ATCUAE launches 2012-2013 UAE Motorsport season

The Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) officially launched a new season of motor sport in the Emirates with aims to build for the future by attracting and developing young local talent.

Headlined by the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 4 November, the 2012-13 season getting under way next month is designed around the classic motor sport ‘ladder’ system which aims to carry drivers from entry level karting towards the ultimate goal of Grand Prix racing.

Measures to boost the sport at grass roots level continue with the expansion of the UAE Rotax Max Challenge, which sees the national karting championship running at four venues for the first time, with the AARKC and DAMC Motor City karting series adding more competitive depth.

From karting, the opportunities for young drivers to progress and develop their skills is underlined by the wide range of single seater and touring car circuit racing events running in a new season that will consist of more than 140 competitive events.

Increasing the lure of the UAE Rotax Max Challenge this season, the national karting championship will run for the first time on the north section of the Grand Prix Circuit at Yas Marina Circuit, in addition to Al Ain Raceway, Dubai Kartdrome and Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi’s new sports and leisure venue.

On the starting grid are a variety of circuit racing events, including the UAE GT and Touring Car Championships, the UAE Radical Winter Cup and Radical Cup, as well as the Dunlop 24 Hours of Dubai and the Gulf 12 Hours at Yas Marina Circuit.

Adding to the action are rounds of the Australian V8 Supercars and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, along with the Arabian Gulf Drag and Pro Drag competitions, also at Yas Marina Circuit.

The 2012-13 season will also feature bike action in the 600 cc and Rookies classes as well as the National and Club Motocross series, while UAE riders will again share the stage with the world’s top riders in the Desert Challenge next April.