“I’m waiting for my first big international result”
22 years after the World Karting Championship won by his uncle Johnny Mislijevic, Noah Milell dreams of the same title! In September, the Swede will race at home at the Kristianstad circuit and will be eager to finish his season with succes, before probably moving into cars soon at the age of 18.
In Karting, it is often the dad who passes on the urge to race. Was this also the case for you?
Yes exactly. I was born into an environment of karting and motorsport. My father raced in Karting, competed in some international events and also tried cars. My uncle is Johnny Mislijevic, World and European Formula Super A Champion in 1996. He was a Driver for the Tony Kart factory team and still works for this brand. So we are together in the same awning, as I defend the colours of the team.
Is Sweden a good country for Karting?
I am lucky to live near the Kristianstad circuit, which was expanded when I was 10 years old. It allowed me to test a lot during my first seasons. I had a little kart at the age of 5, but it was not my main interest. At first I preferred football. Then, a little later, when I raced my first race, I was very good, it made me want to continue. Today, Karting really is my passion.
How did your international debut go?
After very good years in Sweden in Mini, with many successes including a national Championship in 2012, the first seasons in Junior were quite difficult. I found a very high standard. We had our own team in the middle of very professional teams. I also made some personal mistakes and experienced racing incidents at important times which made me lose good results.
In 2016, your move to OK seemed to transform you …
When I joined the Kosmic team, I discovered a much more professional and structured environment, compared to what I had experienced in previous years. There was a short period of adaptation, but I eventually progressed in all areas. I also liked the OK category and its excellent engine. I gained strength in the CIK-FIA European Championship, where I finished in 16th place, before a very good CIK-FIA World Championship in Bahrain with 7th place in the Final. I enjoyed this trip, and Bahrain is my favourite circuit.
What’s your best memory?
I had a lot of good races, especially in Sweden the early years, then some podiums in Italy. But honestly, I’m really expecting a great international result to answer that question. Last year at the last round of the CIK-FIA European Championship at Kristianstad, I was 2nd after the Qualifying Heats, but unfortunately I retired early in the Final. Too bad, because I scored points in each meeting, I took pole position at the Fernando Alonso circuit in Oviedo and I would have liked to finish in style at home.
Now you race with the Tony Kart Racing Team. How do you manage the proximity to your uncle Johnny Mislijevic?
He tries to use his experience and helps me as much as he can. With him and all the technical team, we analyse the races as much as possible, videos from private tests, my driving and the data acquisition. It’s very interesting. I hope all this work will bear fruit.
Did you enjoy participating in the 2017 CIK-FIA World KZ Championship?
Yes very much. I had the opportunity to take part in some Races in Germany to prepare for the World event at Wackersdorf. I admit that it was difficult to compete in the discipline, but I enjoyed it a lot. KZ is a super category.
How do you manage your education?
I have to keep up with school by correspondence. Karting requires a lot of involvement, I often have to fly to competitions or to participate in tests in Italy with the Tony Kart Racing Team. To study in this way is therefore natural for me.
How does your future look?
The main goal of the season is clearly the CIK-FIA World Championship at Kristianstad, which takes place very close to my home in Sweden. After that, it will be time to prepare for my move to cars. I just turned 18 this summer, I’ve had a lot of Karting experience during my six years in Junior and OK, and I think it’s a good time to discover something else.
Info CIK-FIA / © Photo KSP