ADVENTURES IN PORTUGAL
I would like to start by thanking Al Ain Raceway for hiring me to be part of Team
UAE at the 2017 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Portugal. It was a
privilege be part of the adventure and to handle the media for the team during
the week at Kartodromo do Algarve. A special thanks to Antonio Kekati and Guy
Sheffield for the opportunity and of course all the drivers, mechanics and families
in attendance, who were gracious and great company throughout.
The Rotax MAX Challenge has always been close to my heart because the
concept is superb - the Grand Finals a reward for drivers that excel in their
respective domestic championships. Providing them an international stage to pit
their talents with top drivers from around the globe.
The event is akin to the Olympics of karting. Where drivers represent the nations,
in which they race in, with pride. The field of 360 drivers from 60 countries, many
of them national champions, is of the highest order and the racing is on the most
level playing field in karting. new engines and new chassis’ are handed out and
prepared by mechanics for their teams, ensuring parity of equipment which is
second to none. Racing is as a close as it gets.
In the end it was a bittersweet week for the eleven Team UAE drivers. The
youngsters in the team were excellent, showing that the youth level in the UAE
is of the highest order. Keanu Al Azhari was a revelation, a star for the future no
doubt. Jamie Day proved that hard work and commitment has it’s rewards, while
Theo Kekati rose to the occasion and surprised all in the team.
The ‘senior’ drivers were thrust into the deep end, most for the first time at this
level, and although on track success eluded them I am sure that they all returned
home better drivers and knowing that next time they will be optimally prepared
to tackle the rigours of competing at such an event.
Finally a big shout out to the organisers and hosts who once again put on an
excellent show. Every year the Grand Finals improves and as a result continues
to be the benchmark for such international events - it was as good as it gets!.
This is a tribute to Team UAE’s eight awesome days in Portugal.
PUBLISHER
• PEEVEE MEDIA
EDITOR
• PAUL VELASCO