Bahrain-based racer Lewis Smith set for European karting campaign

TDT | Manama                                                 

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain-based karting star Lewis Smith is looking forward to a summer of intense competition in Europe, going up against many of the best drivers in the world. The 16-year-old British School of Bahrain student has lined up a series of highly competitive international championships as part of a busy programme of high-octane racing over the next several weeks.

Lewis is fresh from capturing the X30 Senior title in the IAME Summer Series 2022 at Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. He will now be looking to build on that success and take his talents farther overseas for three leading karting series, where he will be going up against some fierce opposition.

“I have a big summer ahead of me and I am looking forward to getting suited up and go racing,” Lewis said. “The championships I will be competing in in Europe are very tough, so I hope to gain a lot of valuable experience and continue my development against some of the world’s best young talent.”

The up-and-coming British racer will first hit the tarmac on July 23 and 24 in the GK4 Kart Series. Lewis will then compete in the IAME Series Benelux 2022 from August 19 to 21, and then wrap up his busy summer schedule with races in the IAME Euro Series 2022, taking place August 25 to 28.

All three events are set to be held at Karting Gent track in Belgium—a 1.360-kilometre, FIA-homologated circuit that has hosted the Karting World Championship in the past and just earlier this year staged the European Karting Championship.

“I’m really excited about showing what I can do against others like me who are also looking to climb the motorsport ladder,” Lewis said. “These are the series where motorsport’s future stars get their starts, and I hope I can follow in their footsteps and propel my racing career to an even higher level.

“I’m dedicated to working hard to achieve my goals, and I’m motivated to give my very best each time I go out on track. I’m looking forward to it all, especially as I will be driving in all weathers and rain if forecasted over some of the races.” Lewis has been preparing for his upcoming summer campaign with regular training days at Bahrain International Karting Circuit in Sakhir, under the guidance of his coach Rashid Almuammari, who himself is a national karting champion.

Lewis is expected to race in all the rounds alongside his teammates on BirelART Bahrain.

Championships

The GK4 Kart Series is one of the largest karting championships in the Netherlands, with participants of up to 200 or more each meeting. The Genk round is the fourth of seven on its 2022 calendar.

The IAME Series Benelux is another high-level championship under the umbrella of the IAME. Its 2022 campaign is being contested over five prestigious events, mixing friendship and performance, respect and technicality, along with safety and sporting fairness. The Genk round will mark the fourth and penultimate meeting of its season. The IAME Euro Series is another leading championship under the IAME banner.

The 2022 calendar consists of four rounds in Spain, Italy and twice in Belgium, with Genk hosting the finale. Lewis is one of Bahrain’s top young karters who has been honing his skills in the Kingdom. He regularly competes in national, regional and international championships and continues to excel at all levels. Lewis is regularly looking for support from Bahrain companies for sponsorship opportunities, which would offer exposure all across Europe and within the Kingdom of Bahrain. Those interested in backing such a rising star in the motorsport sector can contact Lewis’s parent Tony Smith at tony.smith.dubai@gmail.com.