"When I decided to move to the United States, I was just looking for a good school in a place I would enjoy myself as well. Moving to the U.S. without any relatives, I knew I wanted to be in a place where there’s always something going on,” said Van Berlo. “I always loved Miami, so Miami was definitely at the top of the list. Then several people recommended to me that UM is one of the best schools in Florida.”
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As a child, Van Berlo spent time at the racetrack watching his father, who raced as a hobby. When he turned 8 years old, his father bought him a go-kart and took him to a track, effectively starting his racing career.
The years Van Berlo spent competitively go-karting provided a great foundation for his eventual transition to racecar driving when he turned 17.
Van Berlo has competed internationally, winning multiple races, including the Road to Le Mans and becoming the youngest European Le Mans winner.
Van Berlo credited the College of Arts and Sciences with making this – his first semester at University of Miami - a smooth experience for him.
“I’ve got a great professor,” Van Berlo said, referring to Aleksandra Gorzycka Silkora’s calculus class.
He explained how she teaches “in a really conversational way” with an “easy-going” and “interactive” style.
“She’s also willing to cooperate with racing activities,” he said.
Van Berlo said that he has been appreciative of how the entire College of Arts and Sciences faculty and staff have been cooperative with his rigorous racing schedule, even though it's not a University-recognized sport.
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Caleb Everett said that Van Berlo offers a great illustration of what students are capable of when they pursue their passions both inside and outside the classroom.
"Kay’s passion for racing is contagious, and his ability is impressive,” said Everett. “We are happy to have a Dutch champion in our midst, but we are equally pleased to see that Kay brings the same passion for his coursework here in the College of Arts & Sciences that he does to the Porsche Carrera Cup.”
Simultaneously racing and attending college makes Van Berlo feel as though he has the best of both worlds, competing in races and getting a degree at the same time.
“In the end, there are a lot of things similar between racing and school. I try to be at my best in both worlds, and it requires a lot of dedication and scheduling in order to make both things happen at the same time,” he said.
Check out this video to see Kay Van Berlo in action on the track and in the classroom.
