CMF Enters New Era with STEM Nationals, Esports Expansion and Youth Karting Plans
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
The Cayman Motoring Federation (CMF) has announced a series of major initiatives that signal a new chapter for motorsport development in the Cayman Islands following its annual strategic planning retreat held on 1 March 2026.
The Federation confirmed plans for the first-ever STEM Racing Cayman Islands Nationals, the launch of a structured Autocross League, expanded support for the esports racing community, continued road safety initiatives, and the development of youth karting programmes designed to introduce young Caymanians to motorsport at an earlier age.
STEM Racing Cayman Islands
A key milestone will be the first STEM Racing Cayman Islands Nationals Powered by Cayman Customs Automotive, and supporting sponsors the Ministry of Education, CUC, Cayman Airways, Hampton by Hilton, Tony’s Toys, scheduled for 25 April 2026 at the John Gray High School Gymnasium. The event will bring together high school teams from across the Islands competing in the international STEM Racing supported by Formula 1 programme. Students design, engineer, manufacture and race miniature Formula 1-style cars while presenting engineering portfolios, branding concepts and project management strategies to judges. Everyone is invited to come and watch this incredible show of project management, creative design and team building.
Jane Scaletta, President of the Cayman Motoring Federation, said the initiatives represent a transformative moment for motorsport and youth engagement in the Cayman Islands.
“Cayman motorsport is entering an exciting new era. Through programmes like STEM Racing, esports competition, grassroots autocross and future karting development, we are building an ecosystem that introduces young Caymanians to engineering, technology, and safe driving while giving them the opportunity to participate in motorsports at every level,” Scaletta said.
“As the FIA-recognized National Sporting Authority for motorsport in the Cayman Islands, our responsibility is not only to govern the sport but also to inspire the next generation of engineers, innovators and drivers.”
The Federation also confirmed the launch of the CMF Autocross League, the first event is sponsored by Jacques Scott and Heineken 0.0 on 12 April at 1:00PM at the Fosters Airport Overflow Parking Lot, and next two events sponsored by Lucky Rabbit Restaurant, which will provide drivers the opportunity to develop vehicle control and precision driving skills in a safe and structured environment. For more advanced drivers, this series of events provides skill building and precision throughout the year with the outcome being the autocross league champion of the year.
CMF has purchased two karts (one adult and one cadet (ages 8-12) that will be introduced to the autocross events throughout the year.
Ian Charlery at the FIA Motorsport Games (Ian and Karyll)
In parallel, CMF will continue expanding its sim racing and esports initiatives, which have seen strong participation from young Caymanians at community events such as Gamers Bay. With international representation and sim racing esports as a new Olympic sport, we aim to build a pathway from local digital motorsport to international competition with even real-world racing opportunities.
As the CMF is the FIA-recognised National Sporting Authority for the Cayman Islands, we are expanding the use of official FIA-aligned competition licences to support the growth of motorsport locally. Licensing ensures drivers receive proper training and compete under internationally recognised safety and sporting standards. As the disciplines such as esports, autocross, karting and, eventually, drag racing develop further, the CMF licensing pathway will help build a skilled community of Caymanian drivers capable of competing both locally and internationally.
As part of its strategic growth, CMF has also established two new commissions to help guide development in key areas.
Esports Commission
The newly formed Esports Commission will be led by Dr. Ian Charlery, who has been appointed Commissioner.
Dr. Charlery has been a leading advocate for esports development in the Cayman Islands and across the Caribbean. With a background in technology, education and digital competition, he has played an important role in growing simulation racing locally and mentoring young competitors interested in motorsport esports. He represented the Cayman Islands in the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games in Valencia, Spain.
He has worked closely with the regional esports community and has supported Cayman athletes preparing for international esports competition and the broader global sim racing ecosystem.
Ian Charlery in rig
Dr. Charlery said:
“I am honoured to serve as Esports Commissioner for the Cayman Motoring Federation. Esports motorsport represents an exciting opportunity to engage young people, develop new talent pathways, and position the Cayman Islands within the rapidly growing global motorsport ecosystem. I look forward to working with the CMF Executive Committee and our partners to build a strong, transparent, and internationally competitive esports program for our country.”
Adis Kevorkian Autocross 2025
Karting Commission
CMF also announced the creation of a Karting Commission, led by newly appointed Commissioner Mr. Adis Kevorkian.
Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Kevorkian brings nearly three decades of grassroots motorsport experience. Over the years he has competed in a wide variety of vehicles, including a Toyota Corolla GTS, Mazda 323 GTX, Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, Dodge Neon Expresso, classic Mini Cooper S, and Mazda Miata, earning multiple class wins and building a reputation for creative budget builds and fearless driving lines.
A longtime ASCC competitor, Kevorkian is also well known for mentoring younger drivers and encouraging newcomers to enter the sport. Now based in the Cayman Islands, he continues competing locally in his Volkswagen MK7.5 GTI while supporting the growth of grassroots motorsport.
Kevorkian said:
“Karting is the true foundation of motorsport worldwide. It’s where drivers learn race craft, discipline and vehicle control at an early age. I’m excited to help CMF build a grassroots karting programme that gives young Caymanians their first step into motorsport.”
Building the Future of Motorsport in Cayman
In addition to competition programmes, CMF reaffirmed its commitment to road safety initiatives with the FIA Smart Driving Challenge which remains a core pillar of the Federation’s mission.
Through initiatives such as STEM Racing, esports development, autocross competition and future karting programmes, the Cayman Motoring Federation continues to build pathways that connect education, technology and motorsport, while encouraging safe driving and innovation among Cayman’s youth.
For more information visit:
www.caymanmotoringfederation.org
Media Contact:
Cayman Motoring Federation
info@caymanmotoringfederation.org
About the Cayman Motoring Federation
The Cayman Motoring Federation is the FIA-recognized National Sporting Authority for motorsport in the Cayman Islands, responsible for governing and developing motorsport while promoting youth education, community engagement and road safety.
