Can Artam
A Turkish racing pioneer who climbed from karting champion to the intense proving ground of the GP2 series.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Turkish racecar driver·Birthday: June 30·Millennials
Biography
Can Artam’s path in motorsport was almost preordained, born into a family where the smell of gasoline was familiar. His father was a racer and rally driver, setting the stage for Artam’s own ascent. He cut his teeth in the competitive US open-wheel ladder, showcasing his talent by winning the 2001 Barber Formula Dodge championship, a series known for developing future stars. This success provided the springboard to Europe and the fiercely competitive GP2 Series, the final major step before Formula One. Driving for iSport International in 2005, Artam entered a grid packed with future F1 drivers, facing the immense challenge of adapting to new circuits and a brutally high level of competition. While his GP2 stint was brief, it represented the pinnacle of a dedicated career, marking Turkey’s presence on the international single-seater stage and embodying the tough journey of a professional driver striving to reach the absolute top.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Can was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Can Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Can's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2001 US Barber Formula Dodge championship, a key junior open-wheel racing series.
- Competed in the 2005 GP2 Series, the primary feeder championship for Formula One at the time.
- Represented Turkey in international single-seater racing, contributing to the country's motorsport profile.
- Began his career as a national karting champion in Turkey, following his family's racing tradition.
Did You Know?
He comes from a full racing family; his father, Ratan Artam, was a well-known Turkish racer and rally driver.
After his active driving career, he moved into driver management and motorsport business development.
Artam studied Mechanical Engineering at Istanbul Technical University.
He participated in the prestigious Masters of Formula 3 event at Zandvoort in 2004.
“My father taught me that racing is about precision, not just speed.”
