Australian motorsport community rocked by death of much-loved kart racer Joseph Bianchini aged 13

The Australian motorsport community is mourning the sudden death of 13-year-old kart racer Joseph Bianchini.

The Griffith, NSW local was hospitalised on Saturday after his health deterioriated and flown to the Sydney Children’s Hospital later that day.

Karting Australia shared in a statement that he died on Monday.

“It is with great sadness that Karting Australia shares the news of the passing of New South Wales junior driver Joseph Bianchini,” the governing body said.

“Joseph, 13, was transported to Griffith Base Hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning after experiencing a sudden deterioration in his health.

“Later that day he was flown to Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick where he sadly passed away on Monday, August 18.

“Joseph was a familiar and much-loved young competitor in our sport, racing in the Cadet and Junior categories across the country. His energy, passion and friendly nature touched many within the karting community.

“On behalf of everyone at Karting Australia, and the broader karting community, we send our heartfelt condolences to Adrian, Maria and Allegra along with the extended Bianchini family and friends during this very difficult time.”

The news sparked an outpouring of grief in Griffith and around the karting scene, with Bianchini remembered by many as a kind and encouraging friend, teammate and opponent.

It is the second tragedy for his family and the Griffith Kart Club, after Bianchini’s uncle — also named Joseph — died aged 15 in a 2003 car accident.

“Words cannot express the loss. Griffith Kart Club has lost another part of its heart and soul,” Griffith Kart Club said after the junior Joseph’s death.

“The Bianchini family is part of the very fabric of this club, both in the past and present. Joseph’s cheeky smile, sportsmanship, kindness, speed and most of all the respect he had for everyone both on and off the track is something that is admired and an example for all.

“To Adrian, Maria, Allegra, and the extended family and friends our heart goes out to you all.”

The elder Joseph Bianchini is remembered with a memorial trophy named in his honour, awarded by the family to the driver with the best attitude, sportsmanship and spirit.

Matt McLean, a karting champion who also raced in Supercars feeder series Super2, was with the Bianchini family at the Sydney Children’s Hospital.

He paid a gut-wrenching tribute on Tuesday.

“My little Joseph. Spending your last few days by your side up until your final moments was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” the 28-year-old said.

“I feel so honoured to have been there with you and to have shared so many special moments together over your life.

“Words cannot explain how much this hurts, and I just thank you so much for always demonstrating the importance of looking out for those around you with complete and utter selflessness.

“This has left a crater in my heart, but I feel far more complete having had you in our lives even though for such a short time.

“It’s only been 12 hours and I just miss you so much already.

“I’m so proud of the young man you had become, and making you proud has always been, and will remain, a priority of mine. Such a gifted boy taken too soon. I love you Coyote, fly high.”

Wagga & District Kart Racing Club said they had been “rocked” by the news of Bianchini’s death.

“We send our sincere condolences to the Bianchini family and members of Griffith Kart Club during this tough time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers,” the club said.

“We will miss Joseph’s bubbly and often cheeky personality, his sportsmanship and fairness on and off the track.

“The young man he was becoming was truly honourable and selfless. He was always offer encouragement to his fellow karters and would lend a hand to anyone who crossed his path.

“Your memory will forever live on. Forever racing amongst us. Fly High Joseph.”

Griffith Swimming Club also paid tribute.

“At just 13 years old, Joseph’s life was filled with energy, determination and a love for the things that made him happiest,” the club said.

“His passion for motor sport and go-karting gave him purpose, and his time in the pool was never just about swimming — it was training, preparing, building the strength he needed to chase his dream.

“Joseph was cheeky, spirited and brave. He had that rare spark that made people smile, whether he was racing, swimming, or just being his fun, kind and determined self.

“Vale Joseph — forever young, forever remembered.”