Go ladies go!

The all-ladies Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) Motor Sport Team aims to impress at the Bahrain International Karting Circuit over the weekend as they battle for glory in the 24-hour endurance championship finale, writes Patrick Salomon.

The fearless females, made up of BAS staffers, have already completed the three-hours, six-hours and most recently, the grueling 12-hour race of the 2019/2020 Bahrain Karting Enduro Championship (BKEC) at the track in Sakhir. The ladies team, which is managed by Milla Smith, includes Christina Anieliesa, Alanoud Alaiwi, Alya Adel, Sujusha Bakaal, Fatima Mohammed and Maryam Al Qassim. They are excited about the fourth and final round of this championship held on Friday and Saturday. They are urging all women to come out and cheer for them with a clear message that karting isn’t just a man’s world.

“Women have the talent to race as well,” said Smith. “With dedication and hard work, they can excel in this sport and look for support across the Kingdom of Bahrain to drive them into future events.”

Adel, who made her debut with the team in the 12-hour race, added that she has fallen in love with karting and never felt this thrill before. She said: “I always wanted to join but I never had the confidence to go for it. My colleagues told me to just try it and that it’s going to be amazing. I realised they are right and I hope I can be a part of the racing all the time.” Teammate Anieliesa added: “The 12-hour race was a completely different race from the first two rounds but I enjoyed it more. I can’t wait to be a part of the next race over 24-hours.”

There are four teams competing under the BAS umbrella and the overall teams are managed by Tony Smith, BAS’s chief operating officer. He said: “We are all so very proud to have the only women’s team in the event which shows true courage and dedication to the sport.”

Twelve teams will be competing in the Pro, Corporate and Nations classes behind the wheel of a 390cc RT8 kart on the 1.414km Commission Internationale de Karting track. 

BAS chief executive officer Salman Al Mahmeed wishes his team the best of luck and success. He said: “We aim to finish the season on a high.”

For more information on the BKEC or any karting activity at BIKC, contact the karting circuit on 17451745, e-mail karting@bic.com.bh or visit www.bahraingp.com.