Asian Motor Sports

ABU DHABI — The next Danica Patrick could well be from the United Arab Emirates in a few years time, if it goes according to plan. The Al Ain Raceway will play host to the Al Ain Raceway Indy Circuit Ladies Night go-karting event, an exclusive Sprint Heats Open race only for women at the Circuit on Saturday.

The event is aimed at encouraging more women to take up motorsport. No prior experience is needed and it is a chance for women to enjoy a day of racing and experience the thrill and the high of karting.

The event will start at 3 pm and every participant will take part in a pre-race practice and three qualifying heats with the top scorers progressing through to the Pre-Finals, and the Grand Final.

Each driver will take part in three qualifying Heats which will be run over a distance of approximately 5 km (6 laps). Points are awarded according to the finishing positions in each Heat. Drivers with equal

points at the end of the Heats will have their overall ranking decided by their best lap time throughout the event.

At the conclusion of the Heats, the lower-ranking drivers (determined by the accumulation of points scored during the Heats) are eliminated from the event whereas the higher-ranking drivers qualify to race in a 6.5km Pre-Final (9 laps). Points scored by drivers in the Pre-Finals are added to their Heats points to produce a driver grand total and this decides who will progress through to the Grand Final.

The Grand Final is run over 9 km (12 laps) with the first three drivers across the finish line receiving top honours and a trophy on the podium.

Safety equipment (helmet, gloves, race suit) will be provided to the competitors but footwear will not be supplied. All drivers are required to wear suitable flat-soled shoes or trainers.

All drivers must be over 16 years of age to compete in this race event (14 years of age if the driver possesses a valid kart race licence).