Katy, Texas – For many young children, finding a hobby or sport they love is an empowering journey. For 12-year-old Adeline Veillon from Katy, life presented a unique challenge, and she was unsure if she would find her true passion. That changed when her family discovered the unconventional sport of kart-racing, which ignited something special in Adeline.
Adeline’s journey into kart-racing was not just about the thrill of competition; it became a way for her to find purpose and confidence. Her family recalls the moment she saw a kart race for the first time and declared, “I want to do this.” What followed was a steady climb in the sport, where Adeline began competing fiercely, often beating the boys, something that made her parents both proud and nervous.
Her father, Ron Veillon, describes the dynamic on race day with humor and admiration. While he cheers her on aggressively, her mother, Sara Veillon, balances excitement with gentle caution. Kart-racing, with its high-speed, intense environment, might seem overwhelming for many, but for Adeline, who is on the autism spectrum, it has a unique effect. On the track, the world slows down for her, allowing a deep focus. She turns what some might see as a challenge, into a superpower.
The Veillon family emphasizes the importance of accepting and nurturing individual differences, rather than forcing conformity. They have found kart racing to be an environment where Adeline can be herself and let her strengths shine, thanks to the straightforward, black-and-white nature of the sport’s communication and challenges.
Coaching Adeline goes beyond technique; it involves teaching sportsmanship and emotional resilience. After races, whether at victory or loss, her parents help her process her emotions, reminding her to understand others’ feelings too. This approach has helped Adeline grow not only as a racer but also as a person.
When asked about the experience of being a kart racer at 12, Adeline beams with enthusiasm. She loves the speed and the thrill of beating competitors, especially the boys. Despite some nerves before races, once on the track, she is locked in and focused, ready to give her best.
Adeline’s kart features a colorful design: it’s a combination of a unicorn and patriotic powerhouse with a fierce face that symbolizes her aggressive yet kind nature, a reflection of her personality on and off the track.
Quality time with her dad during practice is something Adeline cherishes deeply. Her proudest achievements include winning third place at the Southwest Regional Cup and earning a trophy for accumulating the most points in a season, highlighting her consistency.
She wants people to understand her autism better. Adeline explains that her emotions can be intense, sometimes leading to tears not because she’s sad but due to the depth of her feelings. Yet, on the track, she channels her energy positively, turning potential challenges into strengths.
Adeline’s advice to others is inspiring: “Everyone should follow their dreams.” With determination, family support, and her unique superpower, Adeline Veillon is not just racing karts; she’s racing toward a bright future.
Her story is a powerful testament to how finding one’s passion and embracing individuality can lead to remarkable success and personal growth. As Adeline continues to speed ahead, she reminds us all that sometimes, the greatest strength lies in being true to yourself.