Impressive performance for the opening race at the highly competitive WSK Open Cup

Lonato Italy – 29^th October 2019: Young Emirati racing champion Rashid Al Dhaheri made a strong start in the first round of the WSK Open Cup, as he surged up the positions achieving a second-place finish at one of his favourite tracks, the Circuito South Garda Karting in Lonato, Italy. Taking place on a frenetic weekend of racing 24^th October – 27^th October, he competed against the 100 best drivers from 51 countries around the world in the 8-12 Mini category.

Rashid’s quest to add another trophy to what a stellar season for the young Emirati has been, initially got off extremely well in the Elimination Races with three first place and a second place.,

At the start of the race, and despite of his position as sixth on the grid due to the penalty he got for a jump start at the final qualifying heats, Rashid quickly got inside on the first lap and moved up to fight with the front contenders. Ranked fourth on lap three, he moved up to the third position by the end of lap five. In lap 9, Rashid broke through and with an excellent manoeuvre surged ahead to second position. From there, he defended hard, with a frantic battle to the wire, and held firm from a tough challenge and crossed the finish line in second place by the finest of margins.

Rashid said: “I am happy to have broken through to second with such a challenge against such top young drivers, moving ahead from my position on the grid to the front was challenging. This is one of my favourite tracks and getting on the podium here always represents something special for me. I hope to build on this first podium and position myself for getting the WSK Open Cup.”

Coach and ex-Formula 2 Champion, Italian Fausto Ippoliti, was on hand to support Al Dhaheri throughout the three days and summed up: “Rashid’s tenacity and drive to keep working in the face of challenges is what sets him apart. This is the winning attitude and spirit that has provided him with the ability to achieve championships and his continuation of this approach will contribute to more wins in the future.”

The race took place on the renowned 1,200m South Garda Karting Track in Lombardy Province, Northern Italy, known as one of the most important tracks of its kind in the world. Having first opened in 1988, the circuit has been recently renovated and widened to provide a fantastic fun ride for adrenaline-fuelled racers. As it is one of the most famous racing tracks worldwide, elite drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have all raced there.

Round 2 of the WSK Open Cup will take place at the International Circuit 7 Laghi, at Castelletto di Branduzzo – Pavia on 7th-10th November.

Rashid joined Parolin Racing Kart at the start of this season for World Series race participation including the WSK Karting series in Europe, Italian Championship and many others. Parolin Racing Kart specialises in racing and rental karts, components, accessories and engines. Parolin’s innovative spirit and creative approach in finding new technical solutions has helped it to widen a presence worldwide. The company is now known extensively as one of the most important and youngest kart manufacturers.

Rashid will compete in another race next weekend as he participates in Trofeo Delle Industrie.

A new “pole position” for the young Emirati karting racing driver

Abu Dhabi – 23 September 2019: Young Emirati karting driver Rashid Al Dhaheri’s rising star was recognised, as he won the award for Favorite Sports Star at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards’ Abu Dhabi 2019. The announcement was made that the voting public had selected Rashid, at an awards ceremony held on Friday 20th September 2019 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC), featuring co-hosts Jason Derulo and Haifa Beseisso.

Commenting on the Favorite Sports Star award, H.E Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council said: “We would like to congratulate young Rashid on this award. He deserves this recognition for his great feats in karting, as his steady rise through the ranks at the international level becomes increasingly well-known. Rashid has such great potential and many years ahead of him to make a name for himself in motor racing. I’m impressed by the maturity and the dedication he shows at such a tender age.”

This recognition is part of a growing momentum that motorsport is gaining in the UAE, with sports cars and racing ingrained in UAE culture. A widespread passion and interest in motorsport have been ignited, which provides a strong and nurturing environment for young talent such as Rashid to emerge. Much of the appeal of racing is driven by the Etihad Airways Formula One Grand Prix, staged in Abu Dhabi as Formula 1’s last race of the season, inspiring young people in the UAE with dreams of a career in racing.

This year has seen great success for Rashid, as he has taken part in the highly competitive World Series Karting Euro Championships against the best young drivers in the world, during his first season with the Parolin racing team. This season, he has secured the double of the WSK Euro Series Championship and the WSK Super Master Championship victory in the Mini category. For the WSK Master Series, Rashid accomplished three wins out of four rounds of racing for this competition, which was the first such achievement by any driver in his category for the past six years.

Commenting on the award Rashid said: “I am honoured to have been elected Favorite Sports Star at the Nickelodeon Kid’s choice award. It’s great to receive such support from the UAE and Arab public and this gives me a lot of motivation to keep succeeding and winning in karting. With the active support of my partners, I am encouraged to progress up the racing ladder to enter one-seater racing championship levels soon.”   

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Viacom International Media Networks presented the iconic ‘Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards’ – the first-ever version of the globally renowned kids’ event to be staged in the Middle East. The event featured musical and entertainment performances, while giving young fans the power to vote for their favorite artists and talent across a wide range of categories.

Voting open for Nickelodeon event which takes place in Abu Dhabi on 20^th September

Abu Dhabi UAE – 18^th September 2019: Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management Company (ADMM) is supporting Emirati karting superstar Rashid Al Dhaheri, following his nomination for the Favourite Sports Star at the Kids’ Choice Awards Abu Dhabi 2019. This event will be held on 20th September 2019 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). With Yas Marina Circuit, ADMM plays and actively continues to play an instrumental role in UAE and global motorsport as organiser of the iconic Yas Formula One Grand Prix.

CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, Al-Tariq Al-Ameri, believes that the grassroots initiatives and support the circuit provides is already paying off when it comes to nurturing young talent like Rashid. He said: “Our goal has always been to identify future motorsport stars and do everything we can to help them get established and further their career ambitions from junior karting to the F4 series. It is fantastic to see that up and coming Emirati talent like Rashid Al Dhaheri being nominated for the Favourite Sports Star award, which we see as a platform to highlight promising Emirati talent in the field of motor racing, and a way to highlight to the public the great and unique achievements Rashid has achieved. We believe Rashid has great career ahead of him and we look forward to seeing him take part in an Etihad Airways Formula One Grand Prix in the future and playing a key role to inspiring the youth of the UAE.”

In response, Rashid Al Dhaheri commented: “I am honoured to receive support from Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, which has done so much to promote motorsport in the UAE and the wider region. It reminded me of the first Formula 1 race I saw in my life when I was four years old with my Father at the Yas Marina Circuit. This experience marked the start of my growing interest in the motor racing, which quickly became a passion. I will continue to fulfil the prestigious ADMM’s faith in me and do all I can to keep succeeding and continue competing for win.”

Rashid proved incredibly consistent. The excellent year by the 11-year has seen him achieve a great deal including WSK, 2019 World Series Karting Super Master Champion and World Series Karting Euro Series Champion, all in the Mini Series category. This, all in his first season with Parolin Racing Kart.

Rashid’s coach, former Italian Formula 2 champion Fausto Ippoliti said: “Rashid has fantastic abilities, the most important of which is the amazing command and control he has of his kart, which really comes through during the race rounds. When you look at his trajectories entering the curves, he is hitting bumps at the right angles and speeds and barely put a wheel out of place”.

Karting requires significant skills to extract its best such as the ability to deal with race developments within few seconds, which proved essential for Rashid in the Rock Cup Italia competition, where the prize was won with a significant 4.5 second gap from his nearest rival. Here, he pushed his advantage ahead of the competition by dealing effectively with wet and mixed conditions, handling them well and taking first place in the competition. That “push for more” attitude is very much part of his style. 

Motorsport is gaining significant momentum in the UAE, where the racing community is growing. This is in some part due to the passion and interest in the sport and racing in the Emirate, as well as the availability of facilities for this type of sport, and the support of organisations and authorities who encourage and nurture young talent.

Racing Ahead, Rashid’s stellar season with Parolin Racing Kart continues, as the young Emirati’s star continues to shine

Adria – Italy – 10^th September 2019: Young Emirati racing star Rashid Al Dhaheri continued his winning ways as he acceded up the first-place podium steps to be crowned the victor of Rok Cup Italia 2019 at Adria International Raceway.

Yesterday was a very special day in Italy for Motorsport. It was the 90th edition of the Formula One Grand Prix and the 90th anniversary of the iconic Italian Ferrari brand, both celebrated by the astonishing win secured by the Scuderia at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza (the temple of Speed). At the same time, in Adria, on the karting racetrack, a battling performance from Rashid saw him claim a convincing win.      

A weekend with frequent rain saw challenging conditions for the young karting star. During qualifying Rashid started from third and won every heat, in the face of mixed conditions on the track – the intermittent rain meant that some parts of the track were wet, and some were dry. Utilising both slick and wet tyres depending on the conditions in the respective heats, the young Emirati impressed spectators with strong performances as he showed a distinct edge in pace. Rashid held back and kept his cards close to his chest, preserving this optimum performance for the final race.

With the stage set and the weather creating a wet track for the final, all contenders were faced with a challenge. In the face of this, and despite the perception that he may struggle as an Emirati hailing from a hot and dry climate, Rashid came into his own. Starting from pole position, Rashid in his number 610 kart flying the Parolin colours, dominated the race, with an outstanding performance from start until finish. His lead was robust and fearless.

His rapid speed saw the youngster achieving the fastest lap of the race and with the gap widening wider and wider throughout the contest, Rashid finished the race a staggering 4.5 seconds ahead of the nearest competitor. As he crossed the finish line Rashid celebrated by pretending to do a breast stroke with his arms in reference to the wet conditions, ‘swimming’ freestyle across the finish line.

Commenting on the win, Rashid said: “I am happy to fly the flag of the UAE and to raise it above the first-place podium, which makes me proud to be standing as a young Emirati sportsman. I will continue to work hard with the team to keep up the momentum.”

Coach and ex-Formula 2 Champion, Italian Fausto Ippoliti, was on hand to support Al Dhaheri throughout the three days and summed up: “Rashid took the win with aplomb as he held the lead through the first corner. It was a deserved win as he put on a fine fight at the front and proved his abilities as a well-rounded driver, where he can obtain a podium finish in the face of a variety of challenges – he is remarkably resilient and can handle whatever is thrown at him. In this case, Rashid’s talent has shown his ability to drive both in wet and in mixed condition to great effect and maintain pressure. It’s a brand of etiquette of the greatest racing drivers”

At that race Rashid laid down a marker and the result follows on from two Championship Victories for Rashid, who this season has secured the double of the WSK Euro Series Championship and the WSK Super Master Championship victory in the Mini category. For the WSK Master Series Rashid achieved three wins out of four rounds of racing for this competition, which was the first such achievement by any Mini driver for the past six years. The Rok Cup Italia 2019 took place on the innovative FIA approved Adria International Raceway. This 1,302m course is challenging with its tight and twisty nature, with the straights connected by a series of hairpin bends.

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 04^th September 2019: Young Emirati karting star Rashid Al Dhaheri’s stellar year has been capped off by recognition for the Kids’ Choice Awards Abu Dhabi 2019, where he has been nominated for Favorite Sports Star. The awards will take place on Friday 20th September 2019 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Center (ADNEC).

Rashid said “I am so happy to be nominated for this award and its great to be recognised alongside some amazing sporting talents of the Arab world. It’s a great deal of encouragement and I am glad that people are interested in what I have done with my karting.”

The excellent year by the 11-year has seen him achieve a great deal including 2019 World Series Karting Super Master Champion and World Series Karting Euro Series Champion, both in the Mini Series category. This all in his first season with Parolin Racing Kart. This sees him well on track to achieve ‘Objective 2025’, where Rashid will become the first Emirati racing driver in Formula One. This comes as motorsport has become of growing importance to UAE sport, as the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit and Dubai Autodrome have increased momentum towards a robust culture of UAE racing.

Coach and ex-Formula 2 Champion, Italian Fausto Ippoliti said “Karting has long been and remains the best platform to get into car racing and is teaching Rashid a lot of race craft. After three seasons, Rashid is making its mark through high-end championships. This year he enters the most competitive European series. Rashid’s progression has stemmed from his significant commitment and demonstration of brilliant kart control. Over the last season, he upped his game and started winning regularly.”

Rashid joined Parolin Racing Kart at the start of this season for World Series race participation including the WSK Karting series in Europe, Italian Championship and many others. Parolin Racing Kart specialises in racing and rental karts, components, accessories and engines. Parolin’s innovative spirit and creative approach in finding new technical solutions has helped it to widen a presence worldwide. The company is now known extensively as one of the most important and youngest kart manufacturers.

Rashid turns up the heat to secure WSK Euro Series Championship, in sweltering midnight race during a heatwave

Adria, Italy – 01^st July 2019: Young Emirati racing driver Rashid Al Dhaheri’s star continues to rise as he becomes World Series Karting Euro Series Champion in the Mini Series category, his second championship in a row this racing season. With consistently strong race performances throughout the whole WSK Euro Series, Rashid’s second-place podium finish in this challenging final night edition race at Adria International Raceway, saw him finish the series with a mammoth 300 points. This placed a significant gap of 65 points ahead of his nearest competitor, achieving a resounding championship victory.

This final race weekend of the series took place from 6pm until 1am, a wholly new experience for Rashid, which gave the young driver a real contest to overcome. To aid vision, the kart’s nose was mounted with a special light tailored to brightening up the front for clear vision. This unique experience is quite a rarity in karting.

Surmounting a second-place position in the championship before the race to achieve first-place in the championship overall was a significant result for Rashid, who did so closely ahead of two talented drivers from the UK and Belgium. With strong consistency throughout a stellar championship series, a number of quality performances were delivered from the young talent.

Rashid achieved second in qualifying series 2, and in group E he accomplished first, third, first and first in eliminatory heats. This strong foundation supported further success, as the racer was able to keep relaxed and finish first in qualifying heats. The young star was now set up well for his prefinal, and he drove an intelligent race to gain second on the grid for the final.

Undeterred, Rashid kept his cool with a clear head. After his victory in the elimination races, Rashid entered into the Prefinal as the Championship leader, bringing the advantage to his side. Keeping focus and staying humble in his approach to the race, Rashid was mindful of his overall strategy to become champion.

Throughout the race, which took place during a scorching and unbearable heatwave with air temperatures going up to 46 degrees Celsius during warm-up and elimination race timings, drivers were under a lot of strain and with difficult kart set-ups. Asphalt temperatures exceeded by far 55 degrees Celsius.

As the finish line neared, cameras and journalists trained their focus to the finish line and waited in anticipation for the young star. Driving with such pressure and with an eye on a second title of this calibre was huge. Racing as consistently as he had throughout the WSK Euro Series races, Rashid achieved a strong second-place finish to leap ahead to first position in the championship. The young star had made the impossible possible, with a double of WSK Championships an unprecedented achievement by any person from the Arabian Peninsula or the Asian continent.  

Commenting on his championship victory, Rashid said “I’ve never taken part in a midnight race before, so I knew I faced a huge challenge to perform my best after midnight, to stay completely awake, be fully focussed and race under the floodlights. I applied a lot of my training, which I can thank my coach Fausto Ippoliti for, and also tried to maintain calm and focus. I’m so happy that I won this championship and am humbled that I achieved this with so many talented drivers on the field. To win two WSK Championships is amazing and I would like to thank the Parolin Racing Kart team, this victory is a collective victory for us all.”

Team Principal of Parolin Racing Kart, Marco Parolin said: “Rashid has only just joined Parolin Racing Kart and has already had an astonishing season. To win not one but two of the most important karting championships at this level, with the most talented young drivers in the world, is quite phenomenal. Time after time Rashid has proven his tenacity through hard-fought races whatever the circumstances and it is a joy to watch this young talent develop even further.”

The WSK Euro 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.

The WSK Euro Series Championship by Rashid follows on from his WSK Super Master Championship victory in the Mini category earlier in the racing season. For the WSK Master Series Rashid achieved three wins out of four rounds of racing for this competition, which was the first such achievement by any Mini driver for the past six years.

Rashid joined Parolin Racing Kart at the start of this season for World Series race participation including the WSK Karting series in Europe, Italian Championship and many others. Parolin Racing Kart specialises in racing and rental karts, components, accessories and engines. Parolin’s innovative spirit and creative approach in finding new technical solutions has helped it to widen a presence worldwide. The company is now known extensively as one of the most important and youngest kart manufacturers.

Rashid second in the WSK Euro Series Championship as a close final is in sight

Lonato, Italy – 25^th June 2019: Promising talented Emirati racing karting star Rashid Al Dhaheri has achieved a podium finished as he gained third position at Circuito South Garda Karting, Italy. Competing with 96 other driver in his category among 300 drivers in all cateogories. Rashid’s third-place sets up a close final, as he is now second behind the WSK Euro Series Championship, with the tournament to be decided next weekend in Adria – Italy. The final race of the series will be set as a midnight race, a totally a news experience for Rashid

In a series of toughly-fought heats, Rashid was often outside in the second row, a challenging position, however he had success in achieving third position for most of the heats. Unfortunately, there was an incident which pushed him away from the track in the last heat, which saw him drop behind and start the prefinal in 9th position. This frustrating setback only fired up young Rashid and made him even more determined. As he set off in the prefinal he carried out a most amazing race, which saw him surge forward and achieve second position. This fantastic result saw him start the final placed third on the grid.

Under the blazing hot sun in Lonato, Rashid carried out a determined race and spent much time pushing for second position. Unfortunately, his engine was not performing at its peak leaving first and second position a challenge to catch. Fighting hard, he kept up the pressure and gained third place. The podium finish has narrowed the gap between Rashid and the reigning champion to less than 20 points, meaning the window is open for the young Emirati to aim for the WSK Euro Series in Adria next weekend.

Rashid said: “I faced some difficult challenges however I know that it’s important to continue trying hard whatever happens, and that effort will be rewarded. I’m glad that I made the best of the situation I was in and gaining enough points so that I can challenge for the championship is great news. I hope that I can now push for victory at Adria next week and I would like to thank the Parolin Racing Kart team and Simone of MAN engines for helping me to keep up the pressure, as well as my coach for teaching me the skills to challenge in every race.”

Team Principal of Parolin Racing Kart, Marco Parolin said: “This is proving to be an exciting first season for Rashid at Parolin Racing Kart and we are delighted with his performance. Many drivers would not have the same tenacity and diligence to achieve a podium finish in the face of setbacks as this young star did. It is quite an achievement to still be in the championship and the whole team stands right behind him for what is sure to be an exciting race next weekend.”

The race took place on the renowned 1,200m South Garda Karting Track in Lombardy Province, Northern Italy, known as one of the most important tracks of its kind in the world. Having first opened in 1988, the circuit has been recently renovated and widened to provide a fun track that provides an adrenaline-fuelled ride. One of the most famous tracks worldwide, elite drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have all raced there.

Rashid joined Parolin Racing Kart at the start of this season for World Series race participation including the WSK Karting series in Europe, Italian Championship and many others. Parolin Racing Kart specialises in racing and rental karts, components, accessories and engines. Parolin’s innovative spirit and creative approach in finding new technical solutions has helped it to widen a presence worldwide. The company is now known extensively as one of the most important and youngest kart manufacturers.

The racing season continues for Rashid this weekend, over the Wednesday, June 26, 2019 – Saturday, June 29, 2019, as he will participate in the final WSK Euro Series race night edition in Adria, Italy.

Rashid’s podium earns him championship points taking him to third in overall standings in WSK Euro Series

Angerville, France – 30^th April 2019: Young Emirati racing star and 2019 WSK Champion Rashid Al Dhaheri notched up another stunning performance over the weekend, taking second place in Angerville, France, for Parolin Racing Kart. Competing against some of the world’s top karting talent in the WSK Euro Series in the Mini Category (8-12year-old), Rashid set a blistering pace all weekend, consistently placing inside the top six.

Early on in the race weekend (25^th – 28^th April), the young Emirati put in some strong performances during the four heats, coming in second twice despite being his first visit to the Angerville circuit. However, as a result of the rapidly changing weather conditions which the kart was not set up for, Rashid dropped a few places in the qualifying round, finishing a solid sixth place in his group and ninth overall in a field of 44 drivers.   

Determined not to be left behind the young karting star rallied in the prefinal and stormed to victory with some skilful overtaking manoeuvres to cross the line in pole position with the fastest time in both groups. In a highly competitive and close-run final race, Rashid pushed hard against a tough field but was edged out in the end to cross the line in second place less than half a second behind the victor.

Rashid’s consistently strong performance throughout the weekend earned him significant championship points putting him in a solid third position in the overall standings in the WSK Euro Series Mini Category, a mere 14 points behind second place.

Rashid said: “Despite missing out on the top spot I am extremely pleased with my performance against some the toughest opposition I have faced. I was in good positions throughout the weekend and gained some good experience on this tough track. I am really looking forward to putting what I have learned into practice in the next few races. I am especially pleased because this puts me in a great position in the overall standings for WSK.”

Coach and ex-Formula 2 Champion, Italian Fausto Ippoliti, was on hand to support Al Dhaheri throughout the three days and summed up: “Despite being his first outing at the circuit, Rashid put in a polished performance against difficult competition many of whom have driven at Angerville before. I was most encouraged by the consistency of Rashid’s performance throughout the weekend in very changeable weather conditions. Rashid has an abundance of natural talent and skill but it is extremely encouraging he is able to adapt to tricky conditions and deliver consistent performances.”

Angerville (F) was the theatre for the second round of the karting WSK Euro Series. The title quest will, resume from Lonato (BS) on June 23rd before the final round of Adria (RO) on June 30th. Rashid joined Parolin Racing Kart at the start of this season for World Series race participation including the WSK Karting series in Europe, Italian Championship and many others. Parolin Racing Kart specialises in racing and rental karts, components, accessories and engines. Parolin’s innovative spirit and creative approach in finding new technical solutions has helped it to widen a presence worldwide. The company is now known extensively as one of the most important and youngest kart manufacturers.

Rashid’s third-place finish with Parolin Racing see him as the first Emirati to achieve a podium finish at this karting event with great pedigree

Lonato, Italy –10^th April 2019: Young Emirati racing star Rashid Al Dhaheri added another excellent result to a super race season at the 30th Andrea Margutti Trophy Event, as he finished third in the Mini Category for Parolin Racing Kart. The race was against some of the best racing talent in the world, with 45 drivers from 20 different nationalities in the 8-12 category.

The racing weekend, over 4th-7th April at South Garda Karting in Lonato, saw consistent and strong performances from Rashid in qualifying, where he achieved first place in his qualifying group. On race day the sun shone, and Rashid overcame a difficult placing of second on the grid in the challenging outside position, with an outstanding performance as he quickly powered ahead to first place. With great dexterity and skill, Rashid accomplished excellent overtaking manoeuvres and powered ahead, creating a large gap between himself and the competition.

During a highly competitive and close race, Rashid battled hard to push his advantage during the fast and furious ten-lap competition. Leading for most of the race, Rashid looked certain to achieve victory, however in the last two corners of the race, he faced impact from not one but two karts on both left and right, making it difficult to defend, with only a few metres left until the finish line, leaving Rashid completing the race in third following a thoroughly excellent performance throughout.

Rashid said: “I am delighted to have gained a podium finish on such a distinguished track, the Andrea Margutti Trophy is an honour to participate in, let alone to have the UAE flag raised at. The competition was fierce, and it was excellent to test my skills against some of the best karting talents in the world. It was fantastic to achieve the lead for the majority of the race and despite setbacks towards the end, third is still a fantastic result. I look forward to applying the lessons I’ve learned from this challenging track and trophy to future events.”

Coach and ex-Formula 2 Champion, Italian Fausto Ippoliti, was on hand to support Al Dhaheri throughout the three days and summed up: “Rashid performed extremely well in the face of a tough and challenging race against strong competition. This was one of his best races due to his skilful driving helping him to achieve first place for most of the race, despite starting in the challenging outside position. Rashid was amongst the fastest drivers for the whole weekend and all of his overtaking was very clean and beautifully executed. This is an extremely encouraging performance and the fact Rashid performed so well in this race we can certainly be proud of.”

The Andrea Margutti Trophy is one of the most important events in international karting, a race that continues its great success with the participation of all the main karting teams and strongest drivers. The first edition of the Andrea Margutti Trophy was held back in 1990, following the tragic passing of young rising karting star Andrea Margutti, who passed away at 14 years of age in an incident at the Trofeo delle Industrie in Parma. Since then, this event has been run in his memory.

The result comes hot on the heels of a tremendous Championship win for Rashid in the WSK Super Master series. Here, the young star accomplished three wins out of four rounds of racing victories at the International Circuit Napoli Sarno circuit, the Circuito South Garda, Brescia, and Adria Karting Raceway, Adria – the first such achievement by any Mini driver for the past six years. He achieved 322 points for the tournament in total, which placed him 76 points clear of the nearest competitor.

Rashid joined Parolin Racing Kart at the start of this season for World Series race participation including the WSK Karting series in Europe, Italian Championship and many others. Parolin Racing Kart specialises in racing and rental karts, components, accessories and engines. Parolin’s innovative spirit and creative approach in finding new technical solutions has helped it to widen a presence worldwide. The company is now known extensively as one of the most important and youngest kart manufacturers.

Rashid achieves tournament triumph with thrilling race victory, giving him three wins out of four rounds during his first series with Parolin Racing

Napoli, Italy – 26th March 2019: Budding Emirati racing karting star Rashid Al Dhaheri won the Championship for the WSK Super Master series this weekend in the Mini category. His victory at the International Circuit Napoli Sarno circuit with Parolin Racing made it three wins out of four rounds of racing for this competition – including at Circuito South Garda, Brescia, and Adria Karting Raceway, Adria – the first such achievement by any Mini driver for the past six years. He achieved 322 points for the tournament in total, which placed him 76 points clear of the nearest competitor.

The overall participation for the four-race championship received a total of 137 drivers from 37 different nationalities within the 8-12 category. A series of toughly-fought battles in the qualifying heats at Sarno circuit were won by Rashid, who achieved pole position for Prefinal A. Strong competition saw Rashid finish third in this prefinal and he was sixth on the grid in the challenging outside position overall. Despite this disadvantageous start to the race for the aspiring driver, as the karts took off Rashid quickly powered ahead, overtaking four drivers to already reach second position at the end of the first lap.

By the end of lap two Rashid was ahead in first and away. In a highly competitive race and with a best lap of 1:07.075, the young Emirati held firm at first in all of the remaining six laps, as the fast and furious track with the longest straight of any karting track aided Rashid’s rapid pace and style of driving, as with strong focus he avoided any mistakes. Crossing the finish line a whisker ahead of the competition, Rashid cruised to victory signalling the UAE’s three-fingered salute. Securing the World Series Karting Championship, he ascended to first on the podium as the first Arab to achieve this great honour.

Rashid said: “I am so thrilled to have achieved victory in my first championship with Parolin Racing, with the excellent performance of the kart and the way I managed to handle it due primarily to the support of the team. I owe a great debt of gratitude for the trust and confidence placed in me and my abilities by Parolin Racing, and special thanks to my longstanding coach and mentor Fausto Ippoliti, who I have learned so much from. I would like to dedicate this victory to my parents who have been so instrumental in helping me to succeed. It is wonderful to have achieved three victories out of four during this WSK Super Master series and I am delighted to have started the racing season winning the most prestigious global karting tournament.”

“It is a great honour to see the flag of the United Arab Emirates on the podium and the national anthem playing while celebrating this victory,” he added.

Team Principal of Parolin Racing Kart, Marco Parolin said: “We are so delighted to have worked with Rashid to achieve victory in the most elite karting competition in the world. It is an absolute pleasure to be working with such talent and to be off and away achieving three out of four victories in his first series of races with a new kart is a phenomenal achievement. We are excited to see what we can do next to support the development of Rashid as he continues to grow into an accomplished racer.”

The WSK Super Master Series is the pinnacle of karting of which there is no higher karting level in the world, and the tournament is followed by Formula 1 teams and management. The series has attracted many accomplished drivers and is the toughest and highest karting competition. Especially in this category, there has been high participation from a number of drivers who have gone on to become accomplished racing stars.

The race was carried out at the International Circuit Napoli Sarno, which hosts the most prestigious karting events in the world. A challenging track, it is a true arena for the most talented drivers, many of which have climbed their way up the Formula racing ladder. The track measures 1,699 metres with an average width of nine metres. Over the past ten years, the Naples International Circuit has hosted national, European and world competitions.

Rashid joined Parolin Racing Kart at the start of this season for World Series race participation including the WSK Karting series in Europe, Italian Championship and many others. Parolin Racing Kart specialises in racing and rental karts, components, accessories and engines. Parolin’s innovative spirit and creative approach in finding new technical solutions has helped it to widen a presence worldwide. The company is now known extensively as one of the most important and youngest kart manufacturers.

The racing season continues for Rashid this weekend, over the 28^th March to 31^st March, as he will continue racing at the WSK Euro Series Round 1 held in Italy.