rotax max challenge grand finals get underway at al ain raceway
State of the art circuit set to witness breath-taking action from 216 drivers
Al Ain Raceway rolled out the red carpet for 216 drivers from 60 countries, as the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals got underway today at Al Ain Sportplex, under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed.
The spectacular six-day event got off to a colourful start with a raffling of karts to the 216 drivers: 72 in each class (Junior, senior and DD2). In true spirit of Rotax Max Challenge, all karts in each class are exactly the same, ensuring fair play and equal opportunity to all.
The karts were lined up at the finish line of the state of the art circuit. A Rotax representative picked a number from the raffle box, while a representative from Pro Motorsports read it out to the assembled drivers.
A 20-strong team from Rotax Max Challenge was at the venue to supervise the raffling of the karts and checking the vehicles and ensuring highest safety standards, as the drivers got set to compete in three classes (Junior, Senior and DD2).
“It is a historic moment for Al Ain Raceway to play host to such a galaxy of karting champions,” said circuit manager Guy Sheffield. “A whole year’s work has gone into shaping the circuit to international standards, and it has been homologated by CIK-FIA. We have added extra sections and curves, besides putting additional safety barriers. It is now a fast, safe and exciting circuit.”
“As this is the first time such major international karting event is being held in the Gulf, excitement is running high among the residents as well as visitors from the GCC,” said Khaled bin Shaiban, Chairman of Pro Motorsports. “We expect karting to get a big boost with the hosting of this event, as they are a large number of motor sports enthusiasts in the UAE and the region. Al Ain Raceway will be thrown open to the public from December-end, thus providing a world-class venue for nurturing future champions.”
Mohammed Darmaki, General Manager, Al Ain Sportplex said, “For the six days, Al Ain Sportlex will see pulsating karting action. Practice sessions will be held at the circuit over the next two days, followed by qualifying heats from Thursday. The pre-finals and finals will take place on December 1, bringing the spectacular event to a close.”
Competing against national champions from all over the world will be Emirati drivers Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum and Saeed Alshamsi. The UAE team will also have Scott Latham, Ronan McElroy, John Mace, Joseph Morritt and Grace Brownlee in their formidable line-up.
The RMC Grand Finals 2007 is organised and sponsored by a collaboration of Pro Motorsports, Abu Dhabi, and the Al Ain Sportplex, in conjunction with Emirates Motor Company.
