Green Speed Karting

GreenSpeed 2009 Driver Spotlight: Darren White

With the sun quickly setting on Ontario karting points competition, GreenSpeed Karting is pausing just long enough to reflect back on the accomplishments of its drivers in 2009. In a seven part spotlight report each driver’s accomplishments throughout 2009 will be profiled along with glimpse into the personal side of the people that live under those race suits and helmets. In the first report, GreenSpeed takes a closer look at teammate Darren White.

GreenSpeed Karting had a lot to lose this season when Darren White came on board for 2009. On the surface that might sound like an odd statement but one only needs to look back at Darren’s many karting accomplishments over the past several years to understand the risks involved. The 2008 Rotax DD2 Canadaian National Champion, 2008 Rotax World Finalist in Italy, and 2009 Florida Winter Tour DD2 Champion, took a huge leap of faith in joining GreenSpeed.

"I had high expectations from GreenSpeed this season", noted Darren. "I knew what the chassis was capable of accomplishing, and having tested it in Ocala, Florida - the performance of the kart was a non issue for me. My family and I spent some time getting to know Mike Morrison down in Florida over the winter and in the spring we all sat down one night for dinner. We needed to know the team was in good hands from a business operations and a support perspective. After that meeting we were convinced it was the right choice for me, and after a season with GreenSpeed...I know it was the right choice."

"We understood going in, that this would be a judgement year for GreenSpeed," confirmed GreenSpeed team owner, Mike Morrison. "I said in one of the first releases we issued, that the karting community wasn’t just going to buy the concept, site-unseen. Our biggest challenge was credibility. If an accomplished driver like Darren didnt’ have a good season on a new chassis, the critics would be waiting to pounce", stated Morrison.

But those concerns were quickly laid to rest when Darren White captured the first two wins of the season in BSRKC action – both by a Sutton straightaway. Darren went on to secure the BSRKC championship adding one more dominant win in Kawartha, and had the fastest lap time in every single BSRKC event of the series. Darren was also the fastest DD2 at the Canadian Nationals this year. The teams National’s preview release said that Darren would set the pace at this event and he didn’t disappoint. Darren was definitely noticed this season by both the Karting and Racing community as he was one of a handful of drivers selected at this year’s Canadian Nationals, to pariticipate in three-day professional driving course at the famous Jim Russell Racing Drivers School at the Le Circuit race track, courtesy of Lawrence Stroll. Darren was also one of 8 drivers selected for the Hinchtown.com Canadian Karting Award, and the opportunity to participate in a private running of the Bridgestone Racing Academy’s “Thrill of a Lifetime 3 Plus” racing school at the well-known Mosport Driver Development Track on Tuesday, September 15th. Darren was further rewarded for his performance at the Florida Winter Tour in 2009 with a second trip to the Rotax World Finals in as many years, as he gets set to join Team Canada in Egypt later this year.

"A fun, easy going kid, Darren was a leader in the pits all season bringing a sense of calm confidence to everyone under the tent," Morrison proudly stated. "We are lucky to have Darren with us. Darren supported our other team drivers both under the tent as well as trackside and stuck around for many Sunday races where Darren wasn’t even on schedule. He has a great sense of humour, and a great karting family behind him with his mom (Sandra), father (Robert) and sister (Arika) always trackside to support Darren."

Darren White now sets his sights on the World Finals in Egypt later this year, representing GreenSpeed, and Canadian Karters in general as he competes for the Rotax DD2 world championship as a member of Team Canada. Please join us in wishing Darren the best of luck in Egypt.