I.M.: What does it mean to be part of a historic company like IAME?

O.C.: I have been involved with IAME since 2008 in race organization, and it is truly an honor to represent a company with such a rich history and legacy. IAME is the benchmark in Karting, known for its innovation, technology, and prestigious events such as Bercy, the X30 Challenge, and the IAME Series.

I.M.: How has being part of IAME influenced your approach to organizing motorsport events?

O.C.: Representing a leading manufacturer comes with responsibilities. While it is essential to honor IAME’s storied past and traditions, we must also focus on the future, ensuring the continued growth and evolution of our sport.

I.M.: What is the most exciting aspect of working with IAME, and what is the biggest challenge?

O.C.: Each race weekend is unique, bringing new challenges and successes. The most significant challenge lies in adapting to societal changes, evolving mentalities, and increasingly complex administrative regulations. Every generation of drivers brings fresh perspectives, requiring us to continuously evolve.

I.M.: How does IAME Motorsport support the success of events?

O.C.: IAME Motorsport streamlines pre-race preparations by managing administrative aspects, which have become increasingly complex over the years

I.M.: What type of collaboration exists between you and the central IAME Motorsport team for the race management?

O.C.: We maintain continuous communication throughout the season—requesting new features, sharing ideas, and addressing challenges. While centralizing operations via a single platform is beneficial, adapting to different countries’ regulations remains a significant task

I.M.: Does IAME provide specific guidelines to ensure event quality and consistency?

O.C.: Yes, there are guidelines, but each country has unique rules, practices, and categories, requiring adjustments to local environments.

I.M.: What does the IAME Warrior Final represent on the international karting stage?

O.C.: Originally launched as the Bruno Grana Trophy in 2008, later evolving into the IAME International Final and now the IWF, this event gathers the best IAME drivers from around the world to compete for the ultimate title.

I.M.: What is the prestige of winning the IWF, and what opportunities does it offer to its champions?

O.C.: Many top Motorsport champions have competed in the IWF. For some, it is a stepping stone to professional racing; for others, it is the pinnacle of their Karting career. The event ensures an equal playing field, making victory genuinely meaningful. The goal has always been to offer drivers the opportunity to participate in a competition as they had only seen it in magazines until

I.M.: How has the event evolved over the years, and what innovations have been introduced?

O.C.: Initially featuring only three categories (X30 Junior, X30 Senior, X30 Master) and 80 drivers, the IWF has grown alongside national championships. One year we even reached 540 drivers. Innovations include live broadcasting, advanced sports management, and technical inspections, many of which have set new industry standards.

I.M.: How can a driver qualify for the IAME Warrior Final?

O.C.: Drivers must win a ticket at IAME national events, ensuring that only the most competitive IAME Series participants take part. IWF often serves as a stepping stone to higher levels of karting or car racing.

I.M.: What is the level of competition among qualified drivers?

O.C.: While skill levels may vary depending on national championships, all participants aim for a competitive and memorable race experience.

I.M.: How does live streaming or television broadcasting increase driver visibility?

O.C.: Live broadcasts showcase drivers to a global audience, helping them gain recognition from teams and sponsors.

I.M.: Are there any special stories about drivers who have participated in the IWF?

O.C.: The IWF is full of memorable moments, from emotional victories to unexpected challenges. Whether it’s a driver forgetting their racing tires or another expressing heartfelt gratitude for making the finals, these stories define the spirit of the event.

I.M.: What was the most spectacular edition of the IWF?

O.C.: The 2018 Senior Final stands out as one of the most intense, with continuous overtaking and fierce yet fair competition among multiple contenders.

I.M.: Have any IWF drivers gone on to have successful motorsport careers?

O.C.: Yes, notable alumni include Yuki Tsunoda, Oscar Piastri, Jack Doohan, Oliver Bearman and others competing in F1, IndyCar, WEC, FE, and GT racing.

I.M.: What does it mean to organize and represent an IAME Series nationally?

O.C.: An IAME Series guarantees a high standard of competition, combining technical excellence with a sense of community.

I.M.: What sets an IAME Series apart from other karting competitions?

O.C.: It is an accessible competition tailored to drivers’ needs, ensuring fair play and top-tier organization. It is also a competition that takes place in the neighboring country with the same standards and the same rules.

I.M.: How does IAME support local organizers?

O.C.: IAME provides ongoing technical training, communication support, and assistance with awards ceremonies.

I.M.: Why is regulatory consistency across different IAME Series important?

O.C.: Uniform technical regulations allow drivers to compete internationally with ease, fostering global participation.

I.M.: Do you collaborate with media and streaming platforms to enhance driver visibility?

O.C.: Yes, though it is challenging due to evolving digital trends and high costs. The shift towards short-form content requires constant adaptation.

I.M.: Are there initiatives to promote top-performing drivers?

O.C.: We produce high-quality media content, while many drivers use AI-powered tools to enhance their presence.

I.M.: What role does social media play in driver promotion?

O.C.: Social media provides visibility but also dilutes the distinction between elite drivers and casual participants. Additionally, AI-generated content sometimes misrepresents event locations, creating marketing challenges.

I.M.: How do your events help young talent get noticed in motorsport?

O.C.: We strive to give deserving drivers a boost by introducing them to the automotive world, whether through a specialized driving course or by offering scholarships to compete in championships. We regularly collaborate with Winfield Racing School and the Ultimate European Series, both of which are highly professional and educational. We are trying to build a bridge between karts and cars. Unfortunately, it's no secret that a career in motorsport often depends on financial backing.

I.M.: Do you work with media, social networks, or streaming platforms to enhance driver visibility?

O.C.: We try, but it’s a challenge. It’s expensive, constantly evolving, and young drivers' habits are changing. Traditional print magazines and even photos are becoming obsolete. Long-format content is also fading away—short reels are now the trend. Personally, I find them too brief to explore a topic in depth, but I suppose that’s just my old-school mindset.

I.M.: Are there any specific initiatives to promote the most deserving drivers and provide them with growth opportunities?

O.C.: We create our own images and videos with in-house service providers. Many drivers also take advantage of widely available digital tools, including AI, to enhance their visibility.

I.M.: What role does social media play in promoting drivers, and how can it be used effectively?

O.C.: Social media has its advantages and drawbacks. It increases visibility for top drivers—but also for everyone else. As a result, the competition feels less distinct, and the hierarchy between drivers has become blurred, which is a shame.

AI also introduces some quirks, such as mistakenly placing the Eiffel Tower on a race poster for an event 300 km from Paris or featuring the Atomium in a Genk race advertisement. I struggle with those inaccuracies—perhaps that’s just my "old-fashioned" side.

I.M.: Do your races offer prizes or recognition to help drivers stand out?

O.C.: At the very least, winners deserve a well-crafted trophy. I place great importance on its design, size, and uniqueness. It comes at a cost, but offering a €20 trophy feels disrespectful to the driver.

Beyond trophies, we provide prizes at each event—both for podium finishes and through random draws. Not everyone does this, but we see it as a way to show appreciation for the drivers. We aim for variety throughout the year, offering IWF tickets, racing gear, tech items, consumables, and even small indulgences.

I.M.: Do you have connections with higher-level teams (F4, F3, etc.) to help drivers transition into professional motorsport?

O.C.: Beyond what was mentioned earlier, not really. Top teams mostly focus on FIA or WSK races and have their own Junior Teams. The drivers in those programs aren’t necessarily more skilled—they just have better financial support.

I.M.: Do drivers have opportunities to participate in interviews or exclusive content to promote their image?

O.C.: Yes, we conduct interviews regularly. However, it’s up to each driver to manage their own promotion. The reality is that Karting doesn’t get as much media coverage as it should.

I.M.: Is there support for building a professional driver profile (e.g., press kits, image management, networking with teams and sponsors)?

O.C.: No, each driver is responsible for handling this on their own.

I.M.: How important is live streaming or TV broadcasting for driver visibility?

O.C.: This is a big question! For international events, I think live coverage is essential. For national events, however, it’s not always necessary. The costs and logistical requirements are high, and while drivers enjoy it, live viewership is often quite low—sometimes barely 200 people. So, is it really worth it?

I.M.: Do local drivers have opportunities to compete in international events through your organization?

O.C.: Yes, we do everything we can to support them in national event in other countries or in international event. When you have scoured all the circuits in your region or country, it's also part of the dream to go and see how things are done elsewhere. Especially since they use the same equipment.