AARKC Driver Profile 3

Maurits has been involved in Motorsport for a long time. After injuring his foot in a motorcycle incident he returned to karting in the early 2000’s. An elite front running driver he finished as runner-up in the 2003 Dutch Rotax MAX Master Challenge before going on to win the Dutch national championship in 2005.

In 2007 Maurits began racing in the UAE’s newly found Rotax MAX Challege, which would become more widely known as the AARKC. In that time Maurits was crowned champion a record 5 times. He was crowned the DD2 champion in 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2011/12, and Senior MAX champion in 2009/10 and 2010/11. As a result of Maurits’ outstanding record he has represented the UAE in the annual Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals, a world championship event that pits the best against the best. One of his greatest achievements was a third place finish in the Grand Finals, a race he so very nearly won.

Away from karting, Maurits has participated in both the Golf GTi Cup and Radical cup, scoring multiple wins and cementing him as one of the hottest drivers around. He still maintains that karting is the purest form of motor-racing and the thrill is second to none.

Looking forward to next year Maurits has stated that together with his friend and RacePrep team Manager – Richie McLeod – he aspires to win a record 6th title and most importantly win the DD2 Masters Rotax world title in Portugal. Anyone looking for tips on how they can improve their driving needs look no further than Maurits Knopjes. 

Marty Fullard