FIA Regional Sport Clubs Meetings Drive Innovation and Grassroots Growth in Motorsports Globally
The recent FIA General Assemblies week in Kigali, Rwanda, witnessed lively Regional Sport Clubs Meetings that shone a spotlight on innovation, collaboration, and grassroots growth in motorsport. These meetings, spearheaded by the FIA, focused on empowering Member Clubs and charting a positive future for the sport worldwide.
North & South America Embrace Collaboration and Growth Plans
The FIA North & South America Sport Clubs Meeting, chaired by Daniel Coen, made remarkable strides in outlining strategic initiatives to advance motorsport across the region. Key highlights included updates on the FIA Motorsport Funding Programme, set to bolster grassroots initiatives from 2026, and the introduction of the FIA eLibrary, a valuable resource preserving historical knowledge for FIA Member Clubs.
The meeting celebrated milestones such as the Campeonato Centroamericano de Kartismo and South American Karting Championship, while looking ahead to a dynamic 2025 calendar. Plans for a Pan-American Rally, a restructured Caribbean Junior Karting Championship, esports events, and comprehensive training programs are on the horizon. Participants enthusiastically discussed the growth potential of OK-N Karting, an affordable pathway for young drivers aligning with FIA standards.
Asia Pacific Focuses on Accessibility and Inclusivity
The Asia Pacific Sports Clubs Meeting, led by Lung Nien Lee, celebrated a successful year in 2024 and unveiled ambitious plans for 2025, emphasizing growth, accessibility, and grassroots engagement.
FIA Secretary General for Sport Valerio Iachizzi commended the region’s engagement and communication efforts, while introducing FIA General Manager Alberto Villarreal to Members. Key working groups reported on significant progress, including the Karting Working Group, which celebrated the Asia Pacific Karting Championship and emphasized increasing female participation. The Gymkhana Working Group re-established the Asia Auto-Gymkhana Championship, aiming for a four-round series in 2025. A new Sprint Rally in Indonesia attracted over 150 participants, and the Volunteers and Officials Working Group highlighted successful programs like “First Gear” and “Girls on Track.”
The Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship 2025 in Sri Lanka will feature six disciplines, prioritizing affordability, accessibility, and regional unity. This meeting reinforced the FIA’s dedication to innovation and inclusivity, driving the future of motorsport across the region.
MENA Region Prioritizes Collaboration and Sustainability
The MENA Sport Club Meeting, chaired by Essa Hamza Alfailakawi, underscored collaboration and innovation as key drivers for regional motorsport development. A moment of silence honored Brigadier Salim bin Ali bin Khalifa al Maskary, a former chairman of the Oman Automobile Association, recognizing his substantial contributions.
The FIA presented key initiatives designed to empower Member Clubs, including the FIA University programs, FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship, FIA Motorsport Accelerator Programme, FIA Motorsport Funding Programme, and the eLibrary. The FIA President’s Development Fund, aimed at boosting motorsport participation, was highlighted, with a focus on engagement and eligibility criteria.
FIA Karting Commission President Akbar Ebrahim introduced the Global Karting Plan, which seeks to make Karting more accessible and affordable. Pillars of this plan include a dedicated taskforce, President’s medals for top national karters, an “Arrive and Drive” format, and Karting Excellence Centres. This plan aims to create an alternative pathway for young drivers, complementing existing manufacturer and team-based competitions.
Sustainability was a focal point, with EMSO CEO Mahir Badri showcasing the Club’s solar-powered facilities and eco-friendly initiatives. The meeting encouraged Member Clubs to pursue and achieve FIA Environmental Accreditation.
African Sport Clubs Embrace Innovation and Global Integration
The African Sport Clubs Meeting, chaired by Rodrigo Rocha, brought together ASNs and ACNs across the continent to forge a dynamic vision for motorsport’s future in Africa. Rocha emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration in ensuring the sport’s sustainability and growth across the region.
Discussions focused on revitalizing the African Rally Championship (ARC), with proposals to integrate Side-by-Side Vehicles (SSVs) and cross-country vehicles by 2025, transitioning to a Baja-style format by 2026, and raising the profile of the Safari Rally Kenya. The strategy aims to foster grassroots engagement through affordable vehicle categories and talent development.
The meeting featured key FIA updates, including the FIA President’s Development Fund, FIA University programs, Motorsport in a Box, and the Affordable Cross Car project. The FIA Immersion Programme, returning in 2