10 May 2013
The 2013/14 UAE Rotax MAX Challenge calendar has been announced. With the 2012/13 season having only just finished, planning for the next campaign is well under way. Last week, the Automobile & Touring Club (ATCUAE) hosted a meeting between the different circuits to finalise the dates for next year.
Karting in the UAE continues to flourish and for next season there is to be another addition to the calendar; Oman Kart Track. The newly renovated circuit in the heart of Muscat will become the fifth venue to hold a round of the Rotax MAX Challenge, along with the popular Yas Marina and Al Forsan circuits in Abu Dhabi. The familiar tracks of Al Ain Raceway and Dubai Autodrome again make up the bulk of the season.
The various circuit managers traditionally meet at this time of year to ensure that their facilities do not end up clashing events with one another. Several external factors have to be taken into account including non-karting events such as the Etihad Airways Formula 1 Grand Prix and the prestigious Desert Challenge, among others. The unity between the different circuits is a clear indication of how much Motorsport has developed in the region, with everyone working together to achieve a common goal.
Al Ain Raceway Chairman, His Excellency Khaled Bin Shaiban, spoke positively about the forthcoming season: “Motorsport in the UAE has flourished over the last five years, and karting in particular is going from strength to strength.
“Five years ago there were only 15 drivers racing in only eight races between Al Ain Raceway and Dubai. Now there are over 70 drivers competing over 12 rounds on five different circuits. We would like to welcome the Oman Automobile Association to our series and we are positive that they will host a first class event for us.”
Al Ain Raceway Managing Director, Antonio Kekati, added that “the Rotax MAX Challenge is a dominating presence in global karting, and the idea of a single-make engine in the UAE has allowed the sport to grow in this way.” He went on to praise the standard of driving, saying that the UAE now has drivers who are at “world class” level.
Sulieman Al Rawahi, speaking on behalf of the Oman Automobile Association, believes that the addition of the Oman Kart Track to the calendar will be of huge benefit to both the UAE and Oman. “We are neighbours, the UAE and Oman, and neighbours work together. Motorsport in Oman is very popular and now we are seeing more and more Omani drivers taking up karting. We are all on the same side and we feel very proud to have been included in the calendar for next season. To now have five circuits is a fantastic showcase for both countries.”
The 2013/14 Rotax MAX Challenge season begins on 4th October at Al Ain Raceway and concludes in the garden city on the 12th April.
Martin Fullard
Here is the calendar at a glance:
| Round 1 | FRI | 04 | October 2013 | Al Ain Raceway |
| Round 2 | FRI | 25 | October 2013 | Dubai Kartdrome |
| Round 3 | SAT | 26 | October 2013 | Dubai Kartdrome |
| Round 4 | FRI | 22 | November 2013 | Al Ain Raceway |
| Round 5 | FRI | 13 | December 2013 | Al Ain Raceway |
| Round 6 | SAT | 14 | December 2013 | Al Ain Raceway |
| Round 7 | FRI | 17 | January 2014 | Dubai Kartdrome |
| Round 8 | SAT | 18 | January 2014 | Dubai Kartdrome |
| Round 9 | FRI | 07 | February 2014 | Al Forsan |
| Round 10 | FRI | 28 | February 2014 | Yas Marina Circuit |
| Round 11 | FRI | 21 | March 2014 | Oman |
| Round 12 | FRI & SAT | 11 & 12 | April 2014 | Al Ain Raceway |
For more information on the series please visit out Kart Club page.
Keep your eyes peeled for the all new Series Sporting Regulations which are due to be released by the end of June.
Click here for calendar download.
