Teen race car driver breaking records
From karting in Florida to racing Lamborghinis at 175 mph
At just 17 years old, Alex Bowen, a teenager from St. Petersburg, Florida, is blazing a trail in the world of professional racing — and he’s doing it faster than just about anyone his age.
Right after his 17th birthday, Alex became the youngest driver in the world to compete in Italy’s prestigious GT3 racing series, where he’s now tearing up the tracks in a 700-horsepower Lamborghini at speeds over 175 mph.
“I wake up thinking about it. I go to sleep thinking about it,” Alex said with a grin.
A Rising Star on the Fast Track
Alex is now in his second season with Imperiale Motorsports, and he’s already turning heads in the racing world. The GT3 series is widely known as a stepping stone to elite racing levels like IndyCar or Formula 1, which are both in Alex’s sights.
“My dream is Formula cars. That’s F1 or IndyCar,” he says.
At just 16 years old, he made history by becoming the youngest driver ever to earn a pole position in the GT3 series. He also helped his team finish third in the championship last season.
That’s not bad for a guy who only recently got his driver’s license — and whose race car’s steering wheel has more buttons than a video game controller.
“You’re learning how to drive and, at the same time, learning what all the buttons do,” he explains.
From Go-Karts to Grand Prix Dreams
Alex’s journey started at T-4 Kart Plex in Palmetto, Florida, where he had his first podium finish (top 3) at just 13 years old. FOX 13 caught up with him and his dad, Kris Bowen, as they visited the track for a few practice laps. While most karts there max out at 40 mph, Alex was hitting 90 mph with ease.
He’s not just fast — he’s strategic. Hours of training on racing simulators have helped him memorize every curve and bump of the Italian circuits, giving him an edge even before hitting the track.
“If I focused on what I might be missing at high school, I wouldn’t be able to chase this dream,” he says.
“This is what I want to do with my life — and I hope to do it forever.”
School Can Wait — The Track Is Calling
Instead of attending St. Petersburg High School, Alex takes online classes so he can focus fully on racing. His classroom is now the cockpit of a Lamborghini, and his homework includes learning how to handle high-speed corners and managing tire wear mid-race.
Family-Fueled Support
The Bowen family has been fully behind Alex’s racing dream. They travel together for his races, turning each event into a family experience.
“It’s amazing,” Kris said. “We all rally behind him. Seeing him win that first trophy this season was incredible.”
That trophy was for a third-place finish in the opening race of the 2025 GT3 season — making Alex the youngest ever to podium in the series.
What’s Next for Alex?
Alex’s next big goal is to race in the IMSA Series in the U.S. next year. That will require more funding, but the family is hopeful. For now, Alex is focused on proving that he’s not just a young racer — he’s a serious contender.
“People might ask, ‘Who’s this kid?’” Alex says.
“That just makes me more driven to prove myself.”
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[Follow Alex Bowen on Instagram for race updates and behind-the-scenes moments. He’s represented by MSM Group.]