The MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup, one of the region’s premier motorsport events, is set to take place in Qatar, showcasing the growing talent in the sport. Hosted by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), this year’s edition promises to bring together emerging karting drivers from across the Middle East and North Africa, as the competition expands to include more nations and participants.
The event will be held at the Lusail Karting Circuit, with practice sessions already underway before the main races commence on Friday and Saturday. A total of 173 drivers from 18 countries, including Qatar, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Iran, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, are competing this year. This marks the third consecutive year that Qatar has hosted the event, underscoring its commitment to motorsport development in the region.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who founded the Nations Cup in 2020, expressed his enthusiasm about the growing participation. He said, “With growing numbers of participating countries, this year’s MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup represents the development of motorsport and new opportunities for karting talent across our region.” He also thanked QMMF and its president, Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, for their support in making the event a success. “Your passion, dedication, and teamwork allow this competition to thrive on the global stage,” Ben Sulayem added.
The championship features several karting categories for drivers of different ages and skill levels. These include six Rotax Max Challenge categories for children aged eight and above, as well as the R390 Sprint and R390 Endurance categories for drivers aged 15 and older. The 2024 edition saw Lebanon claim the title, with Morocco and the UAE finishing in second and third, respectively. This year’s competition is expected to be just as thrilling, with national pride and individual achievement at stake for each participant.
Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of QMMF and Lusail International Circuit, also highlighted the importance of the event in supporting the next generation of motorsport talent. He stated, “This championship is not only in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, but also highlights our ongoing commitment to support the growth of motorsport from the grassroots level, helping the next generation of talent reach their full potential.”
The excitement of the MENA Karting Championship will not be limited to the spectators at the Lusail Circuit. Fans worldwide can watch the races live and free via the QMMF YouTube channel, ensuring a global audience for the event. As the championship continues to grow in scale and significance, it remains a key platform for young karting drivers to showcase their skills and take the first step in their motorsport careers.
For those interested in further developments in the region’s motorsport scene, the QRC season begins with the Qatar Drift Championship offers a thrilling look at competitive motorsports in Qatar.
