Qatar to host MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup in celebration of regional grassroots motor sport

The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) is set to bring the region’s karting scene into the spotlight once again as it hosts the 2025 MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup this week. As one of the world’s largest regional karting events, emerging drivers from across the MENA region will assemble at the Lusail Karting Circuit in a display and celebration of the next generation of global motor sport.

The third edition to be held in Qatar, this year’s championship has an increased starting list with 173 drivers from 18 nations across the Middle East and North Africa. Countries represented include Qatar, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Iran, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

The Championship Nations Cup offers a range of karting categories to allow drivers at different stages of their early racing careers to prove themselves around the twists and turns of the Lusail Circuit. Six Rotax Max Challenge categories for drivers aged 8 and over offer traditional karting competition whilst the R390 Sprint and R390 Endurance categories (ages 15+) provide a range of karting disciplines on the schedule.

The 2024 MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup saw Lebanon clinch the MENA Nations Cup title ahead of Morocco which finished second and the UAE which ended in third place. With the bar set high in 2024, this year’s championship is poised to deliver another thrilling weekend of racing which celebrates both personal achievement and national pride.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President and Nations Cup Founder, said:

“With growing numbers of participating countries, this year’s MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup represents the development of motor sport and new opportunities for karting talent across our region. 

“My congratulations and thanks to QMMF and President Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai for hosting this milestone event. 

“Good luck to all competitors, volunteers, staff and officials. Your passion, dedication and teamwork allow this competition to thrive on the global stage.” 

Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of QMMF and Lusail International Circuit, said:

“We are proud to once again host the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup, providing a platform for young drivers from across the region to develop their skills and passion for motorsport.

We extend our gratitude to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his continued support and vision in promoting motor sport development.

This championship is not only in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 but also highlights our ongoing commitment to support the growth of motor sport from the grassroots level, helping the next generation of talent reach their full potential.

 We wish all competitors, teams, and officials every success throughout the championship and thank marshals for their commitment and hard work.”

Spectators are set to enjoy the highly competitive championship in person at the circuit whilst fans across the world will be able to watch all of the racing action LIVE and FREE on the QMMF YouTube channel.