AWMN in Profile: Amanda Johnson

Racing with Passion, Drive, and Determination

Amanda Johnson is an up-and-coming kart racer with a deep connection to motorsport, stemming from a love that was sparked by her father’s own racing career. As a karting enthusiast, Amanda is quickly making a name for herself, not only in her home state of Western Australia but also across the country. Racing in the KA3 Senior Lights class, Amanda’s talent and tenacity have already earned her significant recognition, including a series of impressive results in her racing career.

With the wind in her hair and the thrill of competition in her veins, Amanda describes her passion for karting as the perfect mix of adrenaline and achievement. “The rush of adrenaline and the feeling you get when you know you’ve done well—there’s nothing like it,” Amanda says. “When people congratulate you, it’s that moment of recognition that fuels the drive to push even harder.”

For Amanda, motorsport is in her blood. Growing up watching her dad race cars, her love for racing developed at a young age. “My dad has been racing cars for many years, and he’s the one who made me fall in love with cars,” she shares. It was only natural that Amanda would eventually follow in his footsteps, not only as a fan but as an active participant in motorsport.

Amanda’s journey in racing has been shaped by the invaluable influence of family and friends. She joined the karting scene and quickly realised the deep sense of camaraderie it offered. “The best friends I’ve met are through karting,” she says. “The support I get from my peers means the world to me. We’re all in this together, and that’s what makes the sport so special.”

Amanda’s commitment to her craft has already led to impressive achievements. In 2023, she was crowned club champion, and in 2024, she secured 3rd place at both the Albany and WA State Series Championships, alongside a 2nd place finish in the Women’s Championship. “To be recognised at this level feels incredible,” she says. “But it’s not just about the trophies. It’s about the hard work, dedication, and learning from every race that keeps me going.”

Despite the mental and physical challenges of karting, Amanda finds strength in the support from her family and peers. “Karting is mentally tough. You’re racing against close to 20 drivers at open meetings, and staying focused the whole time isn’t easy. But when

 you have people cheering you on, it helps you push through the tough moments and reminds you to never give up,” she explains.

Amanda’s journey has not been without its challenges. One of her most terrifying experiences came during the King of the Hill event in 2022, when she flipped her kart, breaking her collarbone. “I thought my parents would never let me race again,” she says. “But the support I got from them and the whole karting community helped me get back in the seat.” It was a pivotal moment for Amanda, as it reinforced her determination to keep racing, despite the risks.

Her recovery only strengthened her resolve, and she continues to pursue her dream of racing saloon cars, just like her dad did. “That’s the ultimate goal for me,” she says. “I’m also studying to be a mechanic with a Cert II in Automotive, which will help me in both racing and my career.”

Amanda’s involvement in her dad’s racing team has also provided her with invaluable experience. Initially, she was tasked with driver changes during races, but over time her role expanded. “I started with the driver changes, but then I began taking on more tasks,” Amanda shares. “Being involved in the team has been such a rewarding experience. It’s helped me develop both technically and personally.”

As Amanda continues to grow in her motorsport career, she remains grateful for the mentorship she’s received along the way. “I want to thank Peter Allen, Gary Light, John Pachos, and most importantly, my mum and dad,” she says. “Without them, none of this would be possible.”

To anyone looking to follow in her footsteps, Amanda has one simple piece of advice: “Do it. Don’t wait. If you get a chance, take it. It might only come once. Don’t let fear hold you back.”

For Amanda, the sky’s the limit. With the support of her family, a drive to succeed, and a passion for motorsport, she is determined to take her career to new heights. Whether it’s competing in karting or working as a mechanic in the Supercars, Amanda is proving that with hard work, dedication, and a love for racing, anything is possible.