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Q&A with Noah Milell, Tony Kart factory driver

Noah Milell established himself as one of the top names in the karting discipline. The 22-year old Swedish talent earned this status on the track, as he became Tony Kart factory driver in 2018 and he secured in 2021 the KZ class FIA World Championship at Kristianstad. There couldn't be a more meaningful place as his own town and home track, to make a childhood dream come true.

Being on the top of the world is actually a family matter for Noah, as you can discover in this new episode of our "Focus On" column. We asked Milell his impressions about the 2022 season, during which he came really close to conquer a second consecutive world title together with the Italian manufacturer, the origins of his passion for kart racing and what he wants for the next campaign, when he will continue to race with Tony Kart and using the racewear made by OMP.

Noah, how would you describe your 2022 season?
"In general I'm happy how this year went. We started off missing a bit of pace in the opening races of the season, but as always we worked hard to find the right speed. For the FIA races we showed how our real pace was, consistently in top 5, setting pole positions both in the European and the World Championship. In the end we have been vice world champions and very close to being back to back world champions. And we also finished second in the total standings of the WSK Final Cup. We are never happy about a second place, but after a while I think we can be satisfied about it".

In 2021 you won the World Championship crown in the KZ class. What did you feel after such a prestigious achievement?
"Being crowned at my home track, in front of my family and friends, was magical. It's hard to describe all the emotions you feel after winning a World Championship, but it's what you are racing and working for. It is also a reward for all the effort and the time spent by me and the team towards this goal. Personally it was like something released from my shoulders, because I knew what I'm able to achieve, and all the following races became easier".

How did your passion for racing begin? You were born in Kristianstad, a special place for karting...
"I was born into karting, as my uncle Johnny Mislijevic won the karting world championship in 1996, my father was a driver too and we ran the rental karts in Kristianstad many years ago. So I was on the track from a really early age! I got my first kart when I was 5 and since then my passion began. I had to choose between football and karting ten years ago and I'm quite sure I made the right decision...".

How did you evolve as a racing driver year after year?
"I think the key has been racing as much as possible, to continue driving even after the bad results and still believing that you can conquer something. I have always been quick, but I needed time to be able to race in the best way. As soon as you manage all the elements, the results will come".

What does it mean to be a Tony Kart factory driver? We guess there's not only racing, but also a tremendous effort behind the scenes.
"To be a part of the biggest brand in karting has given me the chance and possibilities to be the driver I am today. The best thing is how much experience and knowledge the team has, so you learn and develop as a driver but also as a person off the track. To be a driver for Tony Kart is an honour, but of course there's also the pressure to deliver the maximum. Basically what we do between the races is to prepare the next one and analyse how to improve: so the work never really stops after a weekend".

You are racing with the OMP products since you became a Tony Kart driver. What characteristics do you search for the racewear?
"The first thing I seek is how the racewear looks. It has to appear professional and all the OMP products satisfy my wishes. As a driver, I also want a comfortable and sustainable suit. In my opinion, OMP has the best racewear".

What are your targets for 2023?
"Of course, I want to win another title for me and Tony Kart. I'm also aiming to be consistent from the start of the year and stay in the top positions at every track".