HALF WAY LEADERS COME UNDER PRESSURE IN ENDURANCE TITLE RACE
Tight racing on the cards as 2015 Endurance Championship driven by MINI returns at Dubai Kartdrome
Dubai, UAE, 21 October, 2015: The 2015 Endurance Championship driven by MINI resumes at Dubai Kartdrome this weekend after a five-month break, with the leaders at the halfway point in the series expected to come under pressure.
A total of 31 teams line up for the third and penultimate round of the championship, now established as one of the most prestigious series in endurance karting, with the 700 kilometre event to be flagged off at 9pm on Friday night.
It promises to be another tight contest between the top teams, with several outfits capable of snatching a win, but they will have to overcome the might of CG Racing Pro and Dubai Falcon Racing Team who are equal on 75 points at the top of the championship table.
Led by David Terrien and this time including ace karters Alban Varutti, Rami Azzam and Piers Pakenham-Walsh, CG Racing Pro won the opening round and finished third in Round 2 which was good enough for second in the Pro Category.
Dubai Falcon Racing Team, who finished second in the opener in March, will be led by Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum, with world champion Sean Babington, Ali Al Mansoori and Steve Lyall also on duty this weekend.
The two pace-setting teams face a concerted challenge in the Pro Category from the likes of MINI Dubai, Dojomoto Mach1, Globcom-Flame and ENOC, each of whom feature drivers capable of causing an upset.
In the Corporate Category it is a question of who can stop CG Racing 2 and CG Racing 1 who lead the standings with 72 and 70 points respectively.
They face a big challenge, however, from ever improving Team Emirates and sister outfit Fly Emirates. Also in the mix should be the likes of Blazin Raptors and Russian teams Lukoil Racing and Mimi Team Russia.
Dubai Autodrome chairman Ali Al Fardan said: “Looking at the entry list we see that there will be familiar faces on the grid. We cherish their commitment and loyalty to the series. We also welcome several new teams and wish them the best of luck.”
“I would also like to thank AGMC MINI for their support and am proud that our partnership has grown over the years, and with it the profile of the Endurance Championship. Last but not least a big thank you to Ryan Trutch, David Bright, the Kartdrome along with marshals, medics, officials and volunteers who ensure the smooth running of this event.”
Track action starts on Friday evening, at the Kartdrome, from 18:50pm with one hour of Free Practice, followed by a ten minute qualifying session at 20:00pm and the race to be flagged off at 21:00pm.
The race is likely to last between 12 and 14 hours, dependant on incidents and weather, with the chequered flag expected between 09:00am and 11:00am. Live timing will be available throughout the event on www.tracktalk.ae