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Middle East Cup 2026 sets new participation benchmark at Sharjah Kart Track
Record participation and international rewards define the Middle East Cup 2026
- PUBLISHED: Tue 20 Jan 2026, 2:22 PM
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The Middle East Cup 2026 (MEC 2026) confirmed its status as one of the most important karting events in the region, delivering a highly competitive and record-breaking edition at Sharjah Kart Track. Hosted by IAME UAE, the standalone Cup welcomed 95 drivers, marking the largest entry ever recorded for a Middle East karting Cup, with participation increasing by more than 40 percent compared to previous editions.
Held across 10–11 January 2026, MEC 2026 brought together drivers from across the UAE and the wider region for two days of closely fought racing under warm and stable conditions. While not part of the IAME UAE championship calendar, the Middle East Cup has grown into a flagship annual event, offering high-stakes competition and international rewards outside the regular season.
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On track, the racing delivered consistently tight battles across all categories. In the Bambino category, Mark Ristic secured overall victory after demonstrating strong pace and composure throughout both race days, finishing ahead of Samuel Karajkovic in second and Sam Testa in third. The fights at the front remained close, with positions changing across sessions and margins kept to a minimum.
The Mini category produced one of the most competitive contests of the weekend. Ilyas Sami claimed overall victory following two controlled and intelligent drives, managing pressure from Albi-Jay Stubbs, who finished second, while Achilleas Peruzzi completed the podium in third after a consistent performance across the Cup.
In the Junior category, Veer Chopra emerged on top after a strong and disciplined showing, holding his position at the front despite sustained pressure from Mohammed Al Qassemi, who finished second. Arhaan Koreishi secured third place, rounding out a closely contested Junior podium that kept the outcome open until the final sessions.
The Senior/170 category saw Oscar Bray take overall victory with a measured and commanding performance across both days of competition. Arsene Djolovic finished second, while Samih Alasaad completed the podium in third. In the Senior category, Mohammed Mneimneh claimed first place, followed by Georges Nassar in second and Adam Elbassiony in third, concluding a strong showing from the region’s most experienced drivers.
Beyond regional honours, MEC 2026 carried significant international importance. The first and second place finishers in the Mini, Junior, and Senior categories secured entry tickets to the IAME International World Final 2026, taking place 19–24 October 2026 at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo, Italy.
Founded in Italy in 1968, IAME is the global leader in kart engine manufacturing. In the UAE, the brand was introduced through RAK Track, which established IAME UAE and continues to support the development of high-level karting across the country.
Commenting on the weekend, Giovanni Dezzani, CEO of Media Friends, said: "MEC 2026 confirmed the Middle East Cup as a key reference point for regional karting, both in terms of competition level and event delivery."
With record participation, intense racing, and international rewards on offer, MEC 2026 set a new benchmark for future editions of the Middle East Cup.