AARKC RACER MOVES UP TO CARS

The UAE is a country with hungry ambition and over the last 3 decades has made exceptional strides in planning and building world class infrastructure. One of the key areas that the UAE is trying to push is sport and to be recognised on the world stage.

Motorsport is a big part of this operation and there are already several high-profile names around Europe that trace their roots back to the Emirates such as the Formula Renault pair of Edward Jones and Shahaan Engineer.

Young Russian racer Nikita Miliakov is the latest to join this exclusive club.

For the last 2 years, Dubai resident Nikita has been racing karts in the UAE’s only national karting championship – the Al Ain Raceway Kart Club (AARKC). After a successful campaign this year Nikita finished as Runner-up in the Senior MAX 125 class and as such has decided that he’s ready to take the next step and will be taking part in the Racing Steps Foundation InterSteps program.

InterSteps is a cost-controlled new racing Formula that has been designed to make the often tricky transition from karts to cars as easy as possible. Running at circuits throughout the United Kingdom there will be a total of 20 races and 6 test sessions. The cars are BMW powered 1200cc single seaters capable of reaching speeds of 225kph!

Formula BMW has been one of the foremost popular junior categories over the last decade and has helped to launch the professional career of several drivers, most notably Sebastian Vettel, the two-time FIA Formula 1 World Champion.

To pay homage to his Motorsport roots Nikita has been running Al Ain Raceway logos over his car throughout the 2012 series. Not only has the livery made the car stand out but it will also serves as a message that the UAE means business.

Nikita hopes his first year will be successful, but is keeping his feet firmly on the ground. When asked about his goals at the start of the year he said “Obviously every time I race, I race to win. But I know that I will be racing against some very good drivers but we are all in the same position. I will certainly be looking to establish myself and aim for the podium.”

By Marty Fullard