Josh's Journal
Follow along as Josh shares his journey from the driver's seat—race reflections, life in Europe, training insights, and the path to motorsport's pinnacle.
Josh Bergman —
November 13, 2025
Race Reflections
Moving to Italy at 9 years old to race full-time has been the biggest adventure of my life. Learning a new language, adapting to a completely different racing culture, and living far from home has taught me a lot both on and off the track. Here are some of the biggest lessons from my first European season.
Before arriving in Italy in January, I tried to prepare as much as possible. I took Italian lessons over Zoom so I could communicate with my team, describe kart setup changes, and of course, order food (my favorite pasta is Carbonara). I also worked on adapting to European driving conditions. Growing up in Miami, I was used to American tracks, weather, and grip levels, so I spent time at Trackhouse Motorplex because its layout and climate are more similar to Europe. I even trained on European tires and wheels so that the transition would be less of a shock.
Racing in Italy is much more intense. Qualifying strategy is completely different—drivers wait until the last few minutes to go out and then fight to get a tow from the kart in front. Race starts are faster, and the sessions are much shorter than in the U.S., which means you have to move forward right away because there is no time to wait. Every race is also closely monitored by video. GoPro footage isn’t used for protests, and the Race Director’s decision is final. The tracks themselves change a lot during a race weekend, so teams are constantly adjusting the setup to match evolving grip levels.
In 2025, I competed in the Mini U10 category. Normally next year I would move up to Mini GR3…but something bigger may be coming. Let’s just say the big kart is calling. Even though I can’t race it competitively in Italy until I turn 11 in April, we’ve already done some test days and are thinking carefully about the best strategy for the 2026 season.
Race Week Routine: How I Prepare for Competition
Josh Bergman —
11/13/25
Training & Preparation
People often ask what my race week looks like. Between simulator work, physical training, and mental preparation, there’s a lot that goes into performing at my best. Here’s how I prepare leading up to race day.
At the start of each season, I make sure I have every track on the calendar loaded into my A1 Simulator system. Thanks to my partnership with A1, I have one simulator setup in the US and one in Italy, which allows me to train consistently no matter where I am. This helps me familiarize myself with each circuit, learn braking points, and practice in different track and weather conditions before I ever arrive in the paddock.
Typically, I also test on track with my team for two days during the week before the race. These sessions are essential for dialing in tire pressures, gearing, chassis setup, and even seat stiffness. Depending on conditions, we also often get the chance to test in both dry and wet situations, which is valuable experience heading into the race weekend.
For WSK race weeks, the schedule usually runs five to six days, starting on Tuesday or Wednesday with open practice (four or five sessions per day). Qualification and the first race are on Friday, followed by two more races on Saturday. On Sunday, we run the Prefinal (or Super Heat) and then the Final.
Nutrition and recovery are just as important as seat time. I make sure to eat clean—usually grilled fish, chicken, or steak—with pasta to maintain energy levels. Rest is also critical, so I prioritize early nights and time to decompress. Each morning starts early; I aim to arrive at the track at least 90 minutes before the first warm-up session.
Before each session, I talk with my mechanic and driver coach about what we’re testing or focusing on. Then I go to Formula Medicine to warm up mentally and physically, making sure my body is ready—especially in colder months. After every run, my mechanic and I walk back to the tent together to break down how the kart felt. With my driver coach, we review onboard telemetry and, on practice days, camera footage to identify improvements in driving technique and setup adjustments.
Race weeks can be long, with plenty of downtime between sessions. When I’m not in the kart, I stay engaged by doing additional work with Formula Medicine, watching and supporting my teammates, or playing cards with other drivers. It’s important to stay relaxed, focused, and make good use of the time throughout the week.
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