Teens Mahon, Sharma to race at FIA Motorsport Games, TT karting body thrilled

SHERDON PIERRE

FRESH off their selection to compete at the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Motorsport Games 2024, teenagers Benjamin Mahon, 17, and Alex Sharma, 13, had impressive performances on July 7 at the Trinidad and Tobago Karting Association (TTKA) championship event at the Wallerfield International Raceway, Wallerfield.

The boys were recently rewarded for their excellent driving by the TT Automobile Sports Association (TTASA) which confirmed their place at the FIA Motorsport Games, scheduled for October 23-27 in Valencia, Spain. It will be the first time TT is represented at the games, a biennial motorsport event which includes multiple motorsport disciplines.

Mahon and Sharma will be competing in the kart sprint senior and junior categories respectively.

In rainy conditions at Wallerfield on July 7, Mahon defeated Sharma to win the sprint senior category title, which was one of the most anticipated races on the day. They were followed by top female prospect Naomi Garcia in third spot whilst Christian Gajadhar and Adam Mustapha were fourth and fifth respectively.

Brandon Singh copped the LO206 masters title beating Joshua Deonarinesingh into second spot, and Anil Singh secured third spot.

In the Rotax Mini category, Axl Garcia was the winner followed by runner-up Reinaldo Naipaul and Marc Chong-Ashing.

Sharma lifted the trophy in the LO2026 Sportsman category, defeating second-placed Luke Chong-Ashing and third-placed Matias Morton-Gittens.

Jonathan Charan was the winner in the LO206 Cadets category beating Kiran Bhimsingh and Ethan Charan.

TTKA president Shiv Sharma said, “We at the TTKA are very optimistic about the sport's future locally. It is amazing what these kids are able to achieve in less than ideal conditions. It is a testament to the raw local talent we have here in TT. We intend to do our best to develop local drivers.”

TTKA secretary Krishna Ingraham II echoed similar sentiments, "The quality of driving continues to improve, which is a testament to the raw local talent we have here in TT. Our membership is increasing on a monthly basis."

The association has been in existence for 45 years and hosts eight events every year.

Sharma said the association promotes healthy competition and does not discriminate against anyone. He said encouraging road safety is also paramount.

Sharma said the sport operates without a grant or subvention from the government, and they rely solely on the subscription of members and income raise via competitions.

He said TT has been offered the opportunity to host the Caribbean Junior Karting Academy Trophy (CJKAT) this year and the TTKA has asked the Ministry of Sport and Community Development for assistance.

The next local event is carded for Aug 3,4 at the Wallerfield Racetrack.

Karting results:

LO206 Cadets

Jonathan Charan; Kiran Bhimsingh; Ethan Charan; Nialan Seecharan Jnr; Christian Phillip; Logan Ross

LO206 Sportsman

Alex Sharma; Luke Chong-Ashing; Matias Morton-Gittens; Abhishek Ramdeen; Lars Newallo; Varin Bhimsingh; Bradley Froehlich; Sachin Baboolal; Jadon Walcott; Shania Persad

Rotax Mini

Axl Garcia; Reinaldo Naipaul; Marc Chong-Ashing

LO206 Masters

Brandon Singh; Joshua Deonarinesingh; Anil Singh; Ronald Wortman; Kasey Ramoutar; Christopher Wong; Stocklyn Phillip; Aaron Achan; Jason Ross; Vaughn Maharaj

Rotax Senior

Benjamin Mahon; Alex Sharma; Naomi Garcia; Christian Gajadhar; Adam Mustapha