GRRL! Notes: Vanesa Silkunaite: 2:30

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The Macau event marked a major milestone for the Champions of the Future Academy Program, becoming not only its first event in this country, but also its debut in this part of the world.

This individual showcase event attracted a strong influx of new and emerging talent, particularly from across Asia, drawn by the opportunity to compete within the Academy’s equal-equipment format on an international stage.

Run alongside the AAMC 2026 Macau International Grand Prix and supported by the KZ categories, the event benefitted from a unique race-week setting. Located in the heart of the island, the circuit offered a striking contrast to traditional karting venues, surrounded by Macau’s skyline, iconic hotels and casinos — often referred to as the “Las Vegas of the East” — creating a distinctive atmosphere for this landmark event.

The circuit itself delivered a flowing and technical layout that produced close racing across all categories, with constant on-track action. Run under well-balanced weather conditions under the sun, the event offered a welcome contrast to the heavy winter typical of January, allowing drivers to compete in pleasant conditions throughout the weekend.

Mini: Early Swings Give Way to Zvarich’s Sunday Control

Saturday opened with extremely fine margins in Mini, as Syabil Umar Basalamah topped qualifying practice by just 0.050 seconds over Max Zvarich, with Michael Vino close behind. Basalamah converted that early pace into a Qualifying Heat 1 victory, while Muhammad Wibowo struck back in Heat 2 after a closely fought lead battle. The final brought another shift in momentum, with Vino delivering a clean drive to take victory ahead of Basalamah, while Zvarich remained firmly in the points with a solid third-place finish. With multiple winners and no clear separation, the championship picture remained wide open after Day 1.

Sunday saw Wibowo return to the top in qualifying practice, edging Zvarich by just 0.004 seconds as Ryder Xiong joined the leading group. Wibowo carried that momentum into Qualifying Heat 1, but consistency again proved decisive as Zvarich steadily moved forward. In Qualifying Heat 2, Zvarich claimed victory, setting the tone for the final. From there, he controlled the race with confidence, securing the win ahead of Xiong and Wibowo and delivering the result required to settle the championship in his favour.

OK-N Junior: A Three-Way Fight Ends with Han on Top

Saturday set the tone for a tightly balanced Junior field, with John Han leading qualifying practice by a narrow margin over Jay Kostecki and Axel Nocom. Kostecki responded strongly in the races, winning both qualifying heats while keeping Nocom and Han close throughout. The final shifted the order once again, with Nocom delivering a measured drive to take victory ahead of Han, while Kostecki’s earlier pace kept him firmly in the title fight. With margins consistently small across all sessions, the championship remained wide open at the end of the first race day.

Sunday brought a change in momentum as Han returned to the front in qualifying practice, this time by just 0.012 seconds, underlining how little separated the leading trio. Han then converted pace into results by winning both qualifying heats and controlling the final from the front. Kostecki and Nocom remained in close contention throughout the day, but Han’s consistency across every session ensured he maximised the available points when it mattered most.

OK-N Senior: Momentum Swings Before a One-Point Title Decision

Saturday opened with extremely tight margins at the front of OK-N Senior, as Shun Sekiguchi led qualifying practice by just 0.036 seconds from Jaime Ambrose, with Markas Silkunas close behind. The races quickly reshaped the order. Silkunas claimed victory in Qualifying Heat 1, while Sekiguchi responded in Qualifying Heat 2, each taking a win as Vanesa Silkunaite remained consistently in the leading group. The final saw Silkunas deliver a controlled performance to take victory ahead of Silkunaite, with Sekiguchi completing the top three. With wins shared and points spread evenly, the championship remained finely balanced at the end of Day 1.

Sunday again highlighted how little separated the frontrunners. Sekiguchi returned to the top in qualifying practice, edging Silkunas by just 0.066 seconds, while Seira Kojima joined the leading trio. Sekiguchi took Qualifying Heat 1, but momentum shifted once more as Silkunaite claimed victory in Qualifying Heat 2. The final brought another decisive change, with Silkunaite controlling the race to take the win ahead of Silkunas, while Kojima completed the podium. With results fluctuating across every session, the title was not settled until the final points were counted.