07 October 2021
Preview: 2021/2022 UAE Rotax MAX Challenge season opener at Al Ain Raceway
(6 October 2021, Al Ain UAE) The cream of the United Arab Emirates kart drivers descend on Al Ain Raceway this weekend for the opening round of the 2021/2022 UAE Rotax MAX Challenge (RMC), the premier grassroots motor racing series in the region.
The 16th edition of the series promises to be one of the best in recent memory as organisers are predicting bigger fields than in recent years, suggesting a return to normality amid the COVID-19 global pandemic. Challenges remain but signs are very encouraging in terms of venues and driver entries.
Speaking ahead of the new season UAE RMC Championship Director, Guy Sheffield said: "With the calendar, we've actually got nine rounds this year at the top circuits in the UAE, one more round than last year.
"Unfortunately, we weren't able to include Oman because, when the calendar was released, there were still stringent travel restrictions regarding international travel. That's a little bit of a disappointment but we will be heavily involved with the MENA Karting Championship 2021 which is taking place in Oman next month.
"While part of the 2021/2022 RMC calendar remains fluid in terms of venues, the very popular Yas Marina Circuit is confirmed for the first weekend in February as well as a January round at Dubai Kartdrome just before the Dubai O-Plate which will be exclusively for Rotax-powered classes this time around."
Also on the upside is the strength of entries according to Sheffield: "The numbers are really good for round one, easily the best in six years. Last year it was really tough to run any sort of series with the necessary measures in place to contain the pandemic.
"Despite that, as a community we came together – organisers, teams and drivers – just obviously desperate to race. We had many challenges and restrictions so compromises were made but the fact that we completed the Championship last season was a success in itself, and it's got everyone really hyped up for the new season.
"Everyone's worked really hard to get themselves prepared for the championship," added Sheffield.
The entry lists for the season opener this weekend are impressive with 21 drivers entered for Junior Max with reigning champion Federico Rifai the driver to beat. He faces a stern challenge from last year's third-placed driver Matteo Quintarelli. Others to watch include the likes of Alisia Khneisser, Bertie Gibbons, Danny Shields, Max Dexter, Sofia Necchi, Harry Hannam and Filippo Parmeggiani as well as reigning Mini MAX Champion Georges Nassar.
The MAX class has all the makings of a classic season with a host of drivers contenders for the title won last season by Kamal Agha.
This year it is anyone's guess for top honours with 2020/2021 Junior runner-up Zack Scoular, Jack Carless and Lewis England moving up to take on the likes of Theo Kekati and sure to be at the sharp end of a field with several unknown quantities open to tearing up the form book.
In the DD2 class Khaled Saab, runner-up last year by a whisker, will be looking to take the title this time around but also faces a tough challenge from former champion Kyle Kumaran as well as Nadim Khneisser and Kayne Cherian. They will also have to contend with reigning DD2 MENA Karting Champion, Matthias Njeim, who makes the trip from Lebanon for the season opener.
In the DD2 Masters class, Tony Hogg will defend his title and be the man to beat. His main rivals are likely to be Mohamed Matar, Gianluca Elmosi and Marwan Nadim. Expect the veterans to be battling up there with the young guns in the premier shifter class.
Ten drivers are registered for Mini Max, eight for Micro Max and six for the Bambino class with a pecking order of drivers set to emerge after the first track sessions of the weekend.
Behind the scenes, the UAE RMC is only possible due to teamwork and support from Al Ain Raceway’s partners. which Sheffield pointed out: "As always, the biggest thanks needs to go to Abu Dhabi Sports Council whose continuous support is a firm foundation for this important grassroots motorsport series.
"Over the years RMC has been the stepping stone for many UAE formed kart drivers who have gone on to establish themselves in other motor racing categories, on what is the acknowledged ladder to Formula 1.
"Karting has been the essential racing school for just about every F1 champion since the seventies. Today every driver on the grid had their early formative years in karting, from young sensation Lando Norris to seven-times F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton" explained Sheffield.
Track action at Al Ain Raceway begins with official testing for all RMC classes on Friday, with the Bambino time-trials also happening on the day.
On Saturday, qualifying begins at 10 am, followed by the first of five Heat races for each class at 10.55, the first Pre-Final at 12.45 and the first Final at 14.25.
Useful RMC, Round 1 Links:
Timetable http://www.alainraceway.com/uaermc/uploads/banners/210929SCHEDULE.pdf
Information about the UAE Rotax MAX Challenge
Live Timing: http://www.alainraceway.com/uaermc/live-timing
Website: http://www.alainraceway.com/uaermc/
Location: https://g.page/AlAinRaceway?share
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialuaermcpage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uae_rotax_max_challenge/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlAinRaceway
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/alainraceway
Information about Al Ain Raceway
Website: http://www.alainraceway.com/
