AL AIN As the UAE Rotax Max Challenge 2014-15 draws to an end with the final two rounds (Round 11-12) to be held in Al Ain Raceway this weekend, the young drivers will be eager to finish on a high and earn an opportunity to represent the country at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals to be held in Portugal in November.
“It’s a big break for the drivers. I’m sure the boys will push really hard to grab the chance,” said general manager of Al Ain Raceway, Guy Sheffield.
Over 300 drivers from around 50 countries will converge in Portugal for the 16th edition of the world-renowned karting series in November. “The popularity of our series is getting progressively better and we are able to be allocated more seats for this prestigious series.
“Last year we had two drivers for some categories allowed, which is a huge achievement,” he added.
Sheffield also hinted at new additions for next season after this year saw some impressive record-breaking turnouts for the 12-round series. “The planning has begun. We are having the calender meeting end of April. There are more venues showing interest to host the series so we might have additional tracks.
“There are also lots of other plans and preparations. Even discussions to host an international series is part of the plan but with a hectic motoring season it involves lot of logistics. It’s all in the planning stage.” he added.
Hot contest
For this weekend, there will be much to look forward to as an extended format and double-points is up for grabs. The UAE’s National Karting Championship will see all class titles decided and the worthy Champions crowned. The most hotly contested cate-gory is the premier DD2 class where reigning World Champion Sean Babington holds the slenderest of leads over reigning UAE Champion Piers Pakenham-Walsh, with newly-crowned Oman Champion Sanad Al Rawahi also in close contention. Jonathan Mowatt has emerged as the overall frontrunner in the DD2 Masters category (31 years and up) but his lead is still vulnerable with the large number of points available.
Tom Bale has already fulfilled his quest to become UAE MAX Champion. His blistering performances in the middle of the season have seen to it that mathematically he cannot be caught.
Despite having nine wins Taymour Kermanshahchi is still not guaranteed in the Junior Max thanks to the impressive performances of Fraser Rose who holds the second spot.
Sem Knopjes is favourite to take the Mini Max crown, while Ziggy Kermanshahchi holds a fair chance to win the Micro Max category.
