FIA Americas Awards: Sporting & Mobility Highlights

Panama City hosted a significant gathering of motor sport and mobility organizations from across the Americas on Saturday, January 31st. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body, brought together clubs from North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean, to recognize achievements and advancements in both competitive racing and road safety initiatives.

Celebrating Achievements Across the Americas

The FIA Americas awards ceremony, hosted by the Asociación Automovilística de Touring y Deportes de Panamá (ASAI Panama), honored 46 drivers and organizations representing 20 countries. These awards acknowledged talent, success, and innovation within the diverse landscape of motor sport in the Americas, spanning disciplines from Karting and Touring Cars to Cross Car and Rally.

Did You Know? The USA’s motor sport sector currently generates nearly $70 billion in economic output.

A Focus on Mobility and Safety

Beyond the racing accolades, the event also highlighted crucial work being done to improve mobility for all. Recognition was given to projects focused on making transportation safer, more sustainable, and more affordable. This included strengthening collaboration between motor sport clubs, governments, and private sector entities throughout the region.

Key Attendees and Regional Importance

The gala was attended by prominent FIA leaders, including FIA Vice President for Sport – North America Daniel Coen and FIA Vice President for Sport – South America Fabiana Ecclestone. FIA Deputy President for Automobile Mobility and Tourism Tim Shearman, along with FIA Region III President Frank Fotia and FIA Region IV President Ricardo Morales Rubio, were also present, underscoring the region’s importance to the FIA’s global objectives.

Expert Insight: The FIA’s emphasis on recognising both sporting achievement and mobility improvements suggests a strategic effort to demonstrate the broader societal benefits of motor sport and its associated organizations. This approach could be aimed at fostering greater public support and attracting further investment in the sector.

recognising Individual Excellence

Among the celebrated drivers were Sebastián Montoya Freydell, completing his first season in FIA Formula 2, and Mario Parra, who achieved success in the Chilean national rally championship. Other winners included Nelson Angelo Piquet for touring car performance in Brazil and 16-year-old Naomi Garcia from Trinidad and Tobago, who competed in the FIA Karting Arrive and Drive World Cup in Malaysia.

Advancing Road Safety Initiatives

The awards also acknowledged organizations and individuals dedicated to road safety and sustainability. Honorees included Pedro Abril (Ecuador), Marcelo Metediera (Uruguay), Samuel Justavino (Panama), INCHCAPE (Costa Rica), La Meta (Honduras), la Fundación Mapfre (Colombia), and Brava International Ltd (Trinidad and Tobago).

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “North, Central, and South America are at the heart of global motorsport and mobility development, from grassroots events and pioneering initiatives to World Championship races and technological innovations. The award categories recognise your work to support our shared values to lead motorsport development, grow participation, and make mobility safer and more sustainable for all.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of motor sport were represented at the awards?

The FIA Americas awards highlighted a diverse range of motor sport disciplines, including Karting, Touring Cars, Cross Car, and Rally.

Which regions were represented at the awards ceremony?

The event brought together Motor Sport and Mobility Clubs from North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

What is the FIA’s role in the Americas?

The FIA aims to develop motor sport, grow participation, and make mobility safer and more sustainable for all in the Americas, as stated by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

As the FIA continues to foster growth in the Americas, what role might increased collaboration between clubs, governments, and the private sector play in shaping the future of motor sport and mobility in the region?