The Beginning

I am Rick Bouthoorn. I live with my parents Patrick and Astrid Bouthoorn together with my older sister Cheyenne in Almere, The Netherlands. My parents are car enthousiasts for a long time and I grew up amongst Shelby Mustangs and fast motorcycles so visiting racing events was pretty normal.

My first karting experience

I had my first karting experience on the track close to our home. First I raced indoors and after I was scouted by the Montfoort Motorsports team, I focused on outdoor racing.

First Victory

In my second race weekend in the Honda Cadet Series I won my first race at the Emsburen kart track in Germany.

Driver of the Day

At the end of the Honda Cadet season I did a race in a Rotax Minimax at the famous Kerpen kart track in Germany. I was 9 years old and chosen as driver of the day by RTL GP Magazine for my good performance.

First Rookie Win

At my first BNL Rotax Minimax race at Genk International circuit I won first place as a rookie. I ended 4th in the championship.

I always race good when it’s wet

My best season ends with a bombshell at Genk where I drove a superior race in rainy conditions. I always say, good drivers are separated from the great drivers when it’s raining. It was a clean victory.

Season with bad luck

I had a great first Rotax Junior Max racing season competition wise and was able to fight for podium finishes in many races, but it ended with a lot of minor mechanical problems and unnecessary accidents that were not my fault. The Rotax Euro Challenge races were a lot better and an incredible learning experience with good top 10 finishes, which was my goal in my rookie year.

Testing Formula Renault RP1

I had the opportunity to test the Formula Renault RP1 car at Circuit Zandvoort (NL). It is a 1.6 liter Formula Renault car with 140 hp in which drivers can compete in a new championship organized by Dutch Autosport Federdation KNAF and Raceplanet/Team Bleekemolen. Selected drivers did two stints of 20 minutes. Although I was too young, I got the chance to show my talent. It was a thrill, one of the best experiences in my life so far.