Preview: Bumper Weekend of Top Racing at Dubai Kartdrome

DUBAI, UAE, October 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

• Over 100 kart drivers in action on double header weekend
• Total of 38 races for UAE Rotax Max Challenge and SWS Sprints over the two days

     (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130508/613221 )

Dubai Kartdrome is braced for an action packed weekend, with over 100 drivers on duty over the two days (Friday and Saturday, 25 and 26 October) of racing featuring the UAE Rotax Max Challenge and SWS Sprint races.

The double-header concept was tried out for the first time last season and proved to be a huge success, and hence the return to the two day format for this occasion.

Kartdrome manager Ryan Trutch explained, "The double header gives the event a festival feel, with just about every kart driver in the UAE in action during the course of the weekend. Plus some big name international drivers, and the region, thrown into the mix ensures top level racing."

Topping the bill on both days are the UAE Rotax Max Challenge rounds, organised by the AARKC, catering for all ages. Categories include: Micro Max, Mini Max, Junior Max, Senior Max, Max Master and DD2.

AARKC explained in their weekend preview, "Following a record attendance at the opening round of the UAE Rotax Max Challenge 2013-14 at Al Ain Raceway, the series visits the Dubai Kartdrome for Rounds 2 and Round 3 on Friday and Saturday, 25 and 26 October. The double-header weekend looks set to smash even Round 1's figures with entries continuing to come in although the race meeting is just days away."

Familiar names will be in action including the likes of Maurits Knopjes, Oliver George, Arnaud Bouf, Patrick Hannah, Ameer Hassan, Pasqual Pook, Taymour Kermanshahchi and Giulio Peroni - to name just a few.

Also in the mix will be some top international drivers. The new and ambitious Energy UAE Team are bringing out European and two times UK Rotax Max Champion Sean Babington to race the upcoming rounds.  

Team principal Kevin Day said, "Sean is coming for two reasons: one he is an amazing driver and all of our squad will benefit having him around during testing and the races. And secondly by having an international champion on the grid here in the UAE helps promote the sport and increase the credibility of our series on the international stage."

Also on the packed bill, on Friday, will be rounds of the 2013 SWS Sprint Series where the country's top leisure karters are set to resume the annual battle for the honour of competing in the Sodi W-Series Grand Finals in France next year. Youngsters will be in action in the SWS Junior LR4 category, with more experienced and seasoned campaigners in the SWS RX7 category.

Expected to line-up on the SWS RX7 grid are the likes of Atef Al Barwani, Hadi Al Blouishi, Rami Joudi, Sam Zian and Hussain Umid Ali

The SWS series in the UAE has been the domain of male drivers, but this is set to change as Dubai based schoolgirl Abigail Birch will make her debut on the day, and reports from the Kartdrome is that she is setting some impressive lap times and could ruffle up the pecking order in this tight contest.

Practice on both days starts at 10.30 am and the first qualifying session scheduled for 11.15 am, followed by the race one of the day at 12.40 pm. In total there will be 19 races on each day. Totaling 38 races during the course of two days at the Kartdrome.

Entrance for spectators on both days is free, with access to the viewing stand and the pit and paddock area. Refreshments and snacks will be available throughout the day at the venue, which is over the road from the Motorcity Boulevard and a host of cafes and restaurants.

Race Days Timetable

http://www.dubaiautodrome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/131025-26-r2-r3-schedule.pdf

Captions & Links to high resolution images

Sam Zian and Atef Al Barwani will be in action in the SWS RX7 Sprint races

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Close racing is guaranteed in the SWS RX7 Sprint races

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Drivers from ages 7 to 14 years competing for top honours in the SWS Junior LR4 category

http://www.dubaiautodrome.com/tracktalk/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSC_0078.jpg

The SWS Junior LR4 category will see drivers from ages 7 to 14 years competing for top honours

http://www.dubaiautodrome.com/tracktalk/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSC_0018.jpg