second, earning him pole position for the crucial super heat. In that decisive round, Deven dominated the competition, securing his place at the front of the grid for the all-important final.
The Final Showdown
In the 20-lap final, Deven delivered a masterclass in racing. With a strong start, he quickly took control of the race, maintaining his lead throughout and crossing the finish line over two seconds ahead of his closest rival. The victory not only sealed his place as the Gothenburg Grand Prix champion but also confirmed his triumph in the IAME Series Sweden.
The win carries even more significance as it qualifies Deven for the IAME Junior X30 World Finals in Valencia, Spain, this November. It’s yet another milestone in an already stellar career for the young driver, who has been making waves on the international karting scene.
A Rising Star on the Global Stage
Deven Grabko’s rise in the world of karting has been nothing short of meteoric. Represented by Minardi Management, an esteemed Italian driver management agency known for grooming young talents, Deven has already left his mark on the global stage.
At just 11, he finished an impressive seventh in his debut at the 2023 World Series Karting Final Cup in Italy.
Earlier this year, Deven was named to the USA national team for the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games, another significant achievement in his burgeoning career. His performances in the Champions of the Future Euro Series and the FIA Karting European Championship have already turned heads, despite some challenging results.
A Bright Future Ahead
After his victory at the Gothenburg Grand Prix, Deven was understandably ecstatic. “What a great feeling! I am so happy right now – to win the IAME Series championship in the final round like that, and qualify for the IAME World Finals, is amazing,” he said. “Taking the win here at one of the biggest and hardest races in Sweden just feels so great and makes me hungry for more!
Huge thanks to all my sponsors, fans, supporters, my team AD Motorsport, Hugo my mechanic, my family – none of this is possible without you guys, so this is all for you!”
Giovanni Minardi, founder of Minardi Management, was equally proud of his young protégé. “Deven is incredibly talented and we are so proud of him. His dedication to his craft is admirable, and he deserves every accolade. He has shown himself to be a true champion.”
As Deven looks ahead to the IAME World Finals and the FIA Motorsport Games, one thing is certain: this young Swedish-American driver is destined for great things. His victory in Gothenburg is just the latest chapter in what promises to be a long and successful career in motorsports.
Deven Grabko, a name to watch, is well on his way to becoming one of karting’s brightest stars!
Fotokredit: Michael Grundell & Michael Haflidason
