UAE Rotax MAX Challenge R12 & 13 RACE REPORT

No one who is younger than 85 can call themselves old, certainly no one who is 28 can call a cry of ageing. As I career through my late twenties, and as I sit here picking bits of whipped cream out of my ears, I can’t help but think back to my first day of secondary school in 1996. Five years, said our new Head Master, would pass like a flash. I disagree. Those long, boring afternoons in the chemistry lab trying to blow my friends up, playing rugby in -50 Celsius weather on grass that felt like concrete, double maths on a wet Tuesday afternoon, no, school dragged and when I left in 2001 I think I may have been 60.

These days, however, time seems to have sped up and I have noticed that the hour hand on my watch seems to move at the same rate as the second hand. How, in the name of all that is holy, have we just completed another season of the UAE Rotax MAX Challenge? Correct me if I’m wrong, but did we not get things underway in Dubai only last week? How have 13 races come and gone so quickly?

I have been honoured to have been the Clerk of the Course for the last six seasons, so I believe that I am well placed to say that the 2012/13 season was perhaps the finest we have ever seen. The grids have increased in numbers yet again, there are plenty of new faces in the paddock and this year there were two new classes; Micro MAX and Bambino. The driving standards have improved, too. Yes there will always be bumps and scrapes and anyone who thinks that incidents and accidents can be stamped out completely is naïve.

There are certain drivers who, even as recently as last season, would have been in a barrier wall or involved in some unsavoury incidents had they not matured like they did. I commented several times this year to Mike that “we’d better keep an eye on these two; there’s a history there and they’ll be off in the sand together soon…” only to be proven 100% wrong.

More and more people seemed to familiarise themselves with the series doctrine, and that meant fewer needless questions being asked. Pleasantly, fewer and fewer people came up to me shouting and asking for impossible action to be taken; that leads me to believe that either they are now able to see things from the officials perspective, or that they couldn’t be bothered to waste their breath talking to me. Whatever, it was nice.

Yes, those of us who work at Al Ain Raceway do work hard behind the scenes to make the series run as smoothly as possible, and those who have been here for a few years will have doubtlessly seen the improvements. But we did the ground work, people won’t come to race in a series if the competition is no good, and that is where you lot come in. To add to the colour of Intrepid we now have Formula K, Birel, Energy Kart, DR, a few TonyKarts; the paddock is awash with colourful awnings and knowledgeable individuals who have really upped the stock of the entire series. Mix this with a ten-fold improvement of driving standards and the UAE’s only national karting series can hold its head high.

And now let us recant the racing for the last time this season. And where better to start than the Mini MAX class? We begin with Friday and, err… Let me think. Aha, Tehmur Chohan took a fine win, which according to the race results sheet in front of me was a full lap ahead of second placed Alain Bauwmans. I don’t recall the gap being quite so big, but there we are. Ivan Berets was third ahead of Yahya Houston, Amir Dargahi and Alyzee Pelegry. Sacho Kekati wasn’t classified as a finisher after an accident that saw the race red-flagged.

Thankfully, I remember round 13’s action far more vividly. Tehmur led from the start after demoting Alain to second place. Alain, however, refused to give in and chased Tehmur closely. All Tehmur had to do was finish the race, although the championship was effectively a foregone conclusion in his favour. Still, Alain wanted to go out on a high so charged hard. But it was to be a cruel end as on the exit of turn two he suffered a wheel rim failure and was sent pirouetting off into the sand. It was unfortunate but he was still smiling. Ivan Berets didn’t fair much better after an ill-calculated move into the infamous penultimate corner saw him launch into the air and land in the barrier wall. Out of the race but not out of smiles, either. With his nearest challengers out, Tehmur put the power down to cross the line victorious and take his second consecutive Mini MAX title.

Elsewhere, Yahya Houston was enjoying one of his strongest races of the year. Dicing with the leading pack early on, he benefitted when his rivals fell. Untroubled thereafter, he kept a steady gap to the race leader and crossed the line in a well-deserved second place. Moving into third position as a result of all the commotion was Amir Dargahi. After only joining the Mini MAX group half way through the year his podium was a reward for his recent improvements. Sachio Kekati received plaudits for getting back behind the wheel after his Friday accident. Undeterred, he fought hard with Amir in an attempt to pinch the final podium spot but a strong fourth place was equally well-deserved. Alyzee Pelegry completed the running order with a strong fifth. Both Alain and Ivan weren’t classified. But to the spoils go the victor; Tehmur Chohan has come a long way and, in the opinion of all, is a worthy two-time champion. He made Mum and Dad very proud indeed.

Now we rewind back to the start again and discuss the goings-on in the Micro MAX class. There were a few sceptics at the start of the year about whether there was much need for the Micro class, but whoever they were soon stopped talking very early on. A class in its first year that attracted between five and seven entries per race is a class that is going in the right direction. On Friday, Ziggy Kermanshahchi led Theo Kekati home after title rivals Sem Knopjes and Yusuf Moola tangled. Champion-elect Sem ended up crossing the line third ahead of his rival. Ziyad Houston seemed to struggle for pace at times over the weekend, but that didn’t stop him keeping his head down to score some points. Being Clerk of the Course, I am more impressed when I see drivers thinking about what’s going on around them rather than watching people winning races. Watching Ziyad move out of the leaders’ way and demonstrating exceptional sporting consideration was tremendously satisfying.

But to Saturday, and what a race it was. Ziggy was out to make it a perfect weekend, and true to form he did just that. Yusuf and Sem both followed in line, but Ziggy was untouchable at the front. Although there weren’t many changes of position – and that always makes my paragraphs shorter – the maturity of Ziggys’ drive was something to behold, crossing the line 1.5 seconds clear of Yusuf. However, just needing to finish the race, Sem crossed the line in third to rapturous applause from the masses, he will forever be the first ever Micro MAX champion in the UAE RMC. Theo came home in fourth place with Ziyad completing the running order in fifth. A successful year in this class, and together with the Mini MAX boys and girls, can I just say thank you for eventually getting on top of those starts!

As tradition dictates, we now turn our attention to the Junior MAX class; without doubt the most hassle-free of the lot. Thinking back to what happened on Friday to commence; Pasqual Pook won by 3.973 seconds. Guilio Peroni was second and Sebastian Seeling was third. Stephanie Le Vesconte was fourth and Tejas Hirani fifth. Antoine Pelegry was sixth and Fraser Rose was seventh. Taymour Kermanshahchi was a non-finisher because, obviously, something went wrong.

Now, Saturdays’ action, and this is far more fresh in my mind. Pasqual Pook went into Saturday already champion, but his praise and adulation will follow soon. To spice things up he started from the back of the grid but found himself battling hard with Taymour for the lead as early as lap one. He eventually found a way through and powered to the finish line with a gap of four seconds under his belt. Sebastian, certainly the UAE RMC’s most improved driver this year, fancied a pop as well. He chased Taymour hard to the line but couldn’t find a permanent way by. Taymour was a hard-earned second and Sebastian picked up his second third place trophy in as many days. Guilio was pinned to the back of the action all the while but sat in wait. No collision came and his fourth position sealed him the runner-up position in the championship. Tejas drove a lonesome race to fifth and Stephanie, despite her best time being only two tenths shy of Pasqual seemed to struggle for outright pace, still sixth position was a fair result. Antoine crossed the line seventh ahead young Fraser, who is still new to the series and will doubtlessly be training hard over the summer.

So, Pasqual takes his first Junior MAX championship. Although the points table may imply that he walked it, he will know that he had to work very hard. His early season dominance was hindered by a series of unfortunate failures and collisions during the mid-season. But that is part of the game and the boy done good to take the crown.

Oh, joy. Now we come to the 125 MAX and Masters collective, but where to start? Well, I think we start with a bit of good old fashioned honesty: I can’t remember a thing about Friday. Now, according to this piece of paper in front of me, I can safely confirm that Abdullah Al Rawahi won a butt-cheek clenching final by beating Philippe Valenza by three gentleman’s tenths. It would also suggest that Duncan Foster finished third, which for him was also the win in the Masters. Ameer Hassan was a rogue fourth and here I go again, simply typing out the order in discourse. The results can be found over there…no, up…where it says “Kart club.” Yes. There.

Of course, those that know me will know all too well that I am exceptionally fond of hyperbole. But when I say that the 125 MAX final was intensely nerve-wracking and nail-bitingly close, I would understand fully if you didn’t believe me. But really, that is a masterpiece of understatement. Going into the meeting, only some-teen amount of points were between Philippe, who was leading the series, and Abdullah in second. The grid was set; Philipp on pole, Ameer joining him on the front row, Abdullah in third (right behind Philippe)…the stage was set.

At the off, Abdullah tucked in behind Philippe and kept Ameer firmly on the outside of turn 1, pinching second. Ameer fought back immediately and by lap two had retaken that second place. The top three then broke away from the chasing pack. Lap after lap on the run down to turn one the three karts ran side-by-side, but seldom could a move be made to stick. Philippe held his nerve as Abdullah started to pile the pressure on Ameer, and soon enough he found a way by. Back into second place the young Omani had a crack again but Ameer simultaneously decided to turn up the wick. Abdullah was forced to go on the defensive and this allowed Philippe to pull out a marginal gap. It remained status quo and Philippe crossed the line after 24 laps punching the air in exultation, he had won the 125 MAX championship in dramatic fashion. Abdullah narrowly held off Ameer, who as it turns out, was to later become a marked man…

Walid Al Qassemi, running in fourth, took charge of the Masters order with a commanding drive. Although Duncan had done enough to all-but seal the Masters crown – bar any ‘orrible accidents – that didn’t stop Walid going out in style; which he seems to do every year, although this year he kept both his hands on the steering wheel. Jules Odulate was classified third in the Masters despite not making the end of the race.

I confess I was so captivated watching the front three dice that I can’t recant everything else that happened. Notable incidents: Abdullah Al Ali went off at the infamous penultimate corner and was eaten by foam barriers. Arnaud Bouf broke down and left his kart behind the barriers, only for Kevin Day to run wide accidentally and pile into it, after tearing through the barriers. And Tony Hogg hit the back of Jules after the latter slowed for a blue flag to allow the leaders through. But again, congratulations to both Philippe and Duncan for both taking their first UAE RMC championship titles, both in fantastic style.

And then we come to the DD2 class; Oliver George vs Sanad Al Rawahi. Unlike the other classes, I do actually remember what happened on Friday, and it was a darn good race. Oliver George went head-to-head with Arnaud Bouf in what was a thriller. Sanad Al Rawahi was in desperate need of a large points haul if he was to stand a chance of taking the title, but his efforts came to nil when four laps from home while dicing for the lead, his engine blew itself to pieces. This left Oli to attack Arnaud but the wily Frenchman held onto to record a fantastic win, with Oli alongside over the line. Edward Stanley had his best race to date by coming home a tremendous third after holding off an aggressive charge from Patrick Jarjour.

Saturday belonged to Oli; with the title all but sealed all he had to do was get to the finish to take an emphatic win. Both he and Sanad lined up in the top four. But pole position, surprisingly, was occupied by Hussain Umid Ali. At the off it was anybodies game as Hussain maintained the lead. Oli, not wanting nor needing to take any un-necessary risks, comfortably slotted in behind. The top order chopped and changed positions before things eventually stabilised. As Oli moved to hold off both Sanad and Arnaud, Hussain was able to pull out a comfortable margin. He looked totally at ease with the kart until drama: he started to slow. Slipping down the order he pulled over with a box full of broken gears. It was a cruel blow and a sorry end to great display. Back on track however, it was tense to the end but Oli held on, beating Sanad by half a second with Arnaud only two tenths further back. A worthy champion and popular face in the paddock, Oliver George proved to be a much admired DD2 champion.

Meanwhile, in DD2 Masters land, Arnaud was…as I just said. He has dominated the Masters class this year but let that not disparage the efforts of his competitors. To begin with, the DD2 Masters actually make up more of the DD2 numbers; maybe it’s only the older boys who can afford such things… Patrick very nearly took the final podium position but Arnaud held him off. (Sorry, I have just remembered that on Friday, Patrick made a hash of the start-finish straight and crossed the line backwards, it was entertaining/dangerous. Sorry, had to get that in there). Jonathan Mowatt was a title contender for the early part of the season, but some sprinklings of misfortune at mid-season put him out of the running. But, third place overall in the series is still a great achievement. He finished fifth in the final race of the year, ahead of Edward, Paul Morris, Tony Hogg and Bruno de Champris. Abdul Samad took no part in the final as his engine was scraped off the floor and put into a bag.

Bambino: what a wonderful class. Open engines and a nice, laid back feel about it. The drivers, as I have said all year, are the most grown up group in the paddock. Once they have given their instructions to Mum and Dad they are free to roam the paddock and broker deals with fellow drivers. This year, most, if not all of the drivers have stood on the podium at some point. As far as the title was concerned, it was a case of Georgie Zouein versus Gaia Eichenberger, they were parted by only two points starting the weekend, and then parted by only one at the end. On the Friday, however, Gaias’ front end fell apart and that meant that she could not accrue enough points to overhaul Georgie. And so, to rumbling applause, Georgie became the first ever Bambino champion.

Of course all the drivers have done exceptionally well this year; Ethan Walsh for example was third overall in the series. Jamie Day has been very quick at times and so too has Saqir Al Qassemi. Hamish Foster has been getting faster and faster as the season has progressed. Kris Knopjes, the youngest of them all, has made massive strides in performance. Remember, the Bambino class is for the kids to learn vehicle control and to give them an insight into what real racing is all about, without the added pressure of extreme competition. So long as each and every young driver is smiling while they do it then nothing else matters. A massive well done to Georgie, Gaia, Ethan, Jamie, Saqir, Hamish and Kris.

The Honda Challenge and I share a love-hate relationship. Those whom regularly compete will know all to well that things usually start off well in practice, but generally deteriorate by the final. No matter, this time a clearly irritated Clerk, who shall rename nameless, laid down the law and result was pleasing. No maladies to report. Yes, you read that correctly, they all drove like good boys.

The title race in Honda was very close, and series leader Sam Zian led Piers Pakenham-Walsh by 20-or-so points. There wasn’t much in it. At the off, the pair of challengers soon overcame front running hot-shot Chris Coles and quickly broke away from the main pack. The pair raced nose to tail with Piers occasionally ducking out to make a pass. Piers led briefly on a few occasions but Sam had the measure of him and promptly took it back. It was a nail-biting finale and certainly was a candidate for “race of the day”, as hosted by Gary Lineker. Chris Coles, showing off his new-found skills, was the quickest earlier on, but a brief excursion off the road dropped him behind Hussain and Moeen Al Sarraj. He got by Moeen but Hussain proved a “tall” order and came home fourth. Andrew Fullard, no, wait, Martin Fuller… either way, made a cameo appearance and did a fine job to finish seventh behind Atef Al Barwani.

Piers was the first to congratulate the new Honda Challenge champion on his achievement, and that in itself gave me hope for the Honda class yet. Sam, a real sportsman, dedicated his title to his close friend Ayman, well-known in karting circles, who sadly passed away last week.

Then, after all the inconvenience of racing and spending and so on, did we come to the extra curricular activities. In Fridays’ family fun race, Karen Odulate took the men to school by overcoming the odds to score an ardent win. Holding off the likes of Jason Le Vesconte, Robert Gibbons and early leader Alf Seeling, she proved a popular winner and has vowed to share her secrets with someone called Jules at a later date. Abdullah Pook was disqualified for driving like a…

Of course then there was the one lap challenge, and this year there was no point trying to disguise it. The selected entries were to be Paul Morris, Tony Hogg, Dan Price and, apparently picked at random, me. Before the conspiracy theorists overrun the forums with cries of foul play, I will go on record and say that I only completed four laps before Saturday s’ finale, but I have been driving reverse-handlers on and off since I was 16. In all honesty, I was fully lit and annihilated the opposition. Such poise, elegance, grace and steely determination, I really did impress myself… The highlight however was Dan Price pushing a foam barrier down the straight, unable to break free. He also couldn’t get back to the pit lane, which was very funny. Tony Hogg also got stuck in, eventually. After taking about five minutes to get out of the sand on the inside of the first corner, he…didn’t much improve, but again, very funny. Paul Morris stayed relatively out of trouble but spun on, I think, every single lap. And so Fullard was victorious.

Ah, yes, the mystery team challenge. Two teams pitted against each other in a game of wits and chance to the backdrop of the most annoying music in the world. To the winners went the spoils, to the losers went the custard pies; actually, you know what, let me go on record and say that I don’t mind customers at all and my favourite drink is Guinness, not that shandy lemon nonsense. What great sports you were Patrick, Jules, Arnaud and Hussain. And well done to the brains of the teams; Jamie, Ivan, Ziyad and Theo, Abdullah and Sem.

And so here we are, after 13 rounds, 4032 laps and 35,682 words we have concluded another season. And I return to my earlier sentiments about the ravages of time: can you believe that in four months you will all have to start it all over again? This year has been a vintage one, it’s not been without its troubles but that is all part and parcel of the package. The grids have increased, the racing has improved, the drivers have matured and the officials have been consistent. Sometimes Guy and Tony don’t get the gratitude they deserve, but they have worked tirelessly from taking the UAE Rotax MAX Challenge from a loose collective of enthusiasts to an upcoming, professional, national series, and really, they deserve a round of applause and more. I would have called for one at the presentation but I was chasing Ameer Hassan with a stick while covered in custard.

We owe a huge thank you to HE Khaled Bin Shaiban, since without him there wouldn’t be a series in the first place. HE Mohammed Ben Sulayam and Matthew Norman of the ATC UAE have supported the series from day one and have promoted motorsport at this grassroots level. Our series steward, Mike Wilkes, and chief scrutineer, Lazar Jotev, both give up their time to officiate the series and then we have all the Marshals, too. We need to thank Yas Marina Circuit, Dubai Autdrome and Al Forsan for providing the series with alternative venues. Those who have been around long enough, I urge you to think back to 2008.

Of course, the demeanour in the paddock has been sensational this year. Look at Andrew Fuller and Piers Pakenham-Walsh helping mechanic for friends for example. There is a great photo on Facebook of several people assisting Aslam Moola repair his sons kart and that, I think, says it all.

Congratulations go to not just to our new champions, but to everyone who took part this year. Karting, as a sport, has won today.

My parting words for this season are brief, but fitting; Ameer Hassan, you’re going down…

Martin Fullard

Champions and winners