Racing driver Calvin dreams of 24 Hours of Le Mans: “Hope in 3 or 4 years”

Calvin drives training laps at Circuit Zandvoort in his Citroën C1. In the rain, conditions that suit him. He is getting ready for a new season. “We won the Zandvoort six hours with the team last year, the Portimao 12 hours in Portugal too. And I became junior champion of the Benelux. I am also the best under 21. Out of a field of about 70 participants I’m the youngest.”

No more karting

This year Calvin is no longer going karting. He focuses entirely on (international) long-distance races and is participating in the sprint cup in the Netherlands this year. “That also has to do with budget. But last year I did a practice race at the sprint cup and drove pole position and was second twice. I want to drive as much as possible and make kilometers, and the goal is to become champion from The Netherlands.”

side job

It is a recurring challenge for the Horinees: budget. He has a part-time job to do that. “I teach kids from 8 to 12 years old who race in cars. I also teach on the go-kart track and on the track where people can drive cars like the one I race in.”

When we met Calvin as a 15 year old in 2019 Speaking for the first time, then as a karter, he was already clear about his ambitions. Driving the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a professional driver. How far is he now to realize his dream?

“Halfway. It’s getting closer and closer. You learn to fight, learn to drive fast, bumper to bumper. I’m laying the foundation here,” he explains. He also has a plan in mind. “Well, I want to be there in three or four years.”