Eleven-year-old Brodie McDonell of Embrun has capped off a stellar 2025 season by not only being crowned Champion in the Cadet Class of the Cup Kart North America (CKNA) – Canada Division, but also by representing Canada on the international stage at the CKNA Grand Nationals 9 in Indiana this fall.
Cup Karts North America is regarded as the premier four-cycle karting series on the continent, offering competitive, affordable, and accessible racing for drivers of all ages. Its Canadian Division, launched to bring the growing movement north of the border, featured six rounds this season: two at Brechin Motorsports Park, two at Lombardy Raceway, and two at SH Karting in Mont St-Hilaire, Quebec.
Each race drew a deep field of young talent, but McDonell’s consistency, focus, and perseverance helped him rise to the top. “The Cadet field is always stacked with fast drivers,” his family said. “To come out on top after six races is a huge achievement.”
A Year of Focus and Determination
When asked about Brodie’s growth over the 2025 season, his mother Natalie Leroux described him as “very focused, coachable, resilient, with a winning mindset.” She added, “He’s very perseverant and has an overall desire to have a good time. (…) Although this is high risk, and it’s a lot of pressure, he always goes in with a really great attitude despite the results.”
This was Brodie’s fourth year of karting, and while he had already made several podium appearances, 2025 marked his first major championship victory after finishing second overall last season.
“This year, we had our eye on the prize,” said Mme Leroux. “It was just a very proud moment.”
Brodie’s secret to staying motivated across many demanding race weekends comes from his understanding of the sport’s competitive nature.
“Drivers tend to lose more than they win,” his mother said. “But he knows that putting in the hard work will yield results.”
His success, she added, is made possible through the support of his family which includes his father Jamie, who also serves as his mechanic and tuner, his younger brother Chase, who Brodie has helped coach to a position 2 (P2) finish, Chase’s first podium finish, and his grandparents, who cheer him on at every opportunity.
Representing Canada with Pride
With his Canadian title secured, Brodie competed among North America’s best at the CKNA Grand Nationals 9 at Newcastle Motorsports Park, held from September 26 to 28, 2025. Facing 39 competitors in his class, he qualified in P3 but finished the event in P16 after what his mother described as “a tough final.”
But Brodie wasn’t done yet. His final series of the season, the Coupe de Montréal, saw him finish P3 overall in the standings.
“That’s a pretty big accomplishment as well,” said Mme Leroux. “This was his first year racing in the two-stroke Rotax Mini class, and as a rookie, he finished an impressive P3 overall in the series out of 39 drivers.”
Brodie’s journey, from his early karting days to representing Canada on one of the sport’s biggest stages, is a testament to his drive, sportsmanship, and love for racing. As he continues to develop his skills behind the wheel, his family and community are certain that this is just the beginning of an exciting motorsport career.
