Representatives of FIA Sport Clubs from around the world have gathered for their annual regional sessions during the General Assemblies week in Baku. They reflected on a year of achievement and shared their optimism for a similarly productive 2024.
Africa Sport Clubs meeting
Details of the inaugural African Karting Cup were among the highlights of the meeting of African Sport Clubs chaired by FIA Vice President for Sport – Africa, Rodrigo Rocha.
The event, which will take place at the Formula K venue in Gauteng, South Africa, from 15-17 February 2024, will cater for the OK-N and OK-J categories with nominated drivers from selected Member Clubs competing on an arrive and drive basis.
Participants also heard an update from the African Development Task Force. Visits to Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Angola have already taken place and visits to Botswana and Ethiopia are planned.
In spite of local challenges, most Members were able to run events in 2023, especially at grassroots level, and said that they had seen an increase in licence holders. This, as well as the participation of two representatives from Uganda and Kenya in the FIA Immersion Programme this year is a testament to the dynamism of the region.
Asia Pacific Sport Clubs meeting
Vice President for Sport – Asia Pacific Lee Lung Nien emphasised the importance of embracing the Accessible & Inclusive Karting Worldwide concept (revealed during the ASN Forum), highlighting the key role it will play in driving motor sport participation.
A discussion on the future of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship took place, with a focus on how grassroot events, such as auto gymkhanas and navigational rallies, can ultimately encourage more people to take up rallying.
There was a report on the inaugural Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship last October, which was deemed to be a great success. Outline plans for the 2025 edition, including the need for a host country, were discussed.
A working group to evaluate the current state of touring car and single-seater racing across the region has been established.
Europe Sport Clubs meeting
FIA Vice Presidents for Sport – Europe Anna Nordkvist and Manuel Aviñó started the meeting by giving an update following Wednesday’s World Motor Sport Council meeting.
An open discussion focused on the use of sustainable fuels in events organised at national level, specifically on overcoming the challenges, such as fuel cost, but also embracing the opportunities available.
The safeguarding in motor sport was also discussed, as was the ambition for all Member Clubs to achieve FIA Environmental Accreditation by 2025.
There was also a conversation about the growth of the FIA University and an update on the online courses currently available (the Certificate in Motorsport Leadership and Management and the Certificate in Modern Sport Governance).
Clubs wrapped up the meeting by sharing new initiatives and best practices. Notably, the Norwegian ASN explained its grassroots racing concept using standard street cars.
Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Sport Clubs meeting
The new-nominated Deputy Vice President for Sport – MENA Region, HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal Al Saud welcomed all the MENA Clubs’ Presidents.
He announced that 21 countries will be represented at the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup, scheduled from 12-16 December in Doha, Qatar.
He also noted the appointment of Jasim Ebrahim as regional sport coordinator, to bring MENA in line with other regions.
This year, the MENA region continued to host several high-level FIA Championship events, and the participation of representatives from Algeria and Saudi Arabia in the FIA Immersion Programme further highlighted the importance of the region.
North & South America Sport Clubs meeting
FIA Vice President for Sport North America Daniel Coen and FIA Vice President for Sport South America Fabiana Ecclestone jointly hosted a meeting gathering the North & South America Sport Clubs.
They highlighted how support from the FIA Funding Programme has been used to deliver successful events in the region, such as the Central America Karting Championship rounds in Costa Rica and Guatemala, and the South America Esport Championship in Brazil.
The Vice Presidents presented several projects planned for 2024, including details of the funding secured and their intention to secure financial support for a South American version of the FIA Motorsport Games.
During a feedback session, items discussed included the availability of online training resources for motor sport event officials.
Source : Fia
