The Kartodromo Internacional do Algarve sets the scene for the 2017 RMCGF

360 drivers traveled from 59 countries to convene at the track to begin the week-long journey of battling for the top step of the podium.

Saturday saw the entrants register for the event. The drivers also underwent scrutineering before Sunday’s kart raffle. Spectators could already gain a sense of the competitive spirit at the track, as racers used the kartodromo’s rental karts to test out the circuit parameters before the first unofficial practice, on Monday.

For more information about the Rotax MAX Challenge, please visit https://www.rotax-kart.com/en/Max-Challenge/Grand-Finals/Grand-Finals-2017/Information-Grand-Finals-2017

The kart raffle took place on Sunday. The kart raffle assigns a kart and engine package to each competitor through a random selection process. The random selection process ensures that no driver will be favored over another in terms of receiving a faster chassis / engine package.

Upon accepting their karts and engines, drivers and mechanics assembled their karting package beneath the massive driver tent in preparation for Monday.

The Welcome Party will be held on Sunday night, conveniently at the Autodromo do Algarve for all drivers to come together and celebrate the spirit of Rotax karting.

The party also will see the kick-off to the annual Team Contest. Each team will be judged based on the drivers’ team spirit, the uniformity of their team wear and their overall passion for their homeland. Starting Monday, you can like which team you want to win on the Rotax Facebook Page. The winning team – the one with the most likes – will be announced by the evening of Saturday, November 11 (along with the jury’s official stamp of approval), at the driver’s party.