Coimbatore
The first round of the MECO-FMSCI National Karting Championship Rotax Max Classes will start on July 12 (today) in Coimbatore. A total of 74 young drivers from 10 teams will compete across four categories. The championship has six rounds, ending with the final on November 8-9. The winners in Senior Max, Junior Max, Mini Max, and Micro Max categories will represent India at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals in Bahrain from November 29 to December 6.
This season introduces the new Mini Max category for racers under 11 years old, placed between Micro and Junior Max. The Senior Max category has 34 entries and is expected to be very competitive. Top drivers include Bengaluru’s Rishon Rajeev (Birel Art India) and brothers Rohaan and Ishaan Madesh (Peregrine Racing).
In the Junior Max class, last year’s champion Arafath Sheikh from Pune (Crest Motorsports) and Chennai’s Eshanth Vengatesan (MSPORT) will be the main contenders, along with many new rookies.
The Mini Max category will see tough fights as several racers move up from Micro Max. Some strong names are Rivaan Dev Preetham and Rehan Khan Rasheed from Chennai, Hamza Balasinorwala from Mumbai, Yatharth Gaur from Faridabad, and Danish Dalmiya from Pune.
With many top drivers leaving, the Micro Max category is wide open. Bengaluru’s Shiv Tummala and Mumbai’s Aarav Surekha are considered favorites.
On Saturday, there will be practice, qualifying, and heats, while the pre-finals and finals will take place on Sunday.