Barber Motorsports Park, USA – At just 14 years old, Belgian racing prodigy Karel Staut is turning heads on the international motorsport stage. After a highly promising debut at the USF Pro Championships Presented by Continental Tire in New Orleans, the young talent is eagerly anticipating the next three rounds, set to take place from May 1–3 at Barber Motorsports Park as part of the prestigious INDYCAR event weekend.
Born in Genk, Belgium and currently living between Belgium and Switzerland, Staut is anything but ordinary. While most drivers follow the traditional route from karting into European formula series, Staut and his family made the bold decision to pursue the American development path, joining the competitive USF ladder to build a sustainable professional career.
His debut at NOLA Motorsports Park exceeded expectations. Despite limited preparation – only one prior test in a formula car – Karel delivered three clean races and showed flashes of brilliance against a field of 22 highly skilled drivers from eight nations.
Team principal Jay Howard, whose Jay Howard Driver Development (JHDD) outfit has nurtured many successful talents, was full of praise:
“I’m very pleased with Karel’s performance in NOLA. He’s fast, smart, and learns incredibly quickly – it’s only a matter of time before he starts winning races.”
Karel’s own assessment is equally mature:
“I’m really excited to race this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park – especially with INDYCAR
sharing the track. You can feel the authentic American racing spirit here. My goal is to keep improving, finish all three races again, and push for a top-five result.”
A Future Belgian F1 Hope?
Belgium has a rich motorsport legacy, but the country hasn’t had a consistent presence at the top of the racing world in recent years. Karel Staut could change that. With ambition, discipline, and undeniable skill, he represents a new generation aiming high.
“My dream is to win the Indy 500 – and maybe one day race in Formula 1,” he says with quiet determination.
Staut is supported by a strong team and key partners such as SPEED CORNER, whose CEO Wolfgang Koepp personally accompanies him:
“Karel has the talent and mindset needed to succeed at the highest level. We’re proud to support him.”
With fluency in Dutch, French, German, and English, a strong work ethic, daily physical training, and academic commitment through the Minerva Virtual Academy, Staut is a rare combination of talent and maturity.