Kayls Cole is one of Ireland’s most determined rising talents in international motorsport.
Her journey began in 2017 at her local kart track in Watergrasshill, Cork. What started as test days quickly turned into race wins, championship titles, and a clear indication that this was more than a hobby — it was a career in the making.
By 2018, Kayls had stepped into Junior karting and earned Junior Driver of the Year, marking herself as one of Ireland’s most promising young racers.
In 2019, she secured two karting championship titles and finished 3rd in the All Irelands, earning widespread recognition — including the prestigious “Pride of Ireland” Award in the UK.
When COVID disrupted global sport in 2020, Kayls and her family pivoted toward international competition. She finished 5th in the Rookie British Kart Championship, proving she could compete beyond Ireland on larger stages.
In 2021, she made the transition to single-seater car racing in the ultra-competitive F1000 Championship. In her debut season, she claimed the Rookie Championship — an immediate statement of intent.
Despite mechanical setbacks in 2022, Kayls continued to progress and earned a test opportunity with Porsche Great Britain at Brands Hatch and Silverstone GP, showcasing her adaptability across different racing disciplines.
In 2023, she returned stronger than ever — winning the Formula Boss Ireland Championship, securing multiple race wins and podium finishes across Ireland and the UK, and earning two Driver of the Day awards.
She was nominated for Young Driver of the Year by Motorsport Ireland in consecutive years (2022 & 2023) and selected for the Motorsport Ireland Young Driver Development Programme and Academy — further validating her elite potential.
2024 began with a promising Formula 4 opportunity that was cut short due to funding, a stark reminder of the financial realities of motorsport. Refusing to step back, Kayls returned to F1000 and continued to prove her pace and resilience.
In 2025, she expanded internationally — claiming victory in the Spanish Mazda MX-5 Cup Challenge in Gran Canaria, adding an international title to her résumé and reinforcing her capability across different categories.
Now, Kayls is focused on securing a seat in the GB4 Championship — the next critical step toward F1 Academy and a pathway into FIA Formula 3 or elite GT racing in the coming years.
As a family-run effort without major corporate backing, funding remains the final piece of the puzzle. But what she lacks in commercial infrastructure, she makes up for in work ethic, performance, and an ever-growing community behind her.
Kayls Cole isn’t just chasing a dream - she’s building a pathway for Irish female drivers to follow.
And she’s only just getting started.
