DAMC Round 1: UAE Karting Season 2025/26 Kicks Off with Motorscape Podium and Fighting Spirit

The UAE karting season 2025/26 got underway on Sunday, 14 September, with the first round of the Dubai Autodrome Motorsports Club (DAMC) Karting Championship. It was an action-packed day filled with a podium finish, comebacks, and plenty of determination from the Motorscape Racing Team.

Manaf Hijjawi – Senior Max Podium on Return to Racing

After a six-year break, Manaf Hijjawi made a strong comeback to the UAE karting scene. Competing in the Senior Max category, he fought his way from mid-pack qualifying to finish with a hard-earned P2 in the final.

• Qualifying: P13

• Heat 1: P7

• Heat 2: P6

• Final: P2

A brilliant drive that signals he’s back in business for the new season.

Hijjawi during the final

Manaf Al Balushi – Fighting Spirit in Senior Max

Manaf Al Balushi showed steady improvement across the heats in Senior Max, building momentum with every session. Despite being involved in a crash in the final, he managed to restart his kart and finish the race—showing resilience and grit.

• Qualifying: P11

• Heat 1: P9

• Heat 2: P8

• Final: P14

The result may not reflect his effort, but his determination sets the tone for the rounds ahead.

Al Balushi on the starting grid

Oscar Backhouse – Building for Round 2

In his second season with the team, Oscar Backhouse showed speed and motivation across qualifying and heats in Senior Max. Unfortunately, contact just one lap into the final forced him out of contention.

• Qualifying: P14

• Heat 1: P14

• Heat 2: P12

• Final: P17

While unlucky this time, the pace is there, and the focus is already on bouncing back stronger in Round 2.

Backhouse all focused in his kart

Alexander Freienstein – Second Year in Micro Max

Alexander Freienstein opened his second year in the Micro Max category with promising pace, running solidly in the heats. Track limit penalties in the final dropped him down the order, but the performance showed progress and potential for the season ahead.

• Qualifying: P11

• Heat 1: P6

• Heat 2: P6

• Final: P10 (P)

Every setback is a lesson, and Alexander leaves Round 1 with plenty to build on.

Freienstein with eyes on track

Ready for the UAE Karting Season Ahead

Round 1 of the DAMC Karting Championship brought a mix of highs, challenges, and learning opportunities for the Motorscape Racing Team. From Hijjawi’s podium to the fighting spirit shown across Senior Max and Micro Max, the season is off to a strong start.

The team remains united, motivated, and ready to keep pushing forward in the upcoming rounds of the UAE karting calendar 2025/26.

Stay tuned as Motorscape takes on Round 2—this is just the beginning.