In a few days’ time, one of the most prestigious events in karting will be underway. The 2023 Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals is scheduled for December 2-9 at the Bahrain International Karting Circuit. Roughly 386 drivers from over 50 countries around the world will converge in Sakhir, Bahrain to compete in eight categories for the event’s 23rd edition.

The 2023 edition of the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals is the second visit to Bahrain, having made its first trip in 2021. One of the unique aspects of the facility is night racing, welcoming that for the first time two years ago. Racing under the lights will be a focal point once again, as the on-track schedule shifts to later in the day during the week.

Bahrain International Karting Circuit

The facility opens on December 1 to competitors and continues with sporting checks and registration on Saturday, December 2. Sunday is picture day, as all the karts set to compete will be staged on the front straight for the most popular photo of the season before each are handed out to their respective driver in the kart raffle. Once handed out, the competitors and their teams will prepare their machines for five days of action. On-track sessions begin on Monday with two full rounds with half the classes getting a third session. The remaining receive their third round on Tuesday, which begins at 2pm locally. Rounds four and five are held later into the afternoon and evening. The sixth and final round of practice on Wednesday gears the drivers up for qualifying before the first round of heat races are contested into the night. Racing resumes on Thursday with the second and third round of heat races. A later start again on Friday with the Prefinal races contested to set the grids for the main events, slated for Saturday, December 9.

Six of the eight divisions include the standard Rotax Max Challenge categories – Senior MAX, Junior MAX, DD2, DD2 Masters, Mini MAX, and Micro MAX. The E20 Senior electric division returns for a third straight year, with the E20 Masters class replacing the Junior category for 2023. A special E10 E-Kart Cup will be held on Saturday, featuring selected drivers from the Mini MAX class who did not qualify for the Final. A total of four chassis partners will help field each division with spec chassis – including Birel ART, Charles Leclerc, Praga, and Sodi Kart.

A total of nine drivers will represent Team USA in Bahrain for the 2023 Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals. The lineup has changed from the final tickets handed out at the US Trophy Final in September. Junior MAX winner Wesley Gundler will not compete in Bahrain, along with Senior MAX runner-up Dalton Hanes. Gundler’s spot was filled, however, Hanes spot was not.

The roster is a mix of veterans and first-time competitors, all with the focus of reaching the main event to perform their best with the Red, White and Blue colors. EKN will publish daily reports from the RMCGF each day, along with a breakdown of the results for each of the drivers on Team USA. Be sure to follow CanadianKartingNews.com to follow the action of Team Canada.

Event Information

Time Schedule

DD2 – Birel ART (72 Drivers)

#451 – Race Liberante

(Photo: RaceRotax)

Hometown: Palmdale, California
Qualified: Second Highest US Trophy Series Finisher
RMCGF Appearances: 0

“I’ve been a long time Rotax driver. I started racing the Rotax engine in the Mini category in 2004. Graduated to Senior over the years and in four attempts to make it to the RMCGF, I finally have. I’ve always dreamed of representing our country to race against the best in the world and finally that time is here. I’ve been working hard in preparation and fully expect to contend for the podium.”

Senior MAX – Sodi Kart (72 Drivers)

#312 – Cooper O’Clair

(Photo: RaceRotax)

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Qualified: Top US Trophy Series Finisher
RMCGF Appearances: 2 – 2021, 2022 (Junior Max)

“It’s not something similar to anything else in the world. You know you’re at something special and you know what it means to win something like that as soon as you arrive. It’s something that once you experience it, you want to do it over and over again”

DD2 Masters – Charles Leclerc (36 Drivers)

#504 – Derek Wang

(Photo: CKN)

Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Qualified: Canada Finals Champion
RMCGF Appearances: 11 – 2010, 2011 (DD2), 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 (DD2 Masters)

“Rotax Grand Finals is my favorite karting event and one that I prioritize above everything else.  For me, it’s the most difficult event which I haven’t been very lucky.  For my 12th time at the Grand Finals, I’m looking for a good time and hope everyone has fun.”

#524 – Billy Cleavelin

(Photo: RaceRotax)

Hometown: Shell Beach, California
Qualified: Top US Trophy Series Finisher
RMCGF Appearances: 2 – 2016, 2017 (DD2 Masters)

“This is my third time to the Rotax Grand Finals. Last year after the US Trophy Final, I made it my goal to win a ticket to the RMCGF to make it my final international / national race as I’m retiring from racing. I thought this would be a great way to cap off my time racing against the best in karting. The Rotax Grand Finals is like nothing else, 60+ Countries, 300+ bad ass drivers, from kids to a senior citizen all enjoying the same competitive drive to do their best. For myself, winning the ticket at 66 years old and driving a DD2 one last time is more than I could ever imagine.”

Junior MAX – Praga (72 Drivers)

#224 – Nixx Eggleston

(Photo: RaceRotax)

Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
Qualified: Runner-up – US Trophy Final
RMCGF Appearances: 0

“This is an awesome opportunity to be a part of this event. Racing at RMCGF is going to be amazing to see how other drivers race and see where I am compared to the other drivers. I am honored to be on Team USA.”

#257 – Giovanni Santora

(Photo: RaceRotax)

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Qualified: Top US Trophy Series Finisher
RMCGF Appearances: 0

“It’s an incredible feeling and honor to represent my country at the Rotax Grand Finals. I’ll be there with my coach, Oliver Hodgson, which makes it even more special. I can’t wait to compete against some of the best in the world. See you in Bahrain!”

Mini MAX – Birel ART (72 Drivers)

(Photo: RaceRotax)

#120 – Matteo Quinto

Hometown: Golden, Colorado
Qualified: Top US Trophy Series Finisher
RMCGF Appearances: 0

#127 – Gage Korn

(Photo: RaceRotax)

Hometown: Aurora, Colorado
Qualified: Runner-up – US Trophy Final
RMCGF Appearances: 2 – 2021, 2022 (Mini)

“I am so excited to be on Team USA again! I work to represent my country and team all year. I am hoping my third time to the Rotax Grand Finals can end my mini career as a World Champion.”

Micro MAX – Praga (36 Drivers)

#12 – Lucas Palacio

(Photo: RaceRotax)

Hometown: Vienna, Virginia
Qualified: 1st – US Trophy Final
RMCGF Appearances: 0

“I am very excited to go represent the USA in the Micro Max category in Bahrain.  Having driven a Rotax here and there over the years, we are prepared to go and do our best against some of the best in the world.  We have big expectations on us for this event and will do everything we can to put ourselves in a position to win for the final.”

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