DRIVEN

A Documentary Series

LOGLINE

As the F.A.T. Karting League launches its first U.S. season, a group of young underdog racers chase a once-in-a-lifetime chance to represent their country on the world stage—proving that talent, not privilege, should determine who gets to drive.

synopsis

Driven is a gripping, character-driven documentary series that follows a new generation of American kart racers competing in the U.S. chapter of the F.A.T. Karting League — a revolutionary grassroots motorsport initiative founded by Ferdi Porsche and Rob Smedley. As the league aims to democratize racing and discover untapped talent, the film captures the high-pressure journey of young drivers vying for a shot at the prestigious FAT World Cup and the ultimate prize, an F4 seat.

But beneath the helmets are stories of resilience, sacrifice, and raw ambition. From small-town dreamers to underdogs from overlooked communities, Driven reveals how this groundbreaking league is about more than winning — it’s about finding identity, purpose, and a future in a sport that has too often been out of reach.

SIZZLE REEL

PASSWORD: FAT2025!

STORY STRUCTURE

This series is an emotional ride through one racing season in the United States. We’ll follow a handful of young competitors — boys and girls, from different walks of life — as they chase victory on the track and confront life’s challenges off of it. It culminates with the final race that decides who represents the U.S. on the world stage.

Intertwined will be the story of the F.A.T. Karting League itself: how its U.S. expansion is shaking up a traditionally exclusive sport by replacing privilege with passion and opportunity. We’ll meet the team behind the cutting-edge electric karts, innovative coaching, and inclusive philosophy that is reshaping what it means to be a racer in America.

ACT I: STARTING LINE

  • The first race of the inaugural U.S. season — nerves, excitement, and uncertainty set the tone.

  • Introduce the F.A.T. Karting League and its mission through voiceover, interviews with founders, and atmosphere on race day.

  • Meet our core drivers and families — who they are, where they come from, and why this matters.

  • Tension of early competition: some shine, some struggle, but all are in uncharted territory.

ACT II: THE SEASON UNFOLDS

  • As races continue, so do rivalries, growth, and setbacks.

  • We explore each driver’s personal life between race weekends: balancing school, work, family support (or lack thereof), and self-doubt.

  • Coaches and mentors help shape skill and mindset — Rob Smedley’s engineering insights come into play.

  • Moments of failure and breakthrough (e.g., a racer loses control, another finishes their first podium).

  • Stakes build with every race

ACT III: FINAL LAP

  • The World Championship: the culmination of the season and our narrative arc.

  • Our drivers not only face off against each other, but against a new set of drivers from the UK league — skill, luck, and nerves collide.

  • A winner emerges — but the emotional resolution is bigger than a trophy.

  • Final reflections from racers, families, and league organizers — a new path has been paved.