Stylianos Mentis wins the Niterra EMEA Karting Grand Final in Athens

Karting is widely popular among both hobby racers and professionals and is a popular proving ground for future racing drivers. As a cost-effective way to develop the skills necessary to succeed in Formula racing or rallying, it teaches karters how to manage tyre traction, braking, and engine skills, all key abilities that can be transferred to more powerful race cars.

Following a familiar format, aftermarket customers from the Middle East, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Turkey, and Central Asia, all battled it out in several regional heats for a place in Athens. The top three drivers from each national qualifying race were then invited to Greece to compete further for one of the ten spots to line up for the final race.

Arriving in Athens

In total, 22 drivers arrived on Friday, 7 November in Athens to enjoy a weekend of fun, culture, and racing, which began with a product presentation followed by a welcome rooftop dinner at the iconic President Hotel, complete with glorious nighttime views of the ancient city. The next day started with a jeep tour along the gorgeous Aegean coastline after breakfast, including a scenic stop for a practical, on-vehicle demonstration of Niterra’s NGK Ignition Parts and NTK Vehicle Electronics product updates. After that, it was down to the business of racing. Following a group briefing on the role of NGK’s products in motorsports, competitors took to the track to warm up and hone their karting skills. It was then that qualifying began, with two rounds of 11 drivers competing for the top 5 places in each race. These 10 victorious drivers then took their positions on the grid for the start of the 2025 EMEA Karting Grand Final. But unlike the previous year, the Greek sun was nowhere to be seen, and the karters had to face a grey sky and heavy rainfall that made the sharp curves of the 1.34-kilometre track a bit trickier. But for the spectators who braved this bad weather, the race turned out to be a spectacular and exciting battle to see who would pass the chequered flag first.

The winner

Befitting the final's setting, the race was won by young Greek participant Stylianos Mentis, with Benjamin Sciesinski and Tim Poggenpohl from Germany taking second and third place, respectively. All three took to the podium to receive the crowd’s applause, and each of them received the championship’s distinctive trophy in the shape of a wing encircling a spark plug, Niterra’s eponymous product. Speaking after the race, a thrilled Stylianos was quick to praise the skills of those on the podium with him: 

“It was a tough race in very wet and demanding conditions. Obviously, I am really delighted to win in my home country of Greece, it is a real honour to triumph here in Athens. I must pay tribute to Benjamin and Tim, though, who were extremely tough rivals. All three of us are really looking forward to returning next year.”

Following an exciting day of racing, it was time to unwind with a dinner at the city’s famed Restaurant Kuzina with a stunning view of the Acropolis. On Sunday, the racing group was treated to a taste of Athens, exploring hidden gems, following secret tips, and discovering local cuisine, before it was time to depart.

It is fair to say that this year’s EMEA Karting Grand Final, the third such competition, was a resounding success for both the guests and Niterra as host. It managed to blend motorsports, technical know-how, excellent food, and lasting friendships into one packed weekend.