Preview: Speedcar Series & UAE National Race Day 5 on 27 & 28 February
Chairman Saeed Khalfan: "This is a big weekend for motorsport in the UAE"

Dubai, February 25, 2009: Dubai Autodrome^® Chairman Saeed Khalfan hosted a press conference, on Wednesday 25 February 2009, at Dubai Autodrome Media Centre on the eve of the Speedcar & National Racing weekend which takes place on Friday and Saturday (27/28 February) at the UAE’s premier race circuit. The format of the media gathering focused on local drivers and their participation in the Speedcar Series races and support races over the two days.

At the well attended press conference, Chairman Khalfan was full of praise for local racing and particularly enthused by the dramatic increase of UAE drivers, who fans can see in action this weekend. The assembled media were treated to Q&A sessions with a host of local drivers including Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum who will fly the UAE flag in the Speedcar races, reigning UAE Touring Car Champion Karim Al Azhari, reigning UAE Sportbike Champion Rod Scott and Gulf Radical Cup pace setter Bassam Kronfli. Competitors from 25 different countries, including 22 Emirati drivers, will grace the grids this weekend.

Also in attendance and addressing the media at the conference were Chairman Khalfan were Claudio Berro (Speedcar Operations Director), Mohammed Al Qadi (DAMC Manager), Barry Hope (Gulf Radical Cup Director) and Mohammed Rafi (Retail Operations Manager, Yellow Hat).

Chairman Khalfan's said, “ For the esteemed race fans attending this weekend’s feast of action at Dubai Autodrome we are pleased to announce that we, in partnership with Al Habtoor Motors, have made available a Mitsubishi Galant car which will be raffled over the course of these two days. One lucky race fan  will drive home in a brand new car on Saturday.”

About the impressive line-up of UAE national competitors who will be plying their skills over the course of the two days he said, “It is with great pride that we watch our very own Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum in action for the UP Team in Speedcar and wish him all the best in the two races he will compete in this weekend. To the twenty or so Emirati competitors on the grid in the support races I say well done and you make us proud that you are competing. You are pioneers of our sport and together help provide the impetus to our motto: Support UAE Motorsport”.

Tomorrow (Thursday, 26 February) is a scrutineering and practice day for all the categories racing on the weekend. Race Day 1 on Friday (27 February) starts with practice in the morning followed by the first race at 1.30pm for the Gulf Radical Cup series. The main attraction, Speedcar is scheduled to start at 3.30pm. The Saturday (Friday, 27 February) schedule is a repeat of the previous day. (See schedule synopsis below)

Apart from a the four races on each day, for Speedcar UAE Touring Cars, UAE Sportbikes and Gulf Radical Cup, fans have free access to the paddock area which will be buzzing with activities specially geared for families. Including displays by: TAM Auto Engineering, Top Line Motors, “Xtreme Street” Freestyle Fiesta, Private Car Show and displays by a variety of Car & Motorcycle Clubs while a host of food and beverage outlets will cater for the everyone’s appetites.

Friday 27th February 2009
13:35 Race 1 Gulf Radical Cup - Race 1, 12 Laps
14:20 Race 2 UAE Sportbike Championship - Race 1, 12 Laps
15:30 Race 3 Speedcar Series - Race 1, 40 minutes
16:50 Race 4 UAE Touring Car Championship - Race 1, 12 Laps

Saturday 28th February 2009
13:35 Race 5 Gulf Radical Cup - Race 2, 12 Laps
14:20 Race 6 UAE Sportbike Championship - Race 2, 12 Laps
15:30 Race 7 Speedcar Series - Race 2, 40 minutes
16:50 Race 8 UAE Touring Car Championship - Race 2, 12 Laps