Friday, Nov 04, 2011

Gulf News

Abu Dhabi With five karting tracks now available in the UAE, officials hope they can inspire budding Emirati drivers to move up the ladder and ultimately earn a spot in Formula One.

The third edition of the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is now just a week away and Abdullah Al Shammari, karting chief at Yas Marina Circuit, feels the sport is being accepted more since Formula One made its debut here in 2009.

Speaking to Gulf News, Al Shammari said: “Now that the Formula One race is a regular feature, we are going to the lower levels to promote the other races that come before one is ready for the F1 and that starts right from karting.

Raising awareness

“Our aim is to promote UAE drivers especially in racing, in driving those karts and then promoting themselves to higher forms and ultimately to Formula One.

“The awareness in the country was not there when we started but that is changing. It is getting better.”

Al Shammari added: “We have five circuits in the UAE that are promoting karting — Dubai Autodrome, Al Ain Raceway, Al Forsan, the Emirates Karting track and the one here at Yas — and hopefully this number will increase in the coming years.”

Al Shammari said part of the focus was on safety, giving drivers who race on the roads a venue where they can compete in a controlled, but enjoyable environment.

Safe environment

“Now people are concentrating on those categories to promote drivers to speed in a very safe environment and in the same time develop their driving skills and hone their racing skills,” he said.

“We already have a plan, and we started with a couple of schools combining it with the F1 in schools.

“We are combining our karting programmes so we can promote that at the school and university level.

“Hopefully in the coming weeks and months, we can promote it more in schools and universities.

“The emphasis is to get as many youngsters to experience racing in karts and then gradually train and help them move up the ranks.”

Al Shammari said a lot was being done to remove the perception that racing is a dangerous sport.

“We actually first explain how dangerous motorsport can be and we also show them how safe the racing environment is and the facility we provide to drivers,” he said.

Watching others

“Initially, they are a bit scared but after racing and experiencing and also watching others, they soon then begin to relax and believe in the safe nature of the sport.”

Al Shammari said there were quite a few skilled drivers who had caught the eye from various karting tracks in the UAE but lack of sponsorship was a restraining factor.

“There are a lot of nationalities, a lot of potential drivers and we also have some Emiratis who are lacking sponsors and we have to push for sponsors,” he said.

“Sometimes they lack the budget to keep going on.

“Many are waiting to be sponsored.”

By M. Satya Narayan?Chief Sports Reporter

Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.