CIK-FIA President Felipe Massa wants karting at the 2024 Olympic Games.
But not karting in its current guise.
Speaking to motorsport.com, the ex-Ferrari F1 driver said “the idea is to take electric karts to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.”
A demonstration of electric karting is already organized for at the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina later this year.
This marks a significant step for the FIA and its recognition by the International Olympic Committee, one that Massa wants to exploit to have the sport as part of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
There is no doubt that being part of the Olympics would be a huge boost for karting from a global coverage and promotional perspective.
But should motorsport – where, let’s face it, much of the performance comes from the vehicle – be part of the Olympic Games?
Many see the Olympics as the pinnacle of athletic and ball-based sports. Of course, equestrian and a few other activities don’t fit those categories, and the list of sports is continually changed from year to year.
Forty-two sports, spanning 55 disciplines, have been part of the Olympic program at one point or another.
Is it time for motorsport to be added to this list via eKarting? Or is that not in the spirit of Olympic competition?
The International Federations for Auto Racing (FIA) and Motorcycle Racing (FIM) are both recognized by the IOC.
At the time of writing, both are deemed ineligible to be included because the Olympic Charter bans sports with motorisation elements.
But you never know who Messrs Todt and Massa can convince to change the rules…
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