Egypt confirmed to host Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals 2009
at Ghibli Raceway international, Sharm El Sheikh. This is year 2009, Ghibli Raceway and BRP-Powertrain Gmbh Co KG are celebrating the 10th anniversary for Max Challenge championship by hosting The Grand Finals 2009 at Ghibli Raceway – Sharm El Shiekh, Egypt. More than 16,000 drivers from more than 55 nations compete all during the year for the right to be invited to compete in “Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals”, In total 216 drivers have the privilege in addition to them a total of over 1200 are expected including team managers, mechanics and assistants to try to win this celebrated world finals.
A press conference held at the prestigious in the Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt (ATCE) in 16th of March, 2009 announcing the news that the karting world has been waiting for, the location of the 10th anniversary for the Grand Finals. Ghibli Raceway is promising to raise the benchmark for international karting events in this years event significantly with much promised entertainment and surprises in store for all attending drivers and their guests and spectators. This Conference was attended by General Raouf Deghedy – Vice Chairman of (ATCE) and Mr. Hany Soufrakis- Chairman of Ghibli Raceway International and Mr. Robert Gumbenberger – BRP-Powertrain (Rotax) RMC Organiser.
In the past ten years, the RMC has now become the biggest kart racing series in the world. Up to 216 of the best drivers from 55 countries and all five continents will gather to crown the best amongst them. The Rotax MAX Challenge is organized by BRP-Rotax, the world leading manufacturer of kart engines with over 15.000 drivers worldwide. "We are proud to host so many different nations and cultures. All of them striving together for just one goal: Winning the prestigious title Rotax MAX Challenge World Championship", said Hany Soufrakis. Chairman of Ghibli Raceway. "That's why we call it the "Olympic Games of Karting" Robert Gumbenberger adds. Mr. Gumbenberger stated also that Rotax had chosen Egypt for the 10th anniversary championship for several reasons, primarily the outstanding track and facility, the perfect climate, proximity to Europe, excellent hotel and tourism facilities of Sharm El Sheikh, and last but least the professional organizing capabilities of Ghibli Raceway.
The Rotax MAX Challenge is following strict rules: Sealed engines, same tyres and similar vehicles ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to win. The power packs used for the races are sealed Rotax® Junior MAX, MAX as well as MAX DD2 engines.
Modifications are strictly forbidden.
The Rotax MAX Challenge is the biggest kart race series in the world. During the season, authorised BRP- Powertrain Gmbh Co KG kart distributors organise national/international competitions around the world. The best drivers from the Rotax MAX Challenges qualify for the annual GRAND FINAL. Already at the age of 12 drivers can start their racing career in the Rotax MAX Challenge. The RMC offers 5 race categories plus 1 nations cup.
Past locations of the Grand Final:
GRAND FINAL Country
2000 November 2000, Puerto Rico / USA
2001 January 2002, Langkawi / Malaysia
2002 January 2003, Pretoria / South Africa
2003 January 2004, Sharm el Sheikh / Egypt
2004 January 2005, Lanzarote / Spain
2005 November 2005, Langkawi / Malaysia
2006 November 2006, Viana do Castelo / Portugal
2007 November 2007, Al Ain / UAE
2008 November 2008, La Conca / Italy
2009 December 2009, Sharm el Sheikh / Egypt
More info: http://www.maxchallenge-rotax.com
About Ghibli Raceway
Ghibli Raceway, pioneering provider of international motor sport to the Middle East, takes its name from a North African wind originating from the Atlas Mountains. This wind parallels in force to the intense power and extreme speed found at Sharm El Sheikh's premier karting facility. Located amongst some of the Red Sea's most exclusive hotels and resorts, Ghibli Raceway's “Formula to Strive” inspires a diverse demographic to come and experience an adrenaline packed driving experience.
The circuit itself has been built to the standards set by the “Commission Internationale de Karting” (CIK-FIA) and the authorized international body within the “Federation Internationale d'Automobile” (FIA). Today, Ghibli Raceway's Sharm facility is proudly one of only a handful of homologated tracks in the world built to the CIK-FIA highest license requirements. Our fervor for the sport and its development has spurred us to continuously develop our service to be unsurpassed in all aspects. A testament to Ghibli's success was hosting the prestigious Rotax Max Challenge World Finals, the most international (38 countries) and popular (+7,000 competitors) FIA sanctioned motor sport formula, in January, 2004. Additionally, Ghibli Raceway now organizes the Middle East Karting Cup, only CIK-FIA registered championship on the International Sporting Calendar for the up and coming Middle East region, now in its 2nd year.
As a result of our exceptional state of the art facilities and location, Ghibli has hosted many of the racing world's best known names including Micheal Schumacher, David Coulthard, Paul Stewart, Gianni Morbidelli, etc. Outside of the racing world, Ghibli Raceway has had the honor of hosting VIP's such as the King of Bahrain, and many other Arabic and European music and film stars.
About BRP-Rotax
BRP-Rotax, an affiliate of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), is a leader in the development and production of innovative 2- and 4-stroke high performance Rotax® engines for BRP products (Ski-Doo® and Lynx™ snowmobiles, Sea-Doo® watercraft and sport boats, Can-Am™ quads and roadsters) as well as for motorcycles, karts, ultra light and light aircraft. Over the past 50 years, the company has developed more than 350 engine models for recreational products and has produced more than six million engines.
About BRP
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately-held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorized recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski Doo® and Lynx® snowmobiles, Sea Doo® watercraft and sport boats, Evinrude® and Johnson® outboard engines, direct injection technologies such as Evinrude E TEC®, Can Am™ all-terrain vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax® engines and karts. |
