Sporting Regulations

1.1 Championship Name

The championship shall be known as the UAE Talent Championship (“UTC”). The official regulatory title shall be: IAME-UAE Talent Championships 2026/27 Regulation.

1.2 Organiser

Organised and administered by Media Friends in collaboration with RAK Track.

1.3 Purpose

Established to identify, develop, and reward emerging karting talent within the United Arab Emirates through a structured arrive-and-drive racing programme, providing an accessible pathway from recreational karting into professional motorsport competition.

1.4 Official Language

The official language of the championship shall be English. In any dispute regarding interpretation, the English version shall prevail.

1.5 Headings

Headings are for ease of reference only and do not form part of the regulations.

3.1 Driver Eligibility. To take part, drivers must:

• Meet the minimum age requirements for their category.
• Complete the official registration process.
• Sign all required waivers and declarations.
• Attend the mandatory drivers’ briefing.
• Complete a test drive at RAK Track Karting Circuit, or provide proof of existing UAE racing experience (e.g. SWS or another recognised activity), before entry can be accepted.

No professional racing licence is required to participate. The championship is open to newcomers. Only a RAK Track test drive (or recognised UAE karting experience) is needed.

3.2 Health, Fitness and Medical Condition

Each driver confirms that he/she is physically and mentally fit to participate in the race event and does not suffer from any medical condition that would make participation unsafe. The driver and, where applicable, the parent or legal guardian, are responsible for obtaining independent medical advice before participation if there is any doubt regarding the driver’s health or fitness.

A driver must not participate while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication, or any substance which may impair concentration, reaction time, judgment, physical ability, or safety. Breach of this requirement may result in immediate exclusion and further disciplinary action.

• Media Friends will organise individual race events throughout the 2026–2027 season.
• Race dates are published through the official website, registration process, and championship communication channels.
• The calendar may be amended at the discretion of the Organiser.

5.1 Registration

• Complete the official online registration through the designated championship website.
• Add the UAE Talent Championship event to your profile, complete the entry form, and pay the relevant fee online.
• Provide accurate driver details, including full name and date of birth, and, upon the Organiser’s request, Emirates ID or passport details for the driver and, for drivers under 18, for the parent or legal guardian.

5.2 Entry Acceptance

Entries are confirmed only once the form is completed, payment is received, and confirmation is issued by the Organiser.

5.3 Entry Deadline

All entries must be received seven (7) days before the race date. Late entries may be accepted at the Organiser’s sole discretion.

5.4 Entry Restrictions

• The Organiser may postpone or cancel a race event if fewer than ten (10) entries are received.
• Above thirty (30) entries, participation is accommodated based on kart availability.
• Where restricted, approved entries follow the date of submission: first-come, first-served.
• The Organiser may refuse any entry against the spirit of the Talent Championship Races.
• The Organiser reserves the right to cancel, postpone, reschedule, suspend, abandon, or amend any race event for safety, operational, technical, weather-related, regulatory, kart availability, insufficient entries, or other reasonable grounds.
• The Organiser also reserves the right to refuse or remove any driver from an event where the driver is ineligible, unfit, unsafe, late, underweight, in breach of the regulations, in breach of safety instructions, involved in misconduct, or otherwise considered unsuitable for participation.

5.5 Entry Fees

AED 1,950 per race for every category (K100 Junior, K100 Senior, Club60 Mini), Arrive & Drive format. A round is a double-header: entering “Both Races” counts as two races. The relevant fee is published on the website and online registration.

5.6 Personal Data

The driver and, where applicable, the parent or legal guardian, consent to the collection and processing of personal information submitted during registration or participation. This information is used to administer entries, run the championship, and communicate with participants, in accordance with the Privacy Policy published on the official website.

Each event follows the flow below. Exact durations appear in the Supplementary Regulations for each event.

1. 01
   Registration
   Online registration & payment
2. 02
   Weigh-In
   Full kit, no ballast
3. 03
   Kart Allocation
   Draw your kart number
4. 04
   Briefing
   Mandatory before track
5. 05
   Qualifying
   Timed, sets the grid
6. 06
   Race
   Fastest over the distance
7. 07
   Podium
   Top three of the day

• Attendance at the Drivers’ Briefing is mandatory.
• Drivers arriving late may only participate at the discretion of the Clerk of the Course, with no refund of entry fees.
• The winner completes the stipulated race distance in the shortest time; all others are classified in finishing order.

• Drivers draw separate kart numbers, one per session; karts may not be swapped between drivers under any circumstances.
• If a driver does not attend the kart draw, the Organiser allocates the kart number.
• If a driver draws the same kart number in a row, the driver must pick again.
• All karts are prepared and maintained by the Organiser; technical issues must be reported immediately.
• Drivers must use the allocated kart with care. Deliberate misuse may result in penalties.

The Organiser provides all karts; all competitors must use the equipment supplied and maintained by the Organiser.

• No modification or mechanical intervention is allowed. Any participant, parent, guardian, team member or associate found in breach may cause penalisation of the driver per Section 15.
• A replacement kart is provided only for genuine mechanical failure not attributable to misuse, never for deliberate contact, driver misuse, or avoidable incidents.
• Kart numbers are allocated randomly before the event and assigned to karts, not drivers.
• Drivers may not modify components, adjust settings, remove parts, or interfere with kart preparation. Any breach may result in penalties or exclusion.

Ballast denominations

• Drivers are weighed without ballast, wearing full racing equipment (suit, boots, helmet, rib protector and neck brace where used).
• Weigh-in is completed before the briefing; weights may be checked at any time. Underweight drivers are penalised per Section 15.
• Weighted vests or lead weights cannot be worn at weigh-in or used in the race (except by prior agreement with the Organiser).
• The driver is responsible for placing and removing the correct ballast for each session; ballast may not be removed from the pit lane area.
• Weighted seat inserts are prohibited; non-weighted inserts are allowed but do not count toward driver weight.
• The official scales at the pit lane entrance are a Judge of Fact.

• Session duration is specified in the Supplementary Regulations for each event.
• Qualifying results determine the starting positions for the race.
• Tie-break: identical best lap times are separated by each driver’s second-best lap, and so on.
• Drivers must respect track limits and not impede other competitors.
• The Clerk of the Course may cancel or restart qualifying after red flags or unforeseen circumstances.
• Attendance at the Drivers’ Briefing is mandatory; late arrival may forfeit participation with no refund.

Flag signals

• All races use a rolling start format.
• Karts line up on the Pre-Grid in a predetermined order; drivers must be in position on time, holding two distinct lanes. Pole Position sets a steady, controlled pace.
• The start is shown by the start-line lights going out; if inoperative, by waving of the UAE national flag.
• Jump start: a 10-second penalty applied to the race result.
• Yellow: slow down, take care, no overtaking until the green flag at the next safe post.
• Red flag: if under 50% distance is completed by the leader, the race may be re-run in full (result void); if 50%+ , the race ends and is classified one lap before the red flag. Only karts under their own power are classified.
• Finish: the leader takes the chequered flag, then all karts slow and proceed to the pit lane following marshal instructions.

• Points are awarded by finishing position in each race and accumulate over the season. A non-finish scores no points unless the Clerk of the Course determines otherwise.
• Tie-break: equal points are decided by the number of highest finishes, then by fastest lap.
• Trophies go to the top three scoring drivers in each category from the overall results on the day. Scoring is subject to confirmation in the Supplementary Regulations.

• Trophies are presented to the top three scoring drivers of the day (equal points decided by highest finishes, then fastest lap).
• Prize winners must attend the podium ceremony wearing their race suit fully zipped with collar closed.

Karting is a non-contact motorsport. Drivers must compete fairly, respectfully, and professionally at all times.

• More experienced drivers must set an example; a quicker driver must race around a slower driver, never forcing them off through contact.
• Accidental contact is assessed by the Organiser; deliberate contact or conduct infringements are not tolerated.
• Respect fellow competitors, officials, marshals, organisers, and the reputation of the championship, regardless of gender, ability, appearance, background, or religion.
• White lines define track limits: two wheels over the line is acceptable; four wheels beyond (including touching it) is not.
• Dangerous driving (corner-entry contact, forcing a kart off track, unsafe re-joining, excessive weaving, moving more than once to defend, causing an avoidable accident) is severely penalised.
• Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited and result in exclusion and possible further action.
• Abusive comments on social media or public forums are prohibited; conduct must be professional and respectful at all times.
• Drivers must comply immediately with all instructions given by the Organiser, the Clerk of the Course, RAK Track, marshals, and authorised personnel.
• The driver and, where applicable, the parent or legal guardian, are responsible for the conduct of the driver’s family members, guests, friends, team members, and any persons accompanying the driver.

Applied by the Clerk of the Course or the Organisers for the specified infringements:

Each participant must wear racing equipment during on-track sessions:

• Helmet: undamaged, correct size, properly fastened; visor securely fitted; clear visor after sunset or as instructed.
• Race suit: undamaged, fully fastened, covering arms and legs.
• Gloves & shoes: in good condition, fully covering hands/wrists and the foot.
• Neck braces / rib protectors are permitted if CIK-compliant and fit for purpose.
• The driver is responsible for ensuring that all personal safety equipment is suitable, properly fitted, correctly worn, and in safe condition.
• The Clerk of the Course may disallow any equipment deemed unsafe. No driver may take part without the required safety equipment.

• All branding, sponsor placement, and advertising visibility is controlled by the Organiser.
• Competitors may not place their own sponsors’ branding on the kart without the Organiser’s express permission.
• Competitors should not advertise other venues on visors or helmets.
• Advertising on overalls, helmets, or equipment must not conflict with championship partners, event requirements, or Organiser instructions.
• The Organiser may request removal, covering, or amendment of any advertising deemed unsuitable, unauthorised, or conflicting.

By entering the UAE Talent Championship, competitors grant the Organiser the unrestricted right to use photographs, video and broadcast footage, interviews, names, likenesses, championship standings, and race results for promotional, commercial, broadcast, editorial, and social media purposes without additional compensation.

19.1 Voluntary Participation and Assumption of Inherent Risk

Motorsport is dangerous. Karting carries inherent and unavoidable risks of serious personal injury, permanent disability, paralysis, and death, as well as loss of or damage to property. These risks include, without limitation: collisions and contact with other karts, barriers, kerbs, walls, or fixed objects; loss of control, spins, and roll-overs; mechanical, engine, tyre, brake, or component failure; fire; variable track, surface, lighting, and weather conditions; and the acts or omissions of other competitors, officials, medical staff, or third parties.

By entering and participating in the UAE Talent Championship, each Participant:

• confirms that they understand the full nature and extent of these risks; and
• voluntarily and knowingly assumes all such risks, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, and whether arising before, during, or after any event or session.

In these Regulations, “Participant” means each registered driver and, where applicable, that driver’s parent(s), legal guardian(s), team members, mechanics, assistants, and guests present at any venue.

19.2 Release and Waiver

Each Participant releases, waives, and discharges the Released Parties from any and all claims, demands, actions, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, and expenses of any kind arising out of or in any way connected with the Participant’s entry, presence at any venue, or participation in the Championship, including any claim for personal injury, disability, death, medical expense, or property loss or damage.

In these Regulations, “Released Parties” means: Media Friends FZCO; the UAE Talent Championship; RAK Track and all circuit and venue operators used by the Championship (including RAK Track, Sharjah Kart Track, and Al Forsan); IAME UAE, where applicable; all Championship Officials, Clerks of the Course, marshals, scrutineers, and medical and rescue staff; all Sponsors and Partners; all Contractors and Service Providers; and the respective owners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives of each of the foregoing.

19.3 Medical, Injury, Evacuation and Personal Costs

Each Participant is solely and exclusively responsible for all costs and expenses arising from any injury, illness, disability, or death sustained in connection with the Championship, including, without limitation, first aid, ambulance, hospital, surgical, medical, dental, rehabilitation, ground or air evacuation, and repatriation costs.

The Released Parties:

• do not provide, and are under no obligation to provide, any medical, accident, life, or disability cover for any Participant; and
• shall bear no part of any such cost or expense under any circumstances.

Any first aid, medical assistance, or evacuation arranged or facilitated at an event is provided as an emergency courtesy only, at the Participant’s sole risk and cost, and does not transfer any liability or cost to any of the Released Parties.

In the event of an accident, injury, illness, or emergency, each Participant and, for any driver under 18, the parent or legal guardian, authorises the Organiser, RAK Track, officials, marshals, medical personnel, and emergency responders to arrange or provide first aid, medical assistance, ambulance transfer, or emergency treatment as reasonably considered necessary. The Organiser does not guarantee the availability, suitability, or outcome of any medical treatment.

19.4 Indemnity

Each Participant, and for any driver under the age of 18 that driver’s parent(s) and legal guardian(s), jointly and severally, agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, losses, damages, fines, penalties, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal and professional fees) arising out of or in connection with:

• the Participant’s participation in, or presence at, the Championship;
• any act, omission, negligence, or breach of these Regulations by the Participant;
• any injury to, illness of, disability of, or death of the Participant; and
• any claim brought by any third party (including the Participant’s family, estate, heirs, mechanics, team, or guests) in respect of any of the foregoing.

19.5 Damage Caused by the Participant

Each Participant is liable for any loss of or damage to any kart, equipment, venue property, or third-party property, and for any injury caused to any third party, resulting from that Participant’s act, omission, or breach of these Regulations, and shall reimburse the Organiser and/or the relevant venue operator for the full cost of repair or replacement on demand.

19.6 Events Beyond Control; Fault of Others

The Released Parties shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, expense, delay, cancellation, or non-performance resulting from force majeure, exceptional or unforeseeable circumstances, the act, omission, or fault of any third party, or the act, omission, or fault of the Participant themselves.

19.7 Acknowledgment and Acceptance

Entry into the Championship and/or completion of the registration and waiver process, including electronic acceptance and payment during online registration, constitutes each Participant’s confirmation that they have read, understood, and accepted this Section 19 and all of these Regulations in full. For any driver under the age of 18, the parent or legal guardian accepts this Section 19 on the driver’s behalf and in their own right, and warrants that they have full authority to do so. Electronic acceptance is binding to the same extent as a handwritten signature.

19.8 Parent / Legal Guardian Confirmations for Minor Drivers

Where the driver is under eighteen (18) years of age, the parent or legal guardian confirms that he/she:

• is the lawful parent or legal guardian of the driver and has authority to register the driver for the event;
• has read and understood these Regulations and the applicable risks of karting and motorsport activities;
• consents to the driver’s participation in the event;
• accepts the risks of participation on behalf of the driver;
• agrees to be responsible for the driver’s conduct, compliance with rules, and any damage, loss, injury, or claim caused by the driver’s own act, omission, breach of rules, dangerous driving, or failure to comply with instructions; and
• agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Organiser and the relevant event parties in accordance with these Regulations, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

19.9 No Exclusion of Non-Excludable Liability

Nothing in these Regulations excludes or limits any liability which cannot be excluded or limited under applicable UAE law.

• The Organiser may amend these regulations at any time; amendments are communicated through Official Bulletins and take effect immediately upon publication.
• Media Friends may issue additional statements during the year via Competitors’ Bulletins at race meetings.
• Amendments may cover safety requirements, sporting regulations, event procedures, championship administration, operational requirements, and official bulletins.

• Any matter not specifically covered by these regulations is decided by the Organiser.
• The decision of the Organiser and Clerk of the Course is final and binding.
• Official Bulletins are the official communication method for amendments and decisions.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Regulations shall be governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Regulations, the driver’s registration, or participation in the event shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts of the United Arab Emirates, unless otherwise mandatorily required by applicable law.