{"id":11277,"date":"2025-04-09T15:40:59","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T12:40:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/balchev.racing\/about\/"},"modified":"2025-05-28T18:26:58","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T15:26:58","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/balchev.racing\/en\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About me"},"content":{"rendered":"

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THE MOST EXCITING <\/span>
\nIS YET TO COME<\/span> THE MOST EXCITING <\/text><\/svg>
\nIS YET TO COME<\/span><\/h3><\/div>
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<\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=””]I am Plamen Balchev \u2013 a Bulgarian driver with big dreams and faith. My first contact with karting was in 2023. I started driving alone on the tracks in Sofia, and I also did a few summer training sessions with an instructor at Sofia Karting Ring.<\/p>\n

My debut in competitive karting with a temporary license was with the \u201cGreek Karting Sport\u201d team. I made it in October 2023, participating in the last round of the Bulgarian championship at the Kyustendil track, where I finished third in the Rotax Senior class.[\/vc_column_text]

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\u201cNO DREAM IS TOO BIG.<\/span>
\nAND NO DREAMER IS TOO SMALL.\u201d<\/span><\/h4>\n

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TURBO MOVIE<\/p>\n

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how it all started<\/h5>

MY STORY<\/h3><\/div>
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My debut in racing karting was with “Garkov karting team”. Everything took place in October of the year 2023<\/span>, I took part in the last round of the Bulgarian championship in the Bulgarian town Kyustendil where I finished third in Rotax Senior.<\/span><\/h6>\n

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  • \"THE<\/span>
    THE BEGINNING <\/h6>

    I started 2024 with training and two participations in Bulgarian competitions. At the Haskovo Cup, despite dropping out of one of the four heats due to a technical problem, I finished fourth. At the Serres track I showed the best time in the wet. I finished second, but was disqualified due to being 200 grams underweight.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>

  • \"ROMANIA\"<\/span>
    ROMANIA <\/h6>

    We chose to drive in several races of the Romanian Karting Championship due to the high competition \u2013 over 25 drivers in the class. I had my first wet race, in which I fought for the top three places. On one of the fastest tracks in Targu, I set a fifth time. In my last race on the track in Bac\u0103u, I was again in the top five, but a crash and a retirement in one of the final heats deprived me of the opportunity for a good ranking.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>

  • \"IAME<\/span>
    IAME X30 Senior <\/h6>

    I also participated in the Romanian IAME X30 Championship, where I won one of the heats and took second and third place in the final standings of the two races.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-4 vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs” css=”.vc_custom_1744190331486{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”10679″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””]

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    • \"EUROPE\"<\/span>
      EUROPE <\/h6>

      I participated in the final of the European Karting Championship as a training session with the Dan Holland Racing team, where I had the opportunity to learn from some of the best drivers and coaches in the world. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>

    • \"FORMULA<\/span>
      FORMULA RENAULT <\/h6>

      My first contact with the so-called formula was at the track in Serres, where in September I did a test with the Bulgarian Formula Academy and their Formula Renault. In four 10-minute sessions, I managed to get within 5 seconds of the best time with slicks used. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>

    • \"FORMULA<\/span>
      FORMULA 4 <\/h6>

      The year ended on a high note with my first test with the current 2024 Formula 4 car and Cram Motorsport team. In the simulator I was less than 1 tenth of the best time. At the Varano track in real conditions the next day with a wet track, 9 degrees and fog we started with wet tyres. I gradually built up a level of confidence that allowed for two sessions with slicks. I achieved a best time of 1:09:980 and was the fastest driver on the track that day. After the test I received an offer for the upcoming season. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_hidden-lg vc_col-md-12″]

      • \"THE<\/span>
        THE BEGINNING <\/h6>

        I started 2024 with training and two participations in Bulgarian competitions. At the Haskovo Cup, despite dropping out of one of the four heats due to a technical problem, I finished fourth. At the Serres track I showed the best time in the wet. I finished second, but was disqualified due to being 200 grams underweight.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>

      • \"ROMANIA\"<\/span>
        ROMANIA <\/h6>

        We chose to drive in several races of the Romanian Karting Championship due to the high competition \u2013 over 25 drivers in the class. I had my first wet race, in which I fought for the top three places. On one of the fastest tracks in Targu, I set a fifth time. In my last race on the track in Bac\u0103u, I was again in the top five, but a crash and a retirement in one of the final heats deprived me of the opportunity for a good ranking.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>

      • \"IAME<\/span>
        IAME X30 Senior <\/h6>

        I also participated in the Romanian IAME X30 Championship, where I won one of the heats and took second and third place in the final standings of the two races.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul>[\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_hidden-lg vc_col-md-12″][vc_single_image image=”10679″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1744190307949{margin-top: 40px !important;margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]

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        • \"EUROPE\"<\/span>
          EUROPE <\/h6>

          I participated in the final of the European Karting Championship as a training session with the Dan Holland Racing team, where I had the opportunity to learn from some of the best drivers and coaches in the world. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>

        • \"FORMULA<\/span>
          FORMULA RENAULT <\/h6>

          My first contact with the so-called formula was at the track in Serres, where in September I did a test with the Bulgarian Formula Academy and their Formula Renault. In four 10-minute sessions, I managed to get within 5 seconds of the best time with slicks used. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>

        • \"FORMULA<\/span>
          FORMULA 4 <\/h6>

          The year ended on a high note with my first test with the current 2024 Formula 4 car and Cram Motorsport team. In the simulator I was less than 1 tenth of the best time. At the Varano track in real conditions the next day with a wet track, 9 degrees and fog we started with wet tyres. I gradually built up a level of confidence that allowed for two sessions with slicks. I achieved a best time of 1:09:980 and was the fastest driver on the track that day. After the test I received an offer for the upcoming season. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”ltx-scroll-wrapper”][vc_column offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”] \r\n

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          OVERALL<\/h4><\/div>[vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

          Despite the difficulties I faced as a complete rookie, I managed to develop flair, fighting spirit, and speed. <\/span>
          \nI had to face competitors with many years of experience, but this motivated me and made me work harder than anyone else.<\/span><\/h6>\n

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          MAIN GOALS<\/h3><\/div>
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          [vc_tta_tour color=”blue” spacing=”2″ controls_size=”md” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section title=”2026″ tab_id=”1744142786278-0c3581ce-b536″][vc_pricing_table heading=”Formula 4″ heading_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23FFFFFF” heading_use_theme_fonts=”yes” heading_css_animation=”zoomIn” subheading=”2026″ subheading_font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23CBCBCB” subheading_use_theme_fonts=”yes” currency=”” price=”” period=”” add_button=”” css=”.vc_custom_1748410568642{background: #ECECEC url(https:\/\/balchev.racing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/f4-bg.jpg?id=10637) !important;}” use_custom_fonts_heading=”true” use_custom_fonts_subheading=”true”]<\/p>\n
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          • Rookie Champion<\/span><\/li>\n
          • P5<\/span><\/li>\n
          • \u041f\u044a\u0440\u0432\u0438 \u0431\u044a\u043b\u0433\u0430\u0440\u0438\u043d F4 Italy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            [\/vc_pricing_table][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2027″ tab_id=”1744142786278-248f4d9b-ca9b”][vc_pricing_table heading=”Formula 3″ heading_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23FFFFFF” heading_use_theme_fonts=”yes” heading_css_animation=”zoomIn” subheading=”2027″ subheading_font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23CBCBCB” subheading_use_theme_fonts=”yes” currency=”” price=”” period=”” add_button=”” css=”.vc_custom_1748410580917{background: #ECECEC00 url(https:\/\/balchev.racing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/F3-bg.jpg?id=10638) !important;}” use_custom_fonts_heading=”true” use_custom_fonts_subheading=”true”]<\/p>\n

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            • 3 Wins<\/span><\/li>\n
            • P5<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Rookie of the year<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              [\/vc_pricing_table][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2028″ tab_id=”1744143083111-1cc1c9ba-4145″][vc_pricing_table heading=”Formula 3″ heading_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23FFFFFF” heading_use_theme_fonts=”yes” heading_css_animation=”zoomIn” subheading=”2028″ subheading_font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23CBCBCB” subheading_use_theme_fonts=”yes” currency=”” price=”” period=”” add_button=”” css=”.vc_custom_1748410600752{background: #ECECEC00 url(https:\/\/balchev.racing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/F3-bg.jpg?id=10638) !important;}” use_custom_fonts_heading=”true” use_custom_fonts_subheading=”true”]<\/p>\n

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              • 6 Wins<\/span><\/li>\n
              • P3<\/span><\/li>\n
              • 4 polpositions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                [\/vc_pricing_table][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2029″ tab_id=”1744143087038-ef343758-93fe”][vc_pricing_table heading=”Formula 2″ heading_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23FFFFFF” heading_use_theme_fonts=”yes” heading_css_animation=”zoomIn” subheading=”2029″ subheading_font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23CBCBCB” subheading_use_theme_fonts=”yes” currency=”” price=”” period=”” add_button=”” css=”.vc_custom_1748410618834{background: #ECECEC url(https:\/\/balchev.racing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/f2.jpg?id=10648) !important;}” use_custom_fonts_heading=”true” use_custom_fonts_subheading=”true”]<\/p>\n

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                • 3 Wins<\/span><\/li>\n
                • P4<\/span><\/li>\n
                • 3 fastest laps<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  [\/vc_pricing_table][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2030″ tab_id=”1744143092557-2f190af8-0e77″][vc_pricing_table heading=”Formula 1″ heading_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23FFFFFF” heading_use_theme_fonts=”yes” heading_css_animation=”zoomIn” subheading=”2030″ subheading_font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23CBCBCB” subheading_use_theme_fonts=”yes” currency=”” price=”” period=”” add_button=”” css=”.vc_custom_1748410644914{background: #ECECEC url(https:\/\/balchev.racing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/f1-bg.jpg?id=10643) !important;}” use_custom_fonts_heading=”true” use_custom_fonts_subheading=”true”]<\/p>\n

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                  • 3 podiums<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • P10<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • Best Rookie<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    [\/vc_pricing_table][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tour]<\/div><\/div>

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                    PLANS F4 ITALY 2026<\/h3><\/div>
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                    TESTS <\/span><\/h5>\n

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                    <\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=””]A series of tests to gain competitive pace in the season[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/5″]
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                    RACES <\/span><\/h5>\n

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                    <\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=””]Consistently improving performance over the course of the season[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/5″]
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                    STRATEGY <\/span><\/h5>\n

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                    <\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=””]Competitiveness, training, fighting spirit, speed[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/5″]
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                    SUCCESS <\/span><\/h5>\n

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                    <\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=””]Rooky champion
                    \nP5 overall
                    \n3 wins[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/5″]
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                    RESULTS <\/span><\/h5>\n

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                    <\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=””]Gaining confidence and experience
                    \nPromoting sponsors[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1744270540334{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”10784″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                    [vc_section el_class=”ltx-scroll-section”][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”top” bg_pos=”center-center” text_align=”center-sm-ms” css=”.vc_custom_1744265442004{background-image: url(https:\/\/balchev.racing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/black-wave.png?id=10115) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”10425″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-md-6″][vc_column_text css=””]I am Plamen Balchev \u2013 a Bulgarian driver with big dreams and faith. My first contact with karting was in 2023. I started driving alone on the tracks in Sofia, and I also did a few summer training sessions with an instructor at Sofia Karting Ring. My debut in competitive karting with a temporary license was with the \u201cGreek Karting Sport\u201d team. I made it in October 2023, participating in the last round of the Bulgarian championship at the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/full-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-11277","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/balchev.racing\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11277","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/balchev.racing\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/balchev.racing\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/balchev.racing\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/balchev.racing\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11277"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/balchev.racing\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11277\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11579,"href":"https:\/\/balchev.racing\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11277\/revisions\/11579"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/balchev.racing\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11277"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}