Friday 15 / November / 2024
Muscat: Shihab Al Habsi, the karting kid of Oman, is all set to brush his shoulders with the world's best as he embarks on an ambitious mission in couple of days.
The 12-year-old talented karting star of Oman has been doing wonders on the circuit and at the same time gaining vital experience in big events beyond the region.
Shihab garnering glory in various Gulf events is well known, but his exemplary participation in European events has been the hallmark.
Shihab is leaving for Genk (Belgium) on Tuesday to take part in the European CIK-FIA Championship finale, which will be held over the weekend. The main races will be on July 31.
Speaking to Times Sport Shihab's manager and father Ahmed Al Habsi said, "We will fly to Genk via Germany to take part in the final of the biggest karting race in the world."
This is not the first time Shihab is taking part in the European circuit. However, this event will give him the best exposure experienced so far in his career.
It's just not participation what Shihab is looking for, but he will treasure the tips and advise coming from highly experienced participants and their trainers.
The CIK-FIA Championships in Genk will feature four categories fighting for their titles as this will be the final and decisive round.
The 1,350 metres of the Horensbergdam International Circuit will witness gripping duels between top class drivers.
According to information posted on the competition site, there are several drivers, in all the categories, who still stand a good chance to win the title.
The action in Genk starts on July 29 with free and qualifying practice, will continue on July 30. The finale will be on July 31.
There are 235 entrants to the races in different categories and in the OK- Junior (OKJ) category where Shihab Al Habsi is participating has over 90 drivers.
"Shihab is the only Arab driver to take part in the event and is also the youngest," said Ahmed Al Habsi, who has been working hard to make his son one of the top drivers in the world.
The Danish driver Noah Watt (Tony Kart-Vortex-Vega) leads in OKJ with 107 points, 16 points more than the second placed Brazilian Caio Collet (BirelArt-Parilla), who is only one point ahead of the Swedish Isac Blomqvist (Tony Kart-Vortex).
