Cayman Motoring Federation Celebrates First Appearance at FIA Motorsport Games 2024

The Cayman Motoring Federation (CMF) proudly celebrated its inaugural participation in the FIA Motorsport Games, sending two talented esports athletes to compete on behalf of the Cayman Islands. Esports athletes Ian Charlery and Karyll Iton represented Cayman in the highly competitive F4 and GT categories, joining 646 athletes in four venues in 26 categories from 82 nations and 49,000 attendees as they gathered at the prestigious event in Valencia, Spain.

A Historic Step for Cayman Esports and Motorsport

The participation of the Cayman Islands in this globally recognized competition marks a historic milestone for both CMF and the nation. Supported by Consilium Insurance and the Cayman Islands Government Ministry of Sports, Charlery and Iton joined the Games as trailblazers, symbolizing the Cayman Islands’ emergence on the international motorsport stage. CMF President Jane Scaletta, who accompanied the athletes, expressed her pride in Cayman’s debut, saying, “This moment is due to the collaborative support we’ve received from our regional partners and the FIA. Competing in this global event is a significant achievement that we hope will inspire future generations in Cayman to explore motorsport and esports.”

An Electrifying Opening Ceremony

The FIA Motorsport Games officially began on October 23 with an electrifying opening ceremony at the City of Arts and Sciences. The stunning venue welcomed participants from around the globe with a showcase of modern architecture and cultural displays at the City of Arts and Sciences, symbolizing the unity of international motorsport. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem (by video) and local officials welcomed competitors, setting an enthusiastic tone for the days of competition ahead.

Esports: Cayman’s Gateway to Global Competition

Esports proved to be a gateway for the Cayman Islands, making it possible to participate in high-level motorsport without the traditional costs and barriers. Competing in the largest field of esports participants in FIA Motorsport Games history. A total of 117 esports drivers from 70 of the 82 participating countries competed in this year’s expanded contest, which included both the traditional GT3-based digital competition and the newly introduced FIA Formula 4 category. Charlery and Iton embodied Cayman’s passion and dedication in the competitive sector. Karyll Iton, who competed in the Esports GT category, reflected on the accessibility esports brings, stating, “Motorsport can be expensive, but esports is a great gateway to motorsport for anyone. It’s a fantastic door-opener, and I love seeing the FIA embrace it so strongly.” Ian Charlery, competing in Esports F4, added, “We are trailblazers, and this is just the beginning. Esports allows us to blaze a trail, and maybe next time, we can get on track in a real car.” Their enthusiasm highlighted esports as a practical and inspiring pathway into motorsport, especially for nations with limited motorsport facilities.

The esports competition at the FIA Motorsport Games proved to be intensely competitive, showcasing the skill and determination of top digital racers from around the world. In the qualifying races for the semi-finals, both Charlery and Karyll demonstrated their readiness and talent, but were unfortunately forced out of contention after incidents where fellow competitors collided with them. These unexpected clashes, a reminder of the real-world unpredictability that esports simulates so closely, dashed their hopes for advancing to the semi-finals. Despite the setbacks, Charlery and Iton displayed exceptional sportsmanship, underscoring the resilience and competitive spirit that drives Cayman’s esports athletes forward.

A Grateful Acknowledgment to Our Supporters

The Cayman Motoring Federation extends heartfelt thanks to Consilium Insurance and the Ministry of Sports for their sponsorship, without which the Cayman Islands’ debut at the FIA Motorsport Games would not have been possible. “Consilium’s support is a tremendous boost for our athletes as they showcase Cayman’s talent on an international stage,” shared Scaletta. “This partnership strengthens the foundation for esports and motorsport in Cayman, paving the way for greater achievements at future events, including the 2026 FIA Motorsport Games.”

Looking Ahead

The success of this year’s event marks only the beginning for Cayman in the world of motorsport. With the support of CMF, Consilium Insurance, and the Cayman Islands Government, CMF is committed to cultivating the skills and opportunities of local talent in motorsport and esports. As the Federation and its athletes return from Valencia, the Cayman Islands community is united in pride and inspired by the promise of an exciting future for Caymanian motorsport.