At a young age, the thrill of racing has already ignited an unstoppable passion. Brent and Sophia Mendoza, siblings from Maryland, are swiftly making their mark on the national go-karting scene. Brent, 9, and Sophia, 5, have taken the track by storm at Baltimore’s United Karting, where they reach speeds of up to 50 mph, fearlessly navigating sharp turns and fierce competition. Brent, who began racing at age 8, is now in his second year, while Sophia, making her debut this year, is already impressing as a rookie with her natural talent and determination.
Their journey into racing wasn’t originally in the cards. Their father, BJ Mendoza, a former motorcycle racer, initially envisioned his children taking up motorcycles. However, after gifting Brent an Ohvale motorcycle at 7, the family realized he was a bit too small to ride it comfortably. That’s when Michelle, their mom, decided to introduce them to karting as a safer, more accessible alternative to motorsports. The result? A perfect match for the siblings’ passion and talent for speed. “We couldn’t have guessed they’d take to karting so well,” says BJ, watching his kids blaze their way up the ranks.
Brent and Sophia are both champions at United Karting, with Brent in the Cadet category and Sophia in Kid Kart. They are also both champions in the Troopers series (New York and Maryland) and placed high in the Cup Karts North America East Championships—the largest sprint 4-cycle racing series. Sophia took home 2nd place in Kid Kart, while Brent secured 5th in Cadet.
Family plays a huge role in their success, with grandparents, aunts, and uncles rallying to support them at every race. “Having our family there gives us strength,” Brent says, as the cheering of loved ones adds to the thrill of race day.
Off the track, the Mendoza siblings juggle an impressive list of activities, including swimming, gymnastics, piano lessons, and even motorcycle riding. In addition to their busy schedule, they give back by playing piano for senior homes and volunteering at their church. “I like making people smile,” says Sophia, who’s as dedicated to her studies as she is to racing, proudly maintaining A’s at school.
Sophia has even earned a fan following with her unique podium entrance—a cartwheel that never fails to draw smiles. “She’s usually the youngest and the only girl up there,” BJ shares proudly. It’s clear that Brent and Sophia are determined to make their mark in the racing world, so keep an eye on these rising stars. Follow their journey on Instagram: @brentmendoza13 and @sophiamendoza513.
