Daniel’s Heart Surgeries Won’t Put the Brakes on His Racing Dream
Nine-year old Daniel Stangereani from Leicestershire is competing in the prestigious SuperOne Go Karting Series despite undergoing three open heart surgeries at our Children's Hospital (BCH).
SuperOne, a premier karting championship, is known for producing professional Formula One (F1) drivers, including Daniel's favourite F1 driver, Lewis Hamilton.
Daniel has had many bumps in the road after undergoing multiple procedures under our Children's Hospital's specialist Cardiology service.
However, when life throws curves, Daniel just leans into them and despite facing many hurdles, Daniel will now be racing against the best young drivers in the UK.
Daniel’s Dad, Krisztian Pintea, reflected on their journey. He said: "When we were told Daniel had a hole in his heart, we knew our lives had just changed forever.
“He underwent surgery at just six days old."
Daniel underwent a procedure at BCH to fix a narrowing in his main body artery. When he was six months old, he had a second operation where the hole was closed using Daniel's lung artery valve. He has since been closely monitored by the specialist team in our hospital's Heart Outpatients Department.
Krisztian explained: "At eight years old, Daniel was fifth in the UK in his class. However, we received news that Daniel needed a third open-heart surgery.”
The lung valve that was used to fix Daniel's artery as a baby was too small for him, so he needed the valve replaced.
"Unfortunately for Daniel, it meant that he couldn't continue competing. He was devastated he could no longer race. It's what he loves most in the world. However, Daniel took it all in his stride."
Daniel's operation, which took place in September 2023, was successful and though his karting career needed a pit stop, he never let that get in the way of his racing ambitions.
He said: "It's been Daniel's passion since he was five, and despite all the challenges he has faced, his determination and love for racing has never wavered and we're so proud of him.”
After recovering for over six months, Daniel's racing career was back in full throttle and he completed the whole season of the SuperOne for the first time in the cadet group, where he placed in the top ten.
Krisztian shared: “Our aim is the be even closer to the podium this year and shows his hard work to everyone and also give power to the kids and parents who go through heart surgeries.
“When we were in the same situation and didn’t know what the future would look like. We never would have thought that a child with a heart condition could achieve such incredible things.”
Daniel and his family were over the moon to find out that he would be racing in the SuperOne Series in 2025.
“We're so excited for his races this year, especially knowing the Cardiology Team at the Children's Hospital is cheering us on.”
Daniel has received care from his Consultant, Dr Chetan Mehta and the Cardiology Service since he was a baby.
Daniel said: "Dr Mehta is great. I even inspired him to try go-karting. He has always supported me in my dream of becoming a professional racer."
Dr Mehta, Consultant Cardiologist, said: "Daniel has been very brave despite going through so much at such a young age. He doesn't let his cardiac condition hold him back. I am very proud of Daniel and will be cheering him on as he competes in the SuperOne Series."
Despite Daniel's drive, racing professionally doesn't come without its challenges.
Krisztian explains: "As a family we're doing everything we can to support Daniel's dream. However, there is a huge cost to professional racing. We're looking for a sponsor for Daniel so he can continue competing in the future.
"It would truly mean everything to us. A sponsor could make all the difference in allowing Daniel to pursue his dream, especially after all he has overcome with his heart condition.
"He has already accomplished so much, and we are immensely grateful to the team at Birmingham Children's Hospital.”
Daniel continues to prove that no pit stop — no matter how challenging — can slow down his ambition.