The second round of the 2008 Middle East Karting Cup continues in the UAE The three-day event, hosted by Ghibli Raceway, will take place from 28 February to 1 March, reports Inas Mazhar, in the pearl of the Arab Gulf, the city of Dubai where participants will continue the competition's second round. The Middle East Karting Cup consists of three rounds. In the first event of its kind in Egypt, Ghibli Raceway hosted the Middle East Karting Cup 2008 (MEKC) in Sharm El-Sheikh. The race, certified by the International Automotive and Karting Federation (CIK-FIA), was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Egyptian Tourism Authority, and under the supervision of the Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt (ATCE), the official representative of the CIK-FIA in Egypt. Ghibli Raceway took the opportunity while in the Middle East to give its full support to the development of the sport in Egypt through training courses, top-notch instructors and equipment, and the holding of tournaments which promote the game on a year-round basis in order to generate future champions and the awareness about what this motorsport needs in the Middle East. Ghibli's vision is to see a Middle Eastern champion competing on a global level. As such, the championship is the first step towards realising the dream. The event, considered the stepping stone to Formula One racing, was launched at Cairo's Mediterranean Travel Fair in September. It was held for the first time in the region in 2007, and served as a critical development feeder for higher motor sport formulas for all aspiring Middle East nations seeking a place in the fast-developing motor sport world. The cup brings together top sportsmen in open-wheel, precision-control karting, long considered the first step for any serious racer. Many Formula One and Nascar champions including world champion Michael Schumacher debuted in this arena before becoming a huge success. Ghibli Raceway, pioneering provider of international motor sport to the Middle East, takes its name from a North African wind originating from the Atlas Mountains. The circuit of the Middle East Karting Cup has been built to the standards set by the Commission Internationale de Karting and the authorised international body within the Federation Internationale d'Automobile. Karting is attractive to leisure seekers and motor sport enthusiasts not only for its relative low cost but because of the sheer excitement of pushing one's adrenaline to new levels. Ghibli also provides the professional driver interested in owning a kart with storage, purchasing and professional training. For organisations and businesses, Ghibli offers the option of a company day out customised event, which can help develop and encourage staff affiliation while creating a unique team building experience. Ghibli Raceway has the capacity to handle groups of various sizes with differing needs in terms of timing, branding and the ability to tailor any service requirements within a controlled environment. The highest priority at Ghibli Raceway is driver safety. Ghibli has an impeccable safety record, observing UK Motor Sports Association (MSA) standards at all times. All drivers are to receive a driver and kart briefing, driving overalls, gloves, a balaclava and helmet. In the unlikely case of an emergency, track marshals trained in first aid are positioned on the track. During all races and events, a race controller in the central control tower overlooking the track monitors the entire operation inclusive of timing equipment and electronic marshals. As a last resort, stray or wayward drivers not following Ghibli's obligatory safety standards and therefore potentially endangering themselves and other drivers can have the power cut off from their kart by remote control.
