Born into the people's race – now they compete against each other

The smell of gasoline hangs heavy over the folkrace track outside Karlshamn as 17-year-old Tilde Lennartsson nervously grips the steering wheel of her grandmother's old Ford. Beside her, her 15-year-old brother Melvin prepares to race his BMW. Minutes later, they will face each other in the final of the Hokarace junior class, a promise to their father to avoid colliding hanging in the air.

Folkrace, often called Sweden's most popular motorsport, began in the 1980s as an affordable entry into racing. For the Lennartsson family from Tomelilla, it's more than a sport; it's a way of life passed down through generations. Their mother, Tina, met their father, Marcus, on a local track, and now Tilde and Melvin continue the family legacy.

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I'm so nervous I just want to throw up.

Evenings are a whirlwind for the young racers. After a training session at the Svampabanan track, where dust flies and colorful cars battle through turns, Tilde swaps her racing gear for football attire to make it to practice. Melvin, who has been around folkrace since he was an infant, balances his racing with a spot on a football academy. Both siblings juggle school, part-time jobs, and multiple evening sports practices, yet find joy in their packed schedules.

"My classmates ask how I manage it all. Sometimes I don't," Tilde admits. "But I wouldn't want it any other way – Monday to Sunday completely without plans." Their dedication showcases a unique blend of family tradition, youthful energy, and a deep-seated passion for the accessible thrill of folkrace.

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My classmates ask how I manage it all. Sometimes I don't. But I wouldn't want it any other way – Monday to Sunday completely without plans.