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SHARM EL SHEIKH SET TO UNLEASH THE FINAL ROUND OF MEKC |
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The third and final round of the Middle East Karting Cup (MEKC) is set to take place at Ghibli Raceway which is located in Sharm El Sheikh from 16 to 19 April 2008. Ghibli Raceway is organizing and hosting the MEKC, a new professional series in motorsport karting, which is considered the stepping stone to Formula One racing.
The MEKC is a new CIK-FIA approved motorsports series, and the first of its kind in the region, with the first two rounds having already taken place successfully at Ghibli Raceway in Sharm El Sheikh and Dubai Autodrome in Dubai respectively during the past 3 months. |
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This race is certified by the International Automotive and Karting Federation (CIK-FIA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism & the Egyptian Tourism Authority, and under the supervision of the Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt (ATCE), the official representative of the CIK-FIA in Egypt.
Around 30 drivers from Arab, African and European countries will be participating in the cup which is co-organized by Protrain Racing, one of the largest companies dedicated to organizing kart racing events and managing karting circuits, headed by Steve Chapman, Ex-chairman of Association of British Kart Clubs (ABKC). Winners of the cup will get the chance to enter the Rotax Max Euro Challenge and the Bridgestone Karting Cup, which has become one of the most prestigious kart race series in Europe, if not worldwide.
The previous rounds witnessed fierce competition between the racers; especially during the second one as it had more quality due to the various based Emirati drivers who have been practicing the sport for years. The ones to watch this time around will definitely be 17 year old Austrian Kevin Reichard from the Seniors as he was outstanding throughout the competition claiming the top spot in both past finals. Being top was no surprise for Kevin who is currently the Austrian champion with vast experience, already finishing 5th in the 2007 World Finals which took place at Al Ain. As for the Juniors, there will be an exciting battle between Jordanian Othman Abu Samra who will lock horns again with Syrian Pierre George for the top spot, with the latter possessing more chances of finishing the Junior champion. Both of them have been karting for a couple of years, and even though the Jordanian is the son of a famous rally champion, and with 2 major sponsors by his side, yet the Syrian holds the best of chances to finish the Champion of the first version of the Middle East Karting Cup.
“This tournament will generate future champions and the awareness that this motorsport needs in the Middle East. Ghibli’s vision is to see a Middle Eastern champion competing on a global level, and this championship is the first step towards realizing this dream,” said Hany Soufrakis, Chairman and Executive Director of Ghibli Raceway.
Karting is the fastest growing motorsport in the Middle East and champions such as Michael Schumacher have used karting as a bridge to racing stardom; two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso, also began his driving career by winning karting competitions as a child.
“The role of ATCE is to coordinate with the concerned bodies to secure and support this championship. The club is well experienced in holding related races across the country, hence assisting Ghibli throughout the championship course.” said Mr. Raouf Deigheidy, ATCE Vice Chairman.
Ghibli Raceway gives it full support towards the development of the sport in Egypt through training courses, the best instructors and equipment, and holding tournaments promoting the game on a year round basis. |
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About Ghibli: |
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Ghibli Raceway is a pioneering provider of international motor sport to the Middle East located in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Ghibli Raceway’s international circuit measuring over 1300 meters and is built to the licensed requirements of the CIK-FIA. It is the first track to have done so in the region and one of a handful in the world built to their highest license requirements. The raceway has hosted the prestigious Rotax Max Challenge World Finals and many of the racing world’s best known names, including Formula One legend Michael Schumacher. The highest priority at Ghibli Raceway is driver safety. Ghibli has an impeccable safety record and firmly observes the UK Motor Sports Association’s (MSA) standards at all times. |
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