While most high-school students are playing football, basketball, soccer, baseball and volleyball, as extracurricular activities, Michael Benyahia is hitting the race track.
The 14-year-old Dade Christian student is a formula race car driver, competing at the club level and getting up to speed with the fast-paced karting world.
It’s rare for a young teenager to race cars during his spare time, but the 9th grade student races a Formula 2000 open-wheel car and hopes to become an internationally renowned Formula One driver.
Last year, Benyahia traveled to Europe to continue training and gain experience in hopes to become a better race car driver and competitor.
“It is very important for Michael to gain some experience while competing in Europe,” said Tecno Kart Racing Manager Michele Zampieri. “The conditions in Europe are very different than in America and the competition and driving style is much more intense. These factors can only benefit Michael in his future racing career.”
Benyahia said, “My experiences in Europe were very difficult and very different. But I look forward to continuing and growing in my career.”
He is depicted as the most gifted and talented racer in the United States. He began his career at the age of seven and has been making waves in the motor sports world ever since.
Benyahia and his older brother, Steven, have been students at Dade Christian School since 4K and 2nd grade, respectively.
When asked how he juggles his rigorous academic course work with a grueling racing schedule, Benyahia said, “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”
Dade Christian administrators marveled at Benyahia’s talent as a race car driver.
“Dade Christian is proud to boast such a talented young man with a humble spirit, despite his many achievements in the racing world,” the school said.