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Teenage Bahraini racer Adeeb Kuzbar has secured the coveted spot to compete in the prestigious World Karting Championship and Academy Trophy after passing a series of test drives with flying colours.
The 14-year-old Bayan School student was in Abu Dhabi when he received the call from his father Ahmed, the vice-president of the Motor Sport Marshall Club, and owner of one of the most well-known garages on the island.
Adeeb said: “For a moment I was speechless and filled with emotion. Just before my dad called, my whole family was discussing the great job I did during the testing stage and although they were full of expectation I was quite apprehensive.
“My parents are overjoyed and happy for me. My father has been in car racing for about 20 years. His advice has always been to enjoy racing and give it your 100 per cent. Winning comes with hard work, confidence and practice. “It means the world to me to be chosen. It is one of the top world racing championship events, next to rallying and Formula One. My dream has come true! What more could I ask for?”
Adeeb raced against karting comrade and school pal Abdulla Al Thawadi for the chance to compete in the event. All is not lost for Abdulla as he also managed to secure a place to compete in the highlycompetitive CIK- FIA Under-18 World Championship.
Both boys will be flying out for the first round of competition which will be held at Ortona in the central Italian region of Abruzzi on July 8 and 10 followed by race two at Essay in Normandy, France on August 26 and 28. The last rounds will be staged at the new BD2 million state-of-the-art Bahrain International Karting Circuit in Sakhir on November 3 and 5. Adeeb added: “Abdulla and I have been racing together for years. We even study in the same class at school.
“He is a good and challenging competitor. I am so happy for him being selected for the Under-18 Championship. I would be disappointed if he wasn’t with me. I would truly miss his company.”
In the meantime, Adeeb is training hard for the chance of a lifetime under the guidance of his father. He said: “Karting is my life and I aim to turn professional and become a world champion one day. I know it will need a lot of hard work and time
and I will also be concentrating on my school studies as I want to become a qualified engineer too.
“I am a bit nervous about the international challenge ahead, this being my first time, but I am also confident. I will keep my cool and do my best. Right now I am practicing at the BIKC twice a week alongside a weekend four-hour session. “I also exercise at a gym with a trainer. I am working to increase my stamina by regular jogging, cycling and eating a high protein nutritious diet. Also, I am looking for more firsthand information from previous racers and officials – every little bit of advice will help.”
Adeeb’s entire family will be by his side during the races to chant his name and cheer him on. He added: “I want to convey to Bahrain that I’ll do my very best to win. In no way will my effort fall short in raising the esteem and fame of our Bahraini flag.
“My ambition in winning the race is to raise the red and white of Bahrain’s flag over and above the rest of the world and let everyone know that I LOVE BAHRAIN. My fan club consists of my near and dear ones, my class mates and some other people.
“My whole class is cheering me on and is thoroughly awed at my being a part of the most sought-after race. They also support me and pray for my success.”
Adeeb will be off to Italy next month for testing at the circuit of Pista Azzurra.
