Go-Kart Race Enlivens Malaysia's Merdeka Bash In The UAE
By Muin Abdul Majid
DUBAI, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- It may not have been one of the glamorous Formula 1 Grand Prix races but the action did come thick and fast as a group of Malaysians battled it out in a go-kart competition yesterday to mark Malaysia's 51st independence celebrations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Decked out to the nines as far as race gear goes, the 20 participants of the second edition of the "Merdeka in the UAE Kart Championship" demonstrated their skills behind the wheel to the hilt at the Kartdrome Outdoor Track located in a suburban area of Dubai.
The circuit was the scene of some spirited manoeuvres as the racers tried to overtake each other, egged on by the cheering crowd comprising friends and family members.
Despite the race being held at night, everybody had to contend with the heat of Dubai's simmering summer.
But Kamarul Bahrin Hassan kept his head cool to emerge victorious in both the eight-lap sprint event and the 14-lap main race. He took home a trophy and the bragging rights until next year's championship.
"It was a tough fight and I'm so pleased to have won in both categories," he told Bernama, beads of sweat rolling off his forehead.
During prize-giving, race organiser Redza Jamil revealed that last year's winner could not make it in time to defend his title as he was unsuccessful in getting a flight back to Dubai.
Given the encouraging response from Malaysians, the airline pilot said he would continue to organise the go-kart race to celebrate Malaysia's nationhood anniversary, in the UAE.
"And to those who won prizes tonight, please don't come back next year. Give others a chance," he joked.
The prizes were presented by the charge d'affaires at the Malaysian embassy in Abu Dhabi, Fadli Adilah, and Ariffin Mamat, one of the prime movers of the Malaysian community in the UAE.
They later joined other Malaysians present at the race track for a group photography session as shouts of "Merdeka" rang out several times.
Tonight's event was one of several organised by the Malaysian embassy as well as members of the Malaysian community in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in conjunction with the country's Merdeka bash.
More than 100 Malaysians took part in a bowling tournament in Abu Dhabi on Sunday which kicked off the Merdeka celebrations in this Gulf state.
Malaysia celebrates its National Day on Aug 31.
-- BERNAMA
Photos by Sirajul Adly
