MENA Karting Cup 2023: Qatar to gather 165 young drivers from 15 countries

MENA Karting Cup 2023

From December 12-16, young drivers from across the Middle East and North Africa will gather at Lusail International Circuit's karting track for the MENA Karting Cup 2023, hosted by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF). The event will feature 165 drivers from 15 countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The competition will unfold across six categories, catering to different age groups: Micro Max (ages eight-11), Mini Max (ages 10-13), Junior Max (ages 12-15), Senior Max (ages 14+), DD2 (ages 15+), and DD2 Masters (ages 31+). In addition to these categories, there are two more races—RD1 Elite Sprint and RD1 Elite Endurance—for drivers over 15 years old.

The racing spectacle is open to the public, and spectators can witness the track action from December 14-16. Entry to the event is free, and limited seating is available at the Lusail Karting Track. Those planning to attend can park at the General Admission Parking and utilize the free shuttle service to reach the karting track. Alternatively, spectators can use the taxi service for drop-off and pick-up at the designated point.

Shuttle Timings:

• December 14: 9:30am - 5:00pm
• December 15: 10am - 6:30pm
• December 16: 9am - 6:30pm

Racing enthusiasts will also be able to watch the racing action live on QMMF’s YouTube channel.

What’s more a host of electrifying entertainment will be available in the fan zones including: a 10m x 10m racing track featuring radio-controlled cars; a Play Station 5 e-gaming station for gamers to play their hearts out; state-of-the-art driving simulators for wannabe racing drivers to test their skills on the track and a 360-photo booth to create memorable videos of this exciting day out.

MENA Karting Cup 2023 schedule includes: 

Thursday, December 14
• 10.00am - 11.35am: practice session across all six categories starting with Micro Max 
• 11.40am - 1.15pm: practice session across all six categories starting with Micro Max
• 2.45pm - 4.20pm: practice session across all six categories starting with Micro Max

Friday, December 15
• 10.30am - 11.25am: Qualifying sessions take place across all six categories starting with Micro Max
• 12.35pm - 1.55pm: Heat one takes place across all six categories starting with Micro Max (6 laps), Mini Max (7 laps), Junior Max (8 laps), Max (8 laps), DD2 and DD2 Masters (8 laps).
• 2.45pm - 4.05pm: Heat two takes place across all six categories starting with Micro Max (6 laps), Mini Max (7 laps), Junior Max (8 laps), Max (8 laps), DD2 and DD2 Masters (8 laps).
• 4.45pm - 6.05pm: Heat three takes place across all six categories starting with Micro Max (6 laps), Mini Max (7 laps), Junior Max (8 laps), Max (8 laps), DD2 and DD2 Masters (8 laps).

Saturday, December 16
• 9.20am - 10.05am: Five-minute warm up sessions for all categories starting with Micro Max.
• 11.00am - 12.35pm: Pre-final races across all six categories starting with Micro Max (10 laps), Mini Max (11 laps), Junior Max (13 laps), Max (13 laps), DD2 and DD2 Masters (13 laps).
• 2.15pm - 4.35pm: Finals across all six categories starting with Micro Max (14 laps), Mini Max (15 laps), Junior Max (18 laps), Max (18 laps), DD2 and DD2 Masters (18 laps).
• 5:30pm - 6:00pm: Awards & MENA Nations Cup Presentation 

More information can be found at www.qmmf.com