Arjun Maini - the current National Go-Karting Mini Max Champion, often referred to as the Fastest Indian under 12 has won the prestigious Rotax Mojo Asia Challenge 2008 held in Malaysia. The Rotax Mojo Asia Challenge 2008 was held at the Royal Kelantan Kart Prix in Tengku Makhota Karting Circuit, Gunong, in Kota Bharu, Malaysia. Arjun raced in the Micromax / Formula cadet category and emerged victorious in the race held on the 6th of April 2008.

Italian fashion sportswear major Kappa has congratulated Arjun on this victory and lauded this budding sportsman’s spirit and tenacity. Arjun has recently been signed on as the brand ambassador of the Kappa kids range in India and would be donning the Kappa colours on and off the circuit.

Arjun Maini receing his trophy

Arjun who is the current National Go-Karting Mini Max Champion started from second position in the final race. He made a bold move into the first corner from the outside and overtook the race leader Brendan Seibl from Singapore. Arjun then drove brilliantly to keep Brendan Seibl behind him all through the 15 laps on the 1.24 km circuit. The racing was extremely close between Arjun and Brandon and was filled with several exciting moments.

There were 9 participants in the race from various countries including India, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. This is the first time an Indian has won an Asian Race in the under 12 category. Arjun drove on a KNK chassis. Arjun Maini is being trained by Mr. Akbar Ebrahim who is the father of the current GP2 driver Armaan Ebrahim. Arjun's father Gautam Maini has been racing on the National circuit for over a decade.

Arjun's fastest lap was 56.82 seconds on the 1.24 km track with an average speed of 78.56 km/hour.

The Second Round of the Rotax Mojo Asia Challenge 2008 will be held in India in Coimbatore on 3rd and 4th of May. Arjun plans to race in the second round as well as Round 3 and 4 which will be held in Thailand and Indonesia respectively.

Arjun is 10 years old and is a student of the Indus International School, Bangalore. He is currently in the fourth grade and loves to swim and play basketball besides his passion for racing.

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