Zhang Xiyue, at only 12 years old, has already spent half his life racing karts when most other kids his age are just starting to learn to ride a bike. With dreams of becoming a professional driver, Zhang regularly participates in national competitions around the country, supported by his tough but encouraging father.

Motorsports’ popularity is booming in China. The go-karting club industry was worth 3.16 billion yuan ($434.1 million) in 2022, and many parents are signing up their kids with the hope that they could one day make it to the top.

Zhang is part of this first generation of Chinese children to have motorsports play an integral part in their childhoods, experiencing the glories and scars of intense competition from a young age.