Karting |02 July 2025

FIA’s ‘Motorsport in a Box’, exciting new challenges for Seychellois drivers

The Seychelles Karting Association has successfully introduced two exciting new grassroots motorsport disciplines with the help of the Fédération Internationale d’Automobile (FIA)’s ‘Motorsport in a Box’ toolkit.

SKA hosted an Autocourse event for cars and SUVs on Saturday June 28, followed by a kart slalom on Monday June 30, both held at Champions Park Raceway, Roche Caïman.

Nine drivers took part in the Autocourse, trialling two categories, namely cars and SUVs.

The event ran smoothly, offering drivers a new and engaging motorsport format that tested car control and agility.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the Seychelles Karting Association (SKA) team gained valuable insights that will help refine the rules ahead of a second trial, with the aim of opening the discipline to the general public.

In the kart slalom, 11 members took on a technical cone course featuring two loops around the circuit.

Drivers faced a steep learning curve as they adapted to the format and rules of slalom-style racing.

The event sparked tense and exciting battles, with near misses and last-second victories, all contributing to a thrilling and skill-building experience for the participants.

Both events marked the official unveiling of the FIA Motorsport in a Box toolkit, which the SKA received in early June.

The kit includes flags, stopwatches, bibs, trophies, notebooks, pens, and clipboards, and has an estimated value of R50,000.

This generous donation was made under the FIA ASN Development Programme, which the SKA is actively engaged in, being now the sole governing body of Seychelles as the FIA’s recognised member.

The association expressed its appreciation for the support by stating that this is a big step forward for grassroots motorsport in Seychelles, as this toolkit allows the ASN to now take motorsport directly to communities around Mahé and Praslin, using available parking areas, for example, to host affordable and accessible events.

The association extends its sincere thanks to the FIA for this valuable support.

Looking ahead, the SKA plans to refine the regulations for both the Autocourse and kart slalom before launching them more widely.

The toolkit will also play a key role in enabling future grassroots disciplines, including navigational rallying and hill climbs, among other things, to be introduced across the islands.

The SKA is also calling on motorsport enthusiasts who wish to get involved, whether as participants or by helping with marshalling or other duties, to come forward and join the growing community.

As participation increases, the team will need more hands to run events and fill key roles that will support the sport’s long-term growth.

It is to be noted that theFIA is expected to be on ground next year to conduct a certification course for officials, opening the door for anyone passionate about motorsport to gain credentials and progress up the FIA officiating ladder.

Come and join the Orange Army.

Text and photos: contributed