Rashid Al Dhaheri poses with the winner’s trophy at the presentation ceremony.

Promising talented Emirati racing karting star Rashid Al Dhaheri has achieved a podium finished as he gained third position at Circuito South Garda Karting, Italy, competing with 96 other drivers in his category among 300 drivers in all categories.

Rashid’s third-place sets up a close final, as he is now second behind the WSK Euro Series Championship, with the tournament to be decided next weekend in Adria – Italy.

The final race of the series will be set as a midnight race, a totally a news experience for Rashid.

In a series of toughly-fought heats, Rashid was often outside in the second row, a challenging position, however he had success in achieving third position for most of the heats.

Unfortunately, there was an incident which pushed him away from the track in the last heat, which saw him drop behind and start the prefinal in 9th position. This frustrating setback only fired up young Rashid and made him even more determined. As he set off in the prefinal he carried out a most amazing race, which saw him surge forward and achieve second position. This fantastic result saw him start the final placed third on the grid.

Under the blazing hot sun in Lonato, Rashid carried out a determined race and spent much time pushing for second position.

Unfortunately, his engine was not performing at its peak leaving first and second position a challenge to catch. Fighting hard, he kept up the pressure and gained third place.

The podium finish has narrowed the gap between Rashid and the reigning champion to less than 20 points, meaning the window is open for the young Emirati to aim for the WSK Euro Series in Adria next weekend.

Rashid said: “I faced some difficult challenges however I know that it’s important to continue trying hard whatever happens, and that effort will be rewarded. I’m glad that I made the best of the situation I was in and gaining enough points so that I can challenge for the championship is great news. I hope that I can now push for victory at Adria next week and I would like to thank the Parolin Racing Kart team and Simone of MAN engines for helping me to keep up the pressure, as well as my coach for teaching me the skills to challenge in every race.”

Team Principal of Parolin Racing Kart, Marco Parolin said: “This is proving to be an exciting first season for Rashid at Parolin Racing Kart and we are delighted with his performance. Many drivers would not have the same tenacity and diligence to achieve a podium finish in the face of setbacks as this young star did. It is quite an achievement to still be in the championship and the whole team stands right behind him for what is sure to be an exciting race next weekend.”

The race took place on the renowned 1,200m South Garda Karting Track in Lombardy Province, Northern Italy, known as one of the most important tracks of its kind in the world. Having first opened in 1988, the circuit has been recently renovated and widened to provide a fun track that provides an adrenaline-fuelled ride. One of the most famous tracks worldwide, elite drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have all raced there.

Rashid joined Parolin Racing Kart at the start of this season for World Series race participation including the WSK Karting series in Europe, Italian Championship and many others. Parolin Racing Kart specialises in racing and rental karts, components, accessories and engines. Parolin’s innovative spirit and creative approach in finding new technical solutions has helped it to widen a presence worldwide. The company is now known extensively as one of the most important and youngest kart manufacturers.

The racing season continues for Rashid this weekend, over the Wednesday, June 26 to Saturday, June 29, as he will participate in the final WSK Euro Series race night edition in Adria, Italy.