Turning a childhood dream into reality: kart racer Sem (21) wins world title alongside master’s degree
Combining a degree with a social life, sport, and work can be quite challenging. But with the right support, a lot is possible. That becomes clear from the story of kart racer Sem Knopjes (21) from Nigtevecht. Last year, while completing his master’s degree, he made history together with his father. Both became world champions at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals 2025. “The flexibility of my university made this possible in part. I am very grateful for that.”
Sem won the world title, the biggest Rotax title there is, while studying for his Master of Science (MSc) in Management at Nyenrode Business Universiteit.
Sem’s condition: passing all exams in one go
He passed all his premaster exams last year in one attempt, allowing him to participate in the world championship. “It’s not like I’m the king of discipline,” Sem laughs. “When I qualified for the World Championship, I had just enrolled at Nyenrode. I saw that resits would fall during the championship. So passing all my exams in one go became a requirement I set for myself. Otherwise, I wouldn’t go to the World Championship.”
By now, the Utrecht native competes at the highest level. “It’s amazing that I can combine my passion with my studies. For the 2026 season, I will be driving as a Birel ART Factory driver. Driving for a brand like that is a dream in karting. That wouldn’t be possible if the university didn’t think along with me.” According to Sem, he is not an exception. “There are also students who are already very busy with their own businesses. We come to Nyenrode to learn at an academic level. It’s a full-time program, but there is also attention for progress and personal development.”
Keeping up: also off the track
Karting means Sem spends a lot of time abroad. “It’s great that that’s allowed. Nyenrode facilitates that very well. They look at where they can be flexible,” Sem says from the kart track in Naples, where he is currently training for the upcoming season. Because of his training, he cannot attend all lectures. “I don’t always catch the extra insights and experiences professors share in class. When I’m back on campus, I immediately ask what main takeaways I missed. I make sure I keep up myself.”
Added value of the Nyenrode experience
Nyenrode Business Universiteit was founded in 1946 and is the oldest private university in the Netherlands. That it lives up to its value as a private university is reflected in Sem’s experience. After completing the premaster, Nyenrode students choose one of three specialisations: Global Business, Digital Business & Innovation, and Financial Management.
“I do Financial Management. Because of the small class sizes, you have more one-on-one contact with professors,” Sem notes. “What is also very nice is that I always get a quick response when I send an email. I’ve also video-called many times, even for the smallest questions. In addition, you know well in advance what is expected of you, which helps you plan effectively.”
Friendships for life
“I live on campus in Breukelen, so I can always drop by professors easily. Campus life is very nice. You eat, train, and study together. That’s ideal for me,” Sem concludes.
That the Utrecht native chose the MSc in Management at Nyenrode is no coincidence. “It’s a family thing. My parents both studied here and even met each other here. I was never forced to come here, but I always heard great stories. They still have close friendships from that time. The bond I already feel with my fellow students is very special. I really made the best choice.”
This article has been adapted and translated from its original version published by DPG Media for AD.nl. The original article can be found here: Jongensdroom waarmaken: kartcoureur Sem (21) pakt wereldtitel naast masterstudie | Branded | AD.nl