FIA Celebrates Innovation and Achievement at the 12th Americas Awards in Panama
On February 3, 2024, the prestigious 12th edition of the Americas Awards took place in Panama, under the auspices of the Asociacion Automovilistica de Touring y Deportes de Panama (ASAI). This notable event, sponsored by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), showcased exceptional talent and groundbreaking projects in Motorsport and Mobility across the American continent. FIA’s commitment to excellence in the automotive domain was celebrated with great enthusiasm.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, in his opening remarks, expressed his admiration for the achievements being honored. “This gathering is a moment to honor the remarkable achievements of our motorsport champions, alongside advancements in sustainable mobility and road safety. My heartfelt congratulations to all recipients for their exceptional performances,” he stated, highlighting the dual focus of the event.
The event was further dignified by the presence of FIA Vice Presidents for Sport North America, Daniel Coen, and for South America, Fabiana Ecclestone. They both emphasized the FIA’s dedication to fostering excellence and innovation in their respective regions. Moreover, Jorge Tomasi, President of Automóvil Club del Uruguay (ACU), along with Presidents of FIA Region III and Region IV, Frank Fotia and Ricardo Morales, were in attendance, demonstrating the broad support and collaborative spirit within the FIA community.
Dante Pescetto, ASAI President, warmly welcomed all participants and Club representatives. “It is a pleasure to host this ceremony in Panama again, a key event for promoting motorsport both nationally and internationally,” he commented. He also shared exciting news about the international introduction of Autodromo Panama, a project that anticipates attracting over 90,000 attendees in 2024 and significantly contributing to economic growth and tourism development.
The awards ceremony recognized 35 drivers from across the Americas in various disciplines, including notable female Karting drivers such as Isabella Valldeperas Ocampo from Costa Rica, Anais Orellana Ramos from Chile, and Daniella Ore from Peru, showcasing the diversity and inclusivity of the sport.
On the Mobility front, 11 projects were commended for their innovation in sustainability, electric mobility, and road safety, reflecting the FIA’s strong emphasis on these critical areas. The event also honored Enzo Spano, President of the Touring y Automóvil Club de Venezuela (TACV), for his outstanding contributions to motorsport, as well as Cleyton Tadeu Pinteiro and Paulo Henrique Costa from Brazil for their roles in organizing and promoting sports events in South America.
Looking forward, the ceremony hinted at an ambitious regional initiative: the potential development of Formula 4 Panama. Spearheaded by co-founders Ronald Chang and Jorge Galvez, this project aims to provide a structured pathway for talented young drivers to ascend to the highest levels of motorsport.
Among the distinguished attendees was Humberto Kennedy, Vice President of the Automóvel Clube do Brasil (ACBR). His presence underscored ACBR’s active participation and commitment to advancing motorsport and mobility not only in Brazil but also across the Americas. His attendance highlighted the club’s role in supporting and promoting international automotive initiatives.
The 12th Americas Awards not only celebrated past accomplishments but also set the stage for future innovations and advancements in the realm of motorsport and mobility. It was a testament to the FIA’s commitment to excellence and the collaborative efforts of its member clubs to drive positive change across the continent.
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