The Mendoza Siblings: Speed, Smarts & A Full-Throttle Schedule

Balancing academics, athletics, and high-speed racing, Brent and Sophia Mendoza are proving that being young doesn’t mean slowing down. These Maryland-based siblings are not only kart racers but also outstanding students and multi-talented kids who manage a packed schedule—all while excelling in school.

From the Classroom to the Racetrack

While many kids spend their weekends unwinding, Brent and Sophia are on the track, navigating corners at 50 mph with the precision of seasoned drivers. They race locally at United Karting (MD), but their competition takes them far beyond their home turf. They’ve competed at some of the country’s most renowned karting circuits, including Charlotte Motor Speedway (NC), Pittsburgh International Race Complex (PA), New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJ), and Oakland Valley Race Park (NY).

Despite their demanding race schedule, academics always come first. Brent stands out in his school’s Gifted & Talented program and has represented his grade in the Geography Bee, while Sophia, also a top student, was also recognized for her kindness and leadership. Brent’s talents extend beyond racing and academics—he recently won 2nd place in an International Piano Competition and had the honor of performing at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York. He has also recently taken up violin and will be performing in his school’s spring concert this year.

Racing is in Their Blood

Originally, the Mendoza siblings were drawn to motorcycles due to their family’s involvement in motorcycling. However, after watching her older brother tried kart racing, Sophia was inspired to try karting herself—and quickly proved she had a natural talent for it. Now, both siblings are champions at United Karting, with Sophia securing 1st in the Kid Kart Championship and Brent also taking 1st place in the Cadet Championship. They also claimed 1st place in the Troopers Series Championship and made an impressive mark in the Cup Karts North America – East series, the largest 4-cycle sprint karting series in the country—Sophia finished 2nd in Kid Kart and Brent placed 5th in Cadet Championship.

More Than Just Racers

Outside of karting, Brent and Sophia juggle an impressive lineup of activities. They are competitive swimmers, gymnasts, pianists, and even chess players (at the Rockville Chess Club) and motorcycle riders in their spare time.

They also give back to their community, regularly playing piano at senior homes and hospitals – most recently at Johns Hopkins Hospital and serving as altar servers at their local church, the Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus, whenever they can.

Sophia, known for her signature cartwheel onto the podium, is quickly becoming a fan favorite. She’s often the youngest and smallest competitor on the track, going head-to-head with boys several years older —yet she continues to prove she belongs among the best.

Balancing It All with Family Support

Race weekends are a full family affair, with grandparents, aunts, and uncles coming out to support Brent and Sophia. Their packed schedule might seem overwhelming, but with strong family encouragement, they manage to balance racing, school, and their many extracurricular activities with ease.

With their talent, determination, and ability to juggle so much at such a young age, Brent and Sophia Mendoza are proving that kids can truly do it all—and excel every step of the way.

Follow their journey on Instagram:

Brent @brentmendoza13
Sophia @sophiamendoza513

Whether on the racetrack, in the classroom, on stage with their instruments, or engaging in other athletic pursuits, these two are always ready to take on the next challenge!

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