Irish Karters at The Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals in Dubai

This year Dubai will host its largest event ever as the 12th Annual World Rotax Max Challenge Grand Final. It has attracted 264 participants from 60 countries to battle for World Titles. Drivers qualify for the Grand Finals via the National Rotax Max Challenge in their home country (in Irelands case this was run during the Motorsport Ireland National Karting Championship) with over 3,500 competitors taking part worldwide. The Irish Karting Champions Richie Faulkner, winner of the Motorsport Ireland Rotax Max Championship and Darragh Cormack winner of the Motorsport Ireland Rotax Minimax Championship will represent Ireland in the Rotax Max and Rotax Junior Max respectively. Robert O'Keeffe will represent Ireland in the Rotax DD2 class 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 champions “Al Ain Raceway was selected to host the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals for the second time (previously in 2007) based on the venue suitability, high standards and facilities, as well as its proven professionalism and organisation,” said Al Ain Raceway Managing Director Antonio Kekati at a press conference held at Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday.

The first few days will be taken up with registration, practice and pre-qualifying rounds. Entry is free of charge to spectators and the main racing days will be on November 25 and 26. Watch it live online. See links below.

There are four racing categories: Rotax Junior Max (20.4hp) for competitors aged between 13-16; Rotax Max (28.5hp)) 15 years and older; Rotax DD2 (32.6hp with two- speed gearbox) 15 years and older; Rotax DD2 Masters (32.6hp with two-speed gearbox) 32 years and older.

Al Ain Raceway previously hosted the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, shortly after it opened in 2007. The circuit is a world class facility, with a Level B homologation – the highest in the region. “This year’s Grand Finals are being held under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. We are also supported by our sponsors Yas Marina Circuit, STRATA and Tawazun. Together we share a passion to raise the profile of this great sport,” stated Al Ain Raceway Chairman Khaled bin Shaiban Al Mehairi.

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.

“Ask any Formula One driver how he started his career and 99 per cent of them will tell you it all began with karting. Karting is the purest form of racing. The experience that one gains from racing karts is invaluable, not only control of the vehicle but also race craft and sportsmanship. These are the attributes that mould young drivers into the international superstars we see today.

“With the exception of Vitaly Petrov, all current and many former Formula One drivers grew up racing karts including Michael Schumacher 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. Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel all raced karts at international level

Former karter Waterford’s Craig Breen won the World Rally Championship Academy title after a dramatic last day at Rally Great Britain. Craig knew he had to win 13 stages out of 17 in the Academy finale (which became 14 when Egon Kaur won one) and gave it absolutely everything he could. To actually achieve this is simply staggering. A new star has been born.

The importance of karting as the grassroots of motorsports was also underlined by 14- time Middle East Rally champion Mohammed bin Sulayem and CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management (ADMM), Richard Cregan, during the press conference.

“This event is one of most important events probably happening in UAE in terms of motorsport. Because it is karting, sometimes we tend to underestimate the effect. That’s where we will build grassroots motorsports. Karting develops drivers for all different disciplines whether it is circuit racing or rallying. That’s why it is such a significant event for UAE,” said Cregan.

Bin Sulayem also warned the sport in the UAE was not in a healthy state. “We need new blood. When we looked for UAE motorsport stars, we were very lucky to get seven. That is not healthy. We have to generate young drivers,” he said admitting that karting has been neglected.

“It is so important but it has been underestimated. Now we have circuits more that any country in the Middle East. Promoting karting is the right way to go,” he added. “We all have a duty in terms of motorsport to get young people involved. There is an element of safety. We want to get speed off the roads to a controlled and safe environment in all circuits in whatever forms of motorsport. By bringing children along of all ages particularly at Yas Marina to participate in the small karting facility we have, it is an introduction into speed in a safe environment,” said Cregan.

See this link Richard Cregan CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsport management gives this another Irish dimension as the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit is the major sponsor. http://www.dubaiautodrome.com/tracktalk/2011/10/al-ain-raceway-for-rotax-max-grand- finals/ http://www.emirates247.com/sports/other/uae-to-host-mega-karting-event-in-al-ain- 2011-10-31-1.426063 http://www.alainraceway.com/grand/rotax-challenge.php http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/lifestyle-comment/pole-position- worlds-best-kart-drivers-head-to-al-ain