23 March 2009
Preview Nivea for Men Endurance Challenge
Round 1, 24 Hours of Dubai at the Kartdrome
Quality field ready for the 24 Hour Challenge as Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum sets the practice pace

Dubai, March 23, 2009: The waiting is over. The Kartdrome at Dubai Autodrome hosts the fifth edition of the Nivea for Men Challenge, three race endurance karting series, starting at 2pm on Friday, 27 March and running for a full 24 hours. A strong entry of 28 squads will line-up for an extreme test of teamwork, speed and tactics while taking on the elements which will invariably play a role in the outcome of the event.

Kartdrome Manager David Terrien is enthusiastic about the race, “We have more entries than ever before for the first race of the Challenge. We have a very strong field with at least a dozen teams capable of podium finishes. As usual the elements will probably be the strongest challenge for the teams. We at the Kartdrome are ready to deliver a safe and exciting event in what has become a tradition on the Dubai sporting calendar.”

Once again the event has attracted international teams including line-ups from Bahrain, Kuwait, India, Russia, France, United Kingdom and Germany. Included in the international line-up are winners of the final 2008 round of the Dubai 24 Hours, namely Batelco Karting Team the professional outfit from Bahrain who will be out to repeat their “invasion of Dubai.” Traditionally the French teams are strong contenders, but the real strength of the international guests will only be revealed on the day and none of them should be taken lightly.

Local teams have been making use of the allocated practice sessions building up to race day and drivers have been posting some remarkable times. Heading up the list of ultra-quick drivers is Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum who will be lining up for the reigning Champions NFM Professionals which boast a strong team of expert karters including the likes of Christophe Hissette, Sean Murphy, Guy Sheffield and new recruit, HSBC Academy, driver Saeed Al Mehairi. They will be going all out to defend their crown and must start Friday’s race as the team to beat.

Big news during the off-season was the “defection” of NFM Professional ace racer Maurits Knopjes to the newly formed Gee Heroes team headed by Ramez Azzam and including some of the fastest karters in the country such as Richie McLeod, Scott Latham, Tim Murdoch and another HSBC Academy graduate Mohammed Al Mutawaa. The core of this team has been around in different guises but this year they are making a concerted push to take the title.

Other teams that are sure to shine and are focused on the big prize include TrackTalk Speedsters, Chili’s, Y&R Dojomoto and Santos Motors. Newcomers to the fold include the reigning Agency Karting Champions C2 Trojans, Elite Property Finder.ae team and the MBC Falcons. A number of the “usual suspects” will also be looking for a good result including the two teams from Emirates, One & Only Royal Mirage team, 2008 corporate Champions Multiplex Racing, Marriott Racing, Ocean Rubber Racing Team to name some.

The Nivea for Men 24 Hours of Dubai is the jewel in the karting crown in the region and is now part of the SWS W Series – an international competition organised by kart suppliers Sodikart to rank karting teams and drivers on a global scale. The top teams and drivers at the end of the 2009 season will qualify for a world final in 2010.

Dubai Autodrome Chairman Saeed Khalfan sums up, “Once again we expect racing of the highest calibre as all the teams are in the proverbial “same boat” – each competing against one another while taking on the challenges


that the elements will throw at them. At the Kartdrome, as always, safety of the competitors is paramount and the best will be on offer throughout the weekend. To the sponsors Nivea for Men we salute their commitment and
unwavering support. To the drivers and crews I advise that they drink plenty of water – keep themselves hydrated and fresh. May all competitors have a safe and enjoyable Nivea for Men 24 Hours race. May the best team win!.”

Please find below information regarding Round 1 of the 2009 Nivea for Men Endurance Challenge, 24 Hours of Dubai taking place at the Kartdrome on Friday and Saturday 27 and 28 March 2009.

Race Days Schedule
Friday, 27 March
08:30–09:00 Mandatory driver’s briefing at the catering tent
09:00–09:15 Kart allocation by ballot
09:15–10:30 Signing on, drivers wristbands & NFM kits distribution
09:30–10:00 Team Captain’s briefing
11:00–12:30 Free Practice (Signed in drivers only)
12:35–12:50 Qualifying Session all karts together
12:50–13:00 NFM Racing Karts demonstration
13:15–13:50 Grid walk and team photos
13:55 Drivers geared up and in position, evacuation of the grid
13:58 Start of the warm up lap behind Nivea Racing Kart
14:00 Start of Nivea for Men Endurance Challenge – 24 Hours of Dubai
Saturday, 28 March
14:00 Chequered Flag ending the Nivea for Men – 24 Hours of Dubai
14:15 Prize giving at the Kartdrome podium

Nivea for Men Aching Muscles
Endurance kart races are about as close as it gets to extreme motorsport - just ask any driver who has
competed in 24 Hour events. The popular and, for most drivers, vital Nivea for Men Aching Muscles
Centre to ease those strained muscles and pains will be operational throughout most of the event.

Team List

Winners of previous Nivea for Men Endurance Challenge
• 2008 Champions: NFM Professionals Runner-up: Kartdrome Speedsters
• 2007 Champions: NFM Professionals Runner-up: Dodsal MRDC
• 2006/2007 Champions: NFM Professionals Runner-up: Y&R Dojomoto
• 2005/2006 Champions: 7Days Dojomoto Runner-up: Porsche Club Middle East
• 2008 Corporate winners: Multiplex Racing Runner-up: Y&R Dojomoto
• 2007 Corporate winners: Y&R Dojomoto Runner-up: Marriott Racing

Race dates for 2009 Nivea for Men Challenge at the Kartdrome
• Round 1 on 27/28 March, 2009 - 24 Hours of Dubai
• Round 2 on 23/24 October 2009 - 24 Hours of Dubai
• Round 3 on 11/12 December 2009 - 24 Hours of Dubai