ASIAN KARTING - boon for racers and spectators alike in the region

Where does one aspire to arrive at, at their first step to a motor racing career?
Which series can a fan follow that is closer to home?
At the ASIAN KARTING OPEN - CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES, that's where!

The Asian Karting Open Championship Series had its beginnings in April of 2002, after a call from IM, the CIK approved governing body in Indonesia, to AAP in Philippines suggested and discussed the possibility of holding an asian karting series modelled after the European Kart Championships. It was also moved that a prime goal was to elevate the skills of asian karters to a world standard level and develop karting as a sport.

Thus was the 1st championship series initiated with 3 venues hosting regional karters: Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines. A success story, participants flooded in from China, HongKong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Philippines and Brunei.

An average of 80 karters participate at each event, with the strong support of karting teams in the region. AKOC, as the organising body is known has become the premier Karting Series here in Asia, with rounds held in India, Macau, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

There are 6 categories of Karting classes:
1) FORMULA 100 OPEN (FORMULA A)
• 15 years old and above are eligible to join
• International B License is required
• 100 cc Rotary or Reed Valve Engines, approved by CIK
• The premier class and the Highest category for AKOC

2) SENIOR ROTAX MAX 125
• 17 years old and above are eligible to join
• International C license is required
• Rotax Max 125cc Engine
• The best attended category

3) JUNIOR ROTAX MAX 125
• 12 years old up to 17 years old are eligible to join
• International C License is required
• Junior Rotax Max 125cc Engine
• A very popular category among the kids

4) JUNIOR INTERCONTINENTAL A
• 13 years old up to 15 years are eligible to join
• Intercontinental C License is required
• 100cc Piston Port Engine with clutch, appointed by CIK
• Karters from this category step up to Formula 100 open

5) CADET 85• 9 years old up to 13 years old are eligible to join
• Comer K85/W85 engines are used
• The entry level for AKOC karters
• National C-License is required

6) VETERAN ROTAX MAX 125
• 45 years old and above are eligible to join
• International C License is required
• Rotax Max 125 engine
• A popular category for businessman and executives who enjoy karting as a sport

7) MACAU CUP OPEN
• 15 years and above are eligible to join
• National C License is required
• CIK homologated Reed Valve/Rotary valve 100 cc engine.

This year's Schedule is as follows, it's still not too late to watch the action

June 28-29, 2008ROUND 1 - KARTODROMO DE COLOANE, MACAU

July 26-27, 2008ROUND 2 - CARMONA CIRCUIT, PHILIPPINES

August 16-17, 2008ROUND 3 - SENTUL, INDONESIA

October 31- November 2, 2008ROUND 4 - SARABURI, THAILAND

November 28-30, 2008ROUND 5 - KARTODROMO DE COLOANE, MACAU

December 13-14, 2008ROUND 6 - DIAMOND COAST CIRCUIT, HONG KONG