Dubai Kartdrome, a renowned subsidiary of Union Properties, recently welcomed more than 100 promising motorsport drivers as part of the latest round of the Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) series. This highly anticipated event represents a significant milestone in global karting, aiming to provide opportunities, increase female participation, and ensure inclusion in karting competitions worldwide. As the first non-European venue to host the series, Dubai Kartdrome continues to cement its status as a world-class karting destination in the Middle East.
A Global Event: Karting Talent from Around the World
The latest round of COTFA, held at Dubai Kartdrome, marked a major development in the series, attracting 102 karters from 32 different countries. This event, in collaboration with the F1 Academy, was a historic moment, as it was the first time the series was staged outside Europe. The competitors included some of the most promising motorsport talents from around the world, all vying for a place in the prestigious competition.
Among the standout participants were graduates from Dubai Autodrome Karting Academy (DAKA) and junior series champions, including Britain’s Conor Clancy and Lebanon’s Mohammed Mneimneh, who represented the UAE with pride and secured victories in their respective categories. Both drivers demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, further emphasizing the importance of Dubai Kartdrome in nurturing and developing future motorsport stars.
Dubai Autodrome Karting Academy Graduates Shine on the Global Stage
Conor Clancy, a former Dubai O Plate champion and a rising star in the karting world, was ecstatic after clinching victory in the Junior category. The 13-year-old talent reflected on his performance, stating, “The competition was really good, and I am pleased to have driven strongly to win the race here. It was a fantastic experience that will help me. This weekend, I learned how to get better race starts and accelerate at the right times, and this experience is something I am grateful for in my development.”
Similarly, Mohammed Mneimneh showcased his karting prowess by triumphing in the Senior category. Their success underscores the importance of Dubai Kartdrome’s comprehensive training programs, which prepare young drivers to excel on the global stage.
Pioneering Female Talent: Atiqa Mir and Her Journey in Karting
One of the key goals of the Champions of the Future Academy is to increase female participation in motorsport, and Dubai Kartdrome provided an ideal platform for young female talent to shine. Atiqa Mir, a graduate of Dubai Autodrome Karting Academy, made headlines as the first female to win at the prestigious Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy held at the Le Mans Kart International Circuit.
At just nine years old, Atiqa has already become a trailblazer in the world of karting. Competing in the COTFA series, she demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, finishing fifth and fourth in her races. Atiqa spoke of her experience, saying, “It was a really good race, and I am happy to have finished fifth and fourth. It’s a challenging series, but I have learned a lot that will help in my development, such as being more confident.”
Maxim Bobreshov: A Young Star on the Rise
Another young talent who made waves at the COTFA series was Maxim Bobreshov, a 12-year-old who has been karting for six years. Maxim, who has honed his skills at Dubai Kartdrome, was among the winners in the latest round of the series. He expressed his excitement after the event, stating, “It was a fantastic opportunity to race against other promising drivers and even better to get a win. The Dubai Kartdrome has been a great place for me to learn, and to put this into practice in a competition such as this series is very pleasing.”
Maxim’s success further highlights the role of Dubai Kartdrome in fostering young motorsport talent and providing them with the tools to succeed in international competitions.
Expanding the Reach of Karting: A Global Championship
With previous races held in Spain and Italy, the Champions of the Future Academy is rapidly expanding its reach, making karting more accessible to enthusiasts worldwide. The decision to host the fourth round at Dubai Kartdrome marks a significant step in the series’ efforts to grow the sport beyond its traditional European base. The championship will conclude in the UAE, with future rounds scheduled to take place at Al Ain and Al Forsan.
This expansion is not only opening doors for aspiring drivers but also promoting karting to new markets, providing a platform for drivers from around the world to compete in a high-stakes environment. Moreover, the F1 Academy’s support for female drivers in the series has been a crucial factor in promoting gender diversity in motorsport.
Dubai Kartdrome: A Leading Facility in the Middle East
The staging of the COTFA series at Dubai Kartdrome is a testament to its standing as a premier karting facility in the Middle East. The karting track, which is located next to the heart of Dubai, boasts a professionally operated circuit with FIA circuit homologation, making it an ideal venue for international karting events. Over the years, Dubai Kartdrome has consistently played a vital role in developing local talent and contributing to the region’s burgeoning motorsport scene.
Dubai Autodrome Karting Academy (DAKA): A Hub for Future Motorsport Stars
A significant factor in Dubai Kartdrome’s success in nurturing future motorsport talent is its comprehensive Dubai Autodrome Karting Academy (DAKA) program. This 10-week after-school initiative is designed to combine STEM learning, driving, mechanical, and practical sessions, providing students with the essential skills needed to become competitive racing drivers.
James Geidel, president of RGMMC, the organizing body behind COTFA, emphasized the importance of expanding the series outside of Europe, stating, “Expanding outside of Europe was a major target for RGMMC. With everything the UAE can provide as a destination, it was the logical choice. With its amazing location next to the heart of Dubai and a professionally operated circuit, the choice was made. With its new FIA circuit homologation, the venue has proven to have been the correct choice.”
Conclusion
The Champions of the Future Academy event at Dubai Kartdrome has further solidified the venue’s reputation as a world-class karting facility, while also highlighting the immense potential of its young drivers. With a focus on promoting inclusion and nurturing talent, Dubai Kartdrome is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of motorsport in the region.
