Emirates Schools Karting Championship: Junior RD3

Dubai, UAE, 25 February 2019: Randy Nader and Adam Ben Haj of GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis (GEMS WSO) seized a narrow one-point victory over GEMS International School (GIS) Team 1 on Sunday evening at Dubai Kartdrome to secure another Junior division win in the third round of the Emirates Schools Karting Championship (ESKC).

Dragsters DXB, with drivers Elie Nassar and Joshua McGregor, topped the Nomad Class for the second time running, edging out rivals Nas Nomad for the lead for the Nomad Cup championship.

Flying nomads: Dragsters DXB . Photo: Aaron Meriwether — Soaring nomads: Dragsters DXB . Photo: Aaron Meriwether

Race Highlights

Fresh from the Round Two victory earlier in the month, GEMS WSO wasted no time getting started in Round Three. Adam Ben Haj secured the first of four heats, crossing the finish line almost a full four seconds clear of Federico Al Rifai, who is flying solo for his team, Nord Anglia School Dubai.

ESKC Championship leader: GEMS WSO. Photo: Aaron Meriwether

Heat Two went to another GEMS squad, GIS Team 1, with Sultan Kurdali claiming victory over Al Rifai by just 0.407 seconds, making it the closest finish of the night.

Al Rifai stormed back in Heat Three and finally nabbed a win for Nord Anglia School Dubai, coasting home with over ten seconds to spare over Ben Haj of GEMS WSO. Harry Hannam bagged a victory in the fourth and final heat for Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) Team 1 over Nathan Pope of GIS Team 1.

Over the course of four heats, there were winners from four different teams, with every point earned critical to the outcome of the contest. After the final points were calculated, GEMS WSO (111 points) escaped with a one-point victory over GIS Team 1 (110 points) to secure its second win in a row and the lead in the championship.

ESKC Challenge Podium. Photo: Aaron Meriwether

In the Nomad category, Dragsters DXB (97 points) topped three out of the four heats in class over Nas Nomad (92 points) to nab its second winner’s trophy in a row and to take charge of the Nomad Cup championship.

Nomad Cup Podium. Photo: Aaron Meriwether

Click here for ESKC Junior Round Three Results

The fourth and deciding round of the ESKC Junior division will take place on Monday, 11 March 2019 at Dubai Kartdrome.

Report and photos: Aaron Meriwether