Thirteen-year-old Nathan Kappen has once again proven himself a dominant force in regional motorsport, successfully defending his Junior Max title at the 2025 MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup. The event, held at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar, saw Kappen finish 2.4 seconds ahead of Algeria’s Roslan and Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrazzaq Al Quraishi, securing a back-to-back victory.
A Competitive Field
The MENA Karting Championship is the largest karting event in the Middle East and North Africa, drawing over 170 drivers from 18 countries. The championship offers a platform for emerging young talent, and Kappen’s performance highlighted the UAE’s growing prominence in the motorsport scene. His victory adds to a series of impressive results in regional competitions, marking him as one of the top racers to watch in the coming years.
Throughout the event, Kappen demonstrated consistent pace and composure. His standout performance came during the heats, where he clinched first place in Heat 1 with a time of 8:58.183, narrowly edging out Sryer of Algeria (8:59.418) and his Emirati teammate Faris Haroun (8:59.906). This set the stage for a thrilling final.
Dominating the Final
Kappen saved his best for last. With an exceptional lap time of 20:56.169, he delivered a commanding performance in the final to clinch the Junior Max crown for the second consecutive year. His victory was a testament to his skill and focus under pressure, reinforcing his position as one of the brightest rising stars in karting.
The victory also contributes to the growing reputation of UAE motorsport, further solidifying Kappen’s place as a key player in the regional scene. The back-to-back championships are not only a personal achievement for the young driver but also a boost to the UAE’s sporting profile in the Middle East and North Africa.
What’s Next for Kappen?
Kappen’s success at the Lusail International Circuit is just the latest chapter in his promising motorsport career. As he continues to develop his skills, his performances are sure to inspire the next generation of racers. With a bright future ahead, it will be exciting to follow his progression in the world of motorsport.
His victory is a key milestone, not just for him, but for the UAE, which has become an increasingly important hub for motorsport talent. As the sport continues to grow in the region, it’s clear that Kappen will play a key role in its future success.
For more about motorsport developments in the region, you can also check out Morocco crowned champions at Mena Karting Championship and Invest Qatar partners with WHOOP to establish first international performance lab in Qatar.
