Since making his F4 British Championship debut with Carlin in 2019, Zane Maloney has steadily made waves across the European—and now international—open-wheel racing scene. However, his journey did not begin in Europe, nor even in mainland North America. Instead, it started on the small but spirited island of Barbados, the Caribbean nation that became the world’s newest republic in November 2021.
Barbados – The Land of Flying Fish; the birthplace of rum and Crop Over
Despite its modest size, Barbados has left an indelible mark on the global stage, thanks to its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and deeply passionate people. Often referred to as The Land of Flying Fish, the island proudly celebrates its national dish, cou-cou and flying fish. This traditional meal—made from cornmeal or breadfruit and okra, paired with steamed or fried flying fish—captures the essence of Barbadian cuisine, blending local ingredients with African and Caribbean culinary influences.
Moreover, each summer, the island erupts in a spectacular celebration of identity and tradition during Crop Over. Originating on the sugar cane plantations during the era of slavery, this historic harvest festival runs from June until Grand Kadooment Day, held on the first Monday in August. The event showcases dazzling costumes, infectious music, and vibrant street parades, drawing visitors from around the world.
In addition, Barbados holds the distinguished title of the birthplace of rum, thanks to the Mount Gay Distillery—the world’s oldest commercial rum distillery, continuously producing world-renowned rum since 1703.
Amidst this backdrop of cultural richness and resilience, Barbados has also cultivated a thriving motorsport scene, with the Maloney family playing an invaluable role in its development. For decades, the family has been deeply embedded in the island’s racing culture—supporting, promoting, and participating in motorsport at every level.
The Maloney legacy in Barbadian Motorsport
When Zane Maloney was born in Bridgetown, Barbados, on 2 October 2003, motorsport was already in his blood. At just three years old, he stepped into his first go-kart, becoming a third-generation racer, following in the footsteps of his father, Sean Maloney—who remains one of his role models—and grandfather, Doug Maloney.
The Maloney family’s involvement in motorsport stretches back to 1969, just three years after Barbados gained independence from the United Kingdom. It began when Doug Maloney entered a local motorcycle competition hosted by the bank where he worked. That moment sparked the beginning of a long and successful racing career—one that, while largely confined to the Caribbean, cemented Doug’s status as a respected figure in Barbadian motorsport.
Doug’s passion for racing didn’t end with him. He passed down his love for the sport to his sons—Mark, Stuart, and Sean—all of whom made names for themselves in the Caribbean motorsport scene. Frequently, the brothers competed not only alongside each other but also with their father, creating a strong family legacy on the track.
Naturally, Sean Maloney continued the tradition with his son, Zane. Under his guidance, Zane launched his own racing career—first in karting, where he quickly found success in Barbados and then in North America. Eventually, his talent and determination led him to Europe, where he took his first steps into the highly competitive world of formula racing.
Through every generation, the Maloney family has played a key role in shaping Barbados’ motorsport identity—culminating in Zane’s rise as a global racing talent.
Maloney “grateful” for family support and guidance throughout his career
In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief at the 2025 Monaco E-Prix, Zane Maloney reflected on the immense influence his family’s legacy has had on his motorsport journey.
“It’s been everything,” he replied, before listing the long line of racers in the Maloney family. “Of course, my granddad, he started it all. My two uncles, my dad, my three cousins, my brother—we all race.”
Although Zane is the only member of his family to compete at a top level beyond Barbados and the wider Caribbean, he remained deeply appreciative of the unwavering support and foundational knowledge his relatives provided—particularly in the early years of his career.
“Obviously, I’ve been the only one that has had the opportunity to take it outside of Barbados or outside of the Caribbean and kind of world level,” he noted. “I’m just grateful for them. I mean, they taught me everything I knew from the beginning, let’s say. So, it allowed me to kind of hone my skills before I even moved to Europe.”
Carrying the Maloney motorsport legacy a joint effort
In terms of carrying on the family legacy, however, Zane Maloney was quick to point out that it remains very much a joint effort, with many of his relatives continuing to compete at the local level.
His uncle, Stuart Maloney, alongside co-driver Kristian Yearwood, recently claimed victory in the Barbados Rally Club’s (BRC) Shakedown Stages in April 2025. Meanwhile, another uncle, Mark Maloney, and cousin Justin Maloney secured a top-six finish.
“And in terms of carrying it on, I mean, they still all race in Barbados,” Maloney said.
Zane was not even the only Maloney on track over the Monaco E-Prix weekend. While he competed in Monte Carlo with Lola Yamaha ABT, his relatives took to the track back home. Despite the physical distance and his professional commitments, Zane remains closely connected to their efforts.
“Right now, this weekend, I think they have a race while I’m racing here,” he said. “So we’re always watching each other. I’m always watching their races. They’re always watching mine.”
“A lot of competition” between the Maloney family
Despite his international career, the Boy from Barbados has competed against members of his family before. In 2019, the same year that he won the British F4 championship, becoming the first rookie to do so outright, he contested the final two rounds of the Radical Caribbean Cup, competing against his father, Sean, and uncles Mark and Stuart, that latter of whom was the reigning champion at the time. Zane maintained his strong form in the regional competition, winning all three races at the Bushy Park Circuit in Barbados and two at the South Dakota Circuit in Guyana, becoming the season’s most successful driver in terms of race wins.
On his return to the competition in 2022, he again showed his talent, this time at the Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Raceway in the neighbouring Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Despite close competition from his father, uncles and cousin Justin, Zane won twice, setting new qualifying and race lap records and a non-scoring guest driver in the third round of the 2022 Radical Caribbean Cup. He also finished second in Race 2, just 2.351 seconds behind Trinidad’s own Kristian Boodoosingh.
Despite his victories in those competitions, and more notably, his greater international exposure and experience, he emphasised his family’s talent, noting fierce competition amongst them.
“And generally, it’s a lot of competition between us. Obviously, they’ve not had the experience or the exposure that I have, but they’re still very good drivers. When I go home, I’m not driving around them.”
“It’s a good battle every time,” the Boy from Barbados concluded.
