Stunning win for Emirati champion Rashid Al Dhaheri in junior division

Young Emirati karting star Rashid Al Dhaheri got off to a flying start in his first-ever race in the X30 Junior category, as the young talent threw down the gauntlet to his newfound rivals with a stunning victory, despite having been in lockdown for around half a year.

Recently turning 12, Rashid took part in the Second Round of the IAME Series 12-14 category continuing to make a mark in his racing career.

Right from the get-go, Rashid had an excellent series of qualifiers on a dry track finishing in P1 with a time of 50.653. Hard-fought and tough, the qualification was tight but he beat the competition, which saw him secure pole position. Rashid overcame a challenge in the heats with great dexterity. The efforts made during the pandemic building up his skills, was time that paid off well.

As the sun shone on race final day, Rashid had a challenge right at the start, after being pushed four positions down on the second corner by a fellow racer. Rapidly gaining ground in less than one lap, the young driver came back and positioned himself behind the leader.

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The young star completed the 20 laps crossing the finish line with endurance, holding a solid lead over the competition by more than a second.

Enthusiastic and happy about his introduction to the Junior racing world, Rashid said “It was fantastic to win the first race. When a driver progresses to a higher category a win does not happen so often and I’m glad that all the steps and planning we have taken have helped me to make a solid start. I will aim to keep this up and I’m glad to have carried out an effective race plan for this level.”

Fausto Ippoliti backed the young racer saying: "This is a stunning victory from Rashid and it is simply excellent to make such an achievement when he has only just entered the Junior category, where the competition is fierce.”

“We have worked hard in training and made the most of the recent downtime to study and work on skills where possible. It is most rewarding to come out of the other side with the best possible reward as Rashid’s talents continue to come through at each racing level.”

The IAME Series race took place on the innovative FIA approved Adria Karting raceway. This 1,302m course is challenging with its tight and twisty nature, with the straights connected by a series of hairpin bends.

Rashid is with Parolin Racing Kart for IAME Series participation, while continuing to raise the UAE flag in the international racing scene.