The UAE’s National Karting Championship stops off in Al Ain on Friday to see the best young racers in the country go head-to-head.
The championship is now coming towards its sharp end with eight rounds of the 12 round-series already held.
The next round is at the Al Ain Raceway in the Garden City, with vital points at stake at the top of the championship. The main contenders have already been out in force at the UAE’s leading karting circuit carrying out pre-race testing which may prove vital as part of their efforts to claim the coveted 2013-14 class titles.
The UAE Rotax MAX Challenge race organisers have worked along with the circuit management team to prepare a brand new and approved layout for this event, incorporating a flowing final corner which leads into what is now the longest straight on the calendar.
Unsurprisingly, this has proved popular with drivers across all the classes and age ranges. Ziggy Kermanshahchi, competing in the youngest Micro MAX category, said: “This track layout is excellent. I hope it stays like this forever.”
The nine-year-old, like so many his age, loves his speed, answering why he likes the track with the simple “because it’s fast.”
Ziggy has some brotherly rivalry within the race. Older brother and Junior MAX racer, Taymour, unusually agreed with his sibling and offered some additional insights.
“The combination of corners in the tight middle sector is tricky but it’s a nice challenge for the drivers. Then with the final corner now opening out onto a huge straight it’s great fun and is bound to offer up better overtaking opportunities.”
The UAE Rotax MAX Challenge is a one-make engine series catering for kart race licence holders from eight years and above in five competitive classes from 6hp Micro MAX up to the premier 32hp DD2 class for senior drivers with a two-speed paddle-shift and a top speed approaching 140kph.
The practices are likely to begin at around 11am before the race begins at approximately 14:00 in the afternoon.
The race administration and technical checking takes place on Friday morning while the racing takes place in the afternoon and is access is free for spectators.
VENUE: Al Ain Raceway.
WHAT: UAE Rotax MaX Challenge, ninth round.
WHEN: Friday. Practice from 11 a.m. race starts at 2 p.m.
Sport360 VERDICT: The battle hots up as the 12-round championship heads to a finish. an ideal day out for adrenalin-junkies.
CONTACT: 03-768-6662 or visit www.alainraceway.com
