Rotax Max Challenge round 2 at Al Ain Raceway
Fri 19th Oct – Windy conditions failed to deter a 55 strong contingent of kart racers from Al Ain Raceway for the second round of 2012/13 UAE Rotax MAX Challenge. The fast Grand Finals layout offers plenty of high speed straights and lots of overtaking opportunities.
Mini MAX was won by Tehmur Chohan after holding off an early charge from the pack. Chohan’s win was made all the more crushing by the close fought race going on behind him between Alain Bauwmans, Zachary Robertson and Ivan Berets. Sem Knopjes won the Micro MAX class ahead of Yusuf Moola and Sachio Kekati.
Pasqual Pook took victory in the 125 Junior MAX class ahead of Giulio Peroni whilst Alexandre Silanine took his maiden win in 125 Senior MAX. Silanine was promoted to first after a collision between the original leaders; Abdullah Al Rawahi and Ameer Hassan. Hassan recovered to finish second while Thomas Walker finished an impressive third overall, winning the MAX Masters sub-class in the process ahead of Kevin Day and Raed Hassan.
Sanad Al Rawahi took victory in 125 DD2 class after an immensely closely fought race with Maurits Knopjes, Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Oliver George and Arnaud Bouf. The leaders chopped and changed positions on several occasions but it was Al Rawahi who came out on top. Knopjes was also the highest placed DD2 Master ahead of Patrick Jarjour and Arnaud Bouf.
Sam Zian came out on top in an epic 9-kart fight within the twenty-strong Honda Challenge field, narrowly beating Atef Al Barwani and Dan Price.
Round 2 marked the inaugural Bambino class. For drivers aged 5-7 it was well attended with 8 drivers lining up to compete in a time trial format. Ziggy Kermanshahchi was fastest overall with a 1:31.240 ahead of Theo Kekati who set a best time of 1:31.822. Hamish Foster was the third fastest setting a best time of 1:31.976.
Round 3 is also running at Al Ain Raceway and takes place 16th November.
