Third edition of Dubai O-Plate attracts record field of drivers 20.01.2016: Big prizes on offer sets scene for intriguing contests in all classes at Dubai Kartdrome

Big prizes on offer sets scene for intriguing contests in all classes at Dubai Kartdrome



photo caption:  Drivers line-up during the 2015 O-Plate weekend at the Kartdrome


Hot on the heels of the Hankook 24H Dubai at the Autodrome, the Kartdrome will host the Dubai O-Plate where 90 of the region’s top junior and senior karters will take on a selection of international drivers in the prestigious annual karting weekend in Motorcity.


The O-Plate is a festival of karting catering for all UAE national Rotax Max classes – DD2, DD2 Master, Max, Junior Max, Mini Max and Micro Max – along with Bambino class and the Open category plugged into the bill over the two days.


On the grid will be drivers from UAE, Australia, Germany, Russia, Senegal, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Canada, Brazil, Iran, India, Pakistan, South Africa, France, England, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman and Kuwait.


The Rotax Max classes will feature most of the top drivers from the UAE Rotax Max championship, including a number of UAE Champions, who with several top international contingent can be expected to produce close racing throughout the weekend.


The Open Class, which is being billed as an ‘anything goes’ category, is made up of a mix of machines including shifter karts, and 2014 Rotax Max Grand Finals winner Sean Babington will be donning his overalls to take part.


Although not counting towards a championship, the O-Plate has been characterised by attractive prizes on offer for the various categories and this year is no exception as karting teams Energy Team UAE and Birel Art ME have dug deep to provide prestigious prizes for the event.


Prizes on offer include: a factory drive at the 2016 World CIK Championships with Energy Corse, Energy Team UAE to provide Micro Max level kart for Bambino class winner, new Birel Art Senior Chassis on offer for Max winner, GulfSport Formula Gulf 1000 Single Seater Test, TAG Heuer watches for main categories winners, Kartdrome Gold Membership for Micro Max winner along with various Dubai Autodrome vouchers and experiences, including the Formula DXB, Audi TT and Audi R8.


Action begins on Thursday with pre-race testing at the Kartdrome. Friday is dedicated to qualifying, followed by four heat races for each category, while Saturday will see the Pre-Final and Final for each of the categories, followed by the podium and prize-giving ceremony for all classes.



photo caption:    Action from the 2015 O-Plate weekend at Dubai Autodrome


Race director David Bright said, “The O-Plate is a festival of karting with a Cup Final type of atmosphere. With great prizes up for grabs, from Energy Team UAE, Birel ART ME, Gulf Sport, TAG Heuer and Dubai Autodrome, there is a lot to drive for and we are expecting some very close racing in a format that is based on major international karting events.


“We welcome spectators and anyone interested in motor racing to attend, free of charge, and savour the atmosphere of a top tier karting event which will be a showcase for many talented drivers, as well as karting teams and of course the Kartdrome. It is great to see the junior classes heaving with entries, a good advert for karting in the UAE.”


Entry to the Kartdrome for spectators is free throughout the O-Plate weekend.




- Tony Lewis, Total Communications Dubai - also photos