The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced the Cayman Motoring Federation (CMF) as the recipient of the José Abed Award at the FIA American Congress 2026 in Buenos Aires.

The CMF received the award for building a comprehensive education programme, combining pathways into motor sport and practical guidance for safer driving on the road.

To inspire the next generation of engineers, the CMF launched the first ever Cayman Islands ‘Stem Racing’ Nationals in April this year. Through a series of challenges, secondary school students designed, presented, branded and tested their own miniature Formula One cars in a celebration of excellence in engineering through competition.

The Club is also helping create a digital pathway into motor sport through opportunities to participate in esports. Since 2024, esports participation has grown from just two active racers to more than 50, with national competitions such as the Annual Gamers Bay event helping identify talent and open the door to motor sport.

Beyond competition, the CMF is also helping newly qualified drivers build confidence and additional road safety skills through ‘Auto Slalom’, providing real-world, practical driver education in a safe environment. And to improve every day driving habits, the CMF is promoting the FIA Smart Driving Challenge, helping road users become safer and more sustainable with every journey.

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA said: “José Abed was a dear friend and great champion of motor sport and its ability to inspire and empower communities of fans and road users.

“I am delighted to recognise the incredible work of the Cayman Motoring Federation today. From developing the next generation of engineers and creating a pathway into motor sport to building a culture of safer driving on the road, they have embodied everything this award stands for.”

Jane Scaletta, President of the Cayman Motoring Federation said: “It is a tremendous honour to share this award with everyone at the Cayman Motoring Federation. Their dedication and enthusiasm are growing motor sport participation and building safer roads for all.

“Whether through STEM Racing, esports or driver education, I’m so proud that we’re creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to develop new skills in motor sport and mobility across the Cayman Islands.”

The Confederação Brasileira de Automobilismo was announced as this year’s runner up for developing FIA Motor Sport in a Box events, which introduced young people to ‘Junior Drifting’ and gave wheelchair-bound people the opportunity to drive as part of the Brazilian Slalom Championships.

The José Abed Award was first introduced in 2023 by H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, in memory of José Abed, the former President of the Organización Mexicana de Automovilismo Internacional (OMDAI) and Mexico Formula One promoter.

The award is given each year to a motor sport Club who has driven progress in knowledge-sharing, motor sport participation, regional empowerment, or sport and mobility synergy across the Americas.

-ENDS-

For media enquiries please contact:

• George Mitchell, Mobility Communications Officer: gmitchell@fia.com
• Laure Mercier Roussel, Head of Mobility Communications: lmercier@fia.com

About the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile 

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. 

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 246 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.