UAE Rotax MAX Challenge Round 12 & 13 Preview

The longest season in UAE karting history comes to a conclusion this weekend with rounds 12 and 13 of the UAE Rotax MAX Challenge taking place at Al Ain Raceway. Unlike in previous years, all the categories are still open and there are a number of drivers who can mathematically take the crown. The close proximity of drivers in the standings is none so obvious than in the 125 MAX class. Philippe Valenza currently leads the class on 903 points from Abdullah Al Rawahi on 868. Alexandre Silanine is not far behind on 829 points and still in with a mathematical chance is Piers Pakenham-Walsh on 713. The drivers – along with Ameer Hassan – have been inseparable all year and the climax to the campaign is expected to be dramatic.

In the DD2 class there is a two-horse race; Oliver George leads the way from Sanad Al Rawahi. Although George sits on the top of the pile with 1041 points to Al Rawahis 872, the latter has raced a round less and all drivers must drop their two worst scores. Expect a thrilling finale.

Pasqual Pooks’ early season dominance seems like a distant memory as the young racer has spent the second half of the year fending off mechanical defects and on-track scrapes. Through it all, however, he still leads the championship on 1024 points, but Guilio Peroni is only 85 points adrift. So long as Pook can make it to the finish line he will have done enough to take the Junior MAX title.

Tehmur Chohan is careering towards his second consecutive Mini MAX title having amassed seven wins this year. His nearest rival, Alain Bauwmans, has however never been far away. Scoring three wins himself he sits only 52 points behind Chohan. It will require a conservative effort from Chohan as all he needs to do is finish both days to take the championship.

In the Micro MAX class, Sem Knopjes is fully expected to do enough to take the championship title. Yusuf Moola currently sits 171 points behind and will have to hope for Knopjes to suffer huge setback if he is to have a shot at pinching the crown. Georgie Zouein is still leading the Bambino class from Gaia Eichenberger and Ethan Walsh. With Jamie Day fourth on 232 points to Zoueins’ 243, only 9 points cover the top four. They will all need to be on their best behaviour.

The Honda Challenge will only run on Saturday with Sam Zian and Piers Pakenham-Walsh going head-to-head for the title. Only 19 points are between them and on a circuit where overtaking opportunities are aplenty they will both have to be careful not to tangle with each other.

Racing is expected to commence at 10am on both days. Spectators are welcome and entrance is free.

Martin Fullard