My World on Two Wheels: The Story of Kai Zupan Vehabović
My name is Kai Zupan Vehabović, and I’m a young Slovenian racer whose life moves at 10,000 RPM. You might see me sporting the number #10 on my bike, part of the ŠD Oktani team in Slovenia and Team Space in Italy, and if you’ve been following the minimoto circuit, you’ll know that two wheels are where I feel most at home.
The Start Gate: Finding My Passion
My journey into racing started quite young. I was just seven years old when I first encountered a minimoto bike at a sports day event. I remember the feeling of the small machine beneath me, the sheer concentration it demanded, and the instant, exhilarating click that told me: this is it.
Since then, minimoto racing hasn’t just been a hobby; it’s been my life’s focus. It’s a demanding sport that requires precision, nerve, and the ability to make split-second decisions at high speeds.
Two Countries, One Goal: The Italian Connection
To compete at the highest level in minimoto, you have to measure yourself against the best, and right now, that means racing in Italy. That’s why I’m incredibly fortunate to be connected with two exceptional teams. While I proudly represent the Slovenian ŠD Oktani team, which provides me with a strong national base, I also race under the banner of the Italian team Team Space in the highly competitive Italian Minimoto Championship.
Racing in the Italian Championship is a vital part of my development. The level of competition there is incredibly high, and it forces me to push my limits every single weekend. Team Space is focused specifically on nurturing young talent in minimoto, and their deep experience in the Italian and European scene is invaluable. Being part of both teams allows me to get varied technical support and maximum track time, constantly improving my race craft for international events.
Chasing the Checkered Flag: My Achievements So Far
Some of my key moments and results show how crucial this dual focus has been:
European Championship Runner-Up: My biggest success to date was earning the title of European Vice-Champion in the Minimoto Open 50 class in 2025. I was heartbroken to miss the title by just one point after a costly crash, but winning two out of the three races proved I have the speed to be at the top.
Slovenian and Italian National Championships: I’m a consistent front-runner in both the Slovenian National Championship (DP) and the Italian Minimoto Championship, using the knowledge gained from both circuits to stay sharp.
The Rider and the Machine
Success is a partnership between me, my bike, and my support team—a family of mechanics and coaches who know how to squeeze every ounce of performance out of a little bike. My coach, the Italian racer Tommy Occhi (who also races in MotoE), is instrumental in helping me develop my technique and mental strength.
Out on the track, the goal is to be both aggressive and smooth. I have to brake late, carry maximum speed through the corner, and manage the throttle to prevent high-siding. The constant mental pressure to be perfect for every single lap is immense.
The Road Ahead
The minimoto circuit is the school for future MotoGP stars. I’m currently focused on dominating these classes and gathering every bit of experience I can get across Slovenia and Italy. My ultimate dream is to progress to the higher classes and make it to the MotoGP grid one day. The path is long, full of sacrifices, travel, and hard work, but the rush of crossing the finish line after a perfect race makes every moment worthwhile.
I’m Kai Zupan Vehabović, and with my ŠD Oktani and Team Space families behind me, I’m ready for the next challenge. See you at the races!