By Loyd McIntosh
If Reuben Greer is in your rear-view mirror, get ready, because he’s about pass you like you’re standing still.
Greer, an 11-year-old from Vestavia Hills, won the T4 Eastern Cup Championship in July, earning an opportunity to compete for a world go-kart championship as a middle schooler.
A multi-round U.S. kart championship run by T4 Series USA, the T4 Eastern Cup is held on several prestigious karting tracks throughout the year, including Music City Kartplex in Tennessee, Kartplex in Lorain, Ohio, and finishing at T4 Kartplex in Palmetto, Florida.
Greer, the overall champion in the T4 Mini division, will travel to Valencia, Spain, to compete in the T4 Nations Cup at the Kartodromo Internacional Lucas Guerrero, from September 30 through October 4.
Winning a championship is nothing new for Greer, who has claimed three national championships in other kart series before many kids have memorized the multiplication table. However, Greer’s father, Stephen—a native of Ireland who started racing go-karts when he was six years old—says they entered this series on a whim with no expectations.
The series is also unique in that all karts are standardized, with no modifications allowed, making each race a true test of a driver’s skill and decision-making. “We thought we would try this series, and he ended up winning the championship,” says Stephen. “Everybody has to have the same equipment, so when you get there, they have your cart and your engine ready. You’re not allowed to make really any changes to the go-kart. You can change your tire pressure, and that’s about it, so it’s really up to the driver at that point.”
Greer began driving karts competitively when he was six years old, developing quickly with a rare combination of natural ability, competitive drive and dedication. He currently practices one to two hours every day on a home simulator and regularly studies film on other drivers and tracks before competitions.
The work has paid off in a big way. In 2026 alone, Greer has podiumed in 51 of his 56 races—14 first place, 23 second, 14 third place finishes—in multiple classes. Still, his national championship in the T4 Series USA was a surprise to father and son alike.
“It was hard competition, and I didn’t think I was would win the championship until I did,” says Greer, with Stephen adding that he was behind the lead in points going into the final weekend in Florida during the second weekend in July.
“I’m super proud of him,” Stephen says. “It was down to the last race. We thought we hadn’t won it, and it was a good lesson for him to not give up. He was able to get the most points in the championship, and he learned a lot from that.”
Greer is one of only a couple of kids who drive in the Racing For Children’s (Hospital) karting team, part of the Racing For Children’s motorsports patient experience that raises money for research, treatment and cures for childhood cancer and blood disorders.
Allison Turner, Executive Director and Social Media and Marketing Director, says Greer joined the karting program in 2025 and quickly made an impression. She adds that he is not only a fierce competitor behind the wheel but is an advocate for Racing For Children’s mission.
“We didn’t know a whole lot about him. He kind of snuck in on us last season and has absolutely dominated,” says Turner. “He’s just phenomenal. He’s got great energy, a great work ethic, the family is just incredible on the track and off. We couldn’t ask for a better representative.”
Despite the championships and the accolades, Greer is still, at his heart, a precocious, polite and funny middle schooler. Even though he’s on the cusp of winning a world championship, he can’t help but be a little silly when answering questions about why he likes racing and what he hopes to accomplish in Spain this fall.
“I like the free air conditioning that you get when you drive,” he says with an infectious and slightly mischievous giggle, “and I love getting on the podium. I hope I win and become a world champion.”
Follow Reuben Greer’s progress for world domination on Instagram @reuben_racing.
