Jesse Saarinen Is Chasing His Motorsport Dream

Millog Marine & Power is proud to support karting driver Jesse Saarinen as he sets his sights on an increasingly international racing career.

Jesse Saarinen first climbed behind the wheel of a kart at the Lavinto track in Hausjärvi when he was just six years old. Although many years have passed since then, the memory is still vivid.

“I tried to hit every single kerb on the inside and outside. You could say I was just trying to feel the rhythm of it,” Jesse says with a laugh.

The spark for the sport ignited quickly, and his dream of owning his own kart grew stronger day by day. In the summer of 2015, that dream finally came true, and ever since, Finland’s circuits have become familiar territory for Jesse.

Physical fitness is just as important on the track

In karting, having a strong support network is essential. Jesse is grateful to his family, who play a key role in helping him move forward in the sport: his father works as his mechanic, and his mother takes care of nutrition and cheers him on alongside the rest of the family.

“This really is a whole-family effort. Dad and I have serviced the kart ourselves from the very beginning, learning every adjustment the hard way and constantly improving,” Jesse explains.

During the winter, when the kart rests in the garage, Jesse maintains his competitive spirit with wrestling, floorball and a driving simulator.

“You need physical fitness on the track too. It’s an important part of the whole package,” he notes.

Before races, Jesse always takes a moment to calm himself and focus. While driving comes naturally, the right mindset is equally important.

“My strengths as a driver are raw speed and the ability to handle pressure. I give 100 per cent of myself and the kart, whatever the situation.”

Aiming for International Circuits

Jesse currently competes in Finland’s Championship series and the IAME Series Finland. Among the highlights of his career so far is winning the 2024 IAME Series Finland championship – a reward for an almost perfect season. Naturally, he’s aiming for another title this year.

In the 2026 season, Jesse will race with the Centodieci Racing team, driving a Birel ART kart. For the first time, his race calendar will also include selected competitions abroad. This is an exciting and motivating step toward a more international career.

According to Jesse, support from partners such as Millog Marine & Power is the foundation of being able to compete at this level. Without it, his journey would have ended long ago.

“Motorsport and maintenance go naturally hand in hand. As we work daily with engine servicing and reliable performance, Jesse is a natural partner for us who represents our values. Through sponsorship, we want to support a young driver who approaches his sport with determination, passion and the right amount of humility. We wish Jesse fair winds and success for the season ahead,” says Krister Sällinen, CEO of Millog Marine & Power.