Kensington’s Nasri Henri races to the top in 2026 Sodi World Series
Thirteen-year-old Nasri Henri has stormed into the 2026 Sodi World Series season with pole position, a dominant win, and early championship leadership.
Following a dominant start to the 2026 Sodi World Series season, Kensington resident and karting driver Nasri Henri is quickly emerging as one of South Africa’s most promising young motorsport talents.
Born and raised in Kempton Park, Henri was introduced to karting at the age of six, driving recreationally at the Greenstone children’s track.
What began as a fun activity soon revealed natural speed and race awareness that would set him on a competitive racing path.
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In 2024, after officials at the EastGate karting circuit noticed his pace during casual sessions, Henri’s parents, Randall and Mateena, were encouraged to enter him into the Sodi World Series, an international arrive-and-drive championship aimed at developing young racing talent.
Henri’s debut season was marked by steady progression.
He finished fifth in his first competitive race and was quickly introduced to the demanding realities of motorsport, learning lessons in discipline, focus, and racecraft.
One of Henri’s most defining moments came during a race at Gateway, where he qualified sixth and charged up to second place on the opening lap before being involved in an incident that dropped him to the back of the field.
Despite visible disappointment, the young driver regrouped and completed the race, a display of resilience that proved to be a turning point in his development.
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Henri’s perseverance paid off in 2025, when Henri finished second overall in the Junior Cup championship, confirming his status as a consistent front-running competitor.
Now at 13 years old, Henri has begun the 2026 season at full speed.
At the opening round held on January 31 at the EastGate IndyKart circuit, he secured pole position before dominating the final race, winning by a 12-second margin.
His performance earned him a race victory, fastest lap, and driver of the day, placing him at the top of the championship standings.
Currently a learner at King Edward Preparatory School in Houghton, Henri balances his academic commitments with training and competition.
His strong performances have also opened doors internationally, with selection to compete in the Electric Sodi World Series in Italy this June, where he will race against junior drivers from around the world.
With early international exposure, a growing results record, and a proven ability to perform under pressure, Henri is establishing himself as a next-generation South African driver to watch.
