al ain gears up to host gulf’s first-ever world karting championship finals
220 drivers from 60 countries will participate in the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals at Al Ain Sportplex from Nov. 26 to Dec. 1
The stage is set for the United Arab Emirates to host the Gulf’s first Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, the biggest annual event on the global karting calendar, at Al Ain Raceway in the Al Ain Sportplex from November 26 to December 1, 2007, under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed.
A total of 220 drivers from 60 countries from six continents will descend on Al Ain for a six-day extravaganza of the adrenalin-pumping motor sport which has been described as the nursery of some of the biggest F1 champions.
The Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, first held in Puerto Rico in 2000, have grown in size over the years. The other venues where it has been held are Malaysia (twice), South Africa, Egypt, Spain and Portugal. This will be the 8th Grand Finals.
“The Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals bring the cream of drivers to compete at a new venue every year,” said Antonio Kekati, General Manager of Pro Motorsports, main organisers of the event. “It is a great honour for the UAE and Al Ain to be chosen to host what has been dubbed the ‘Olympics of karting.’ Residents of the UAE and the Gulf will get to see the world’s greatest karting champions in action.”
“The UAE should really be proud to host this exciting global event, because we already have some champions and promising drivers, including Marwan Al Tayer, who finished 3rd in the world last year,” said Khaled bin Shaiban, Chairman of Pro Motorsports.
“This year, Emirati drivers Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum and Saeed Alshamsi are going to set pulses racing as they compete on home ground for the first time against the world’s best drivers,” added Kekati. “The UAE team will also have Scott Latham, Ronan McElroy, John Mace, Joseph Morritt and Grace Brownlee in their formidable line-up.
The Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals are organised and sponsored by a collaboration of Pro Motorsports, Abu Dhabi, and the Al Ain Sportplex.
“It is a great feeling to bring the pulsating excitement of karting to the desert,” said Kekati. “We anticipate a lot of interest in this sport among the youngsters in the UAE and Gulf. The upgraded Al Ain Raceway is not only proud to host this gigantic event, but also looks forward to nurturing champions in the years to come.”
“The development of Al Ain Raceway this year has been nothing short of miraculous,” commented Guy Sheffield, circuit General Manager. “Over the last few months, it has been transformed into a world-class, state-of-the-art facility. And the good news for Al Ain and the rest of the UAE is that it will soon become a motor sport centre for the general public. From mid-December, the facility will be open for drivers to hone their skills on top-of-the-line Intrepid rental karts. We will also have a kart shop, store and workshop to provide an all-round service to kart owners and enthusiasts alike.”
The Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals mark the culmination of national level and zonal championships. The Rotax Max Challenge is approved by and run in compliance with the Commission de Internationale de Karting (CIK), a specialised karting commission of FIA (Federation Internationale de L’automobile), the governing body of world motor sports. Karting is only one of the four motor sport disciplines that enjoy a FIA championship.
All drivers in the Rotax Max Challenge use similar types of karts from some of the best European manufacturers – Intrepid and CRG – all powered by Rotax engines. There will be three categories for the Grand Finals in Al Ain: Juniors, Seniors and DD2 (a shifter class with 2 speed transmission for seniors).
Globally, karting is regarded as the purest form of motor sport and mother of F1 racing. Some of the greatest F1 drivers began their career on karting circuits. Michael Schumacher is a former European Champion and Vice World Champion of karting. Jarno Trulli was European and World Karting Champion. Jenson Button was Multiple European champion. And Fernando Alonso was Vice European Champion.
