26 March 2009
Build up Nivea for Men Endurance Challenge
Round 1, 24 Hours of Dubai at the Kartdrome^® on 27 & 28 March 2009

Emirati drivers going out for win as wet weather looms large

Dubai, March 26, 2009:Three top young Emirati drivers will line up on the grid for the 24 Hours of Dubai on Friday, 27 March 2009, for the first round of the 2009 Nivea for Men Challenge at the Kartdrome. UAE’s favourite racing driver Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum heads up the trio including HSBC Racing Academy drivers Saeed Al Mehairi and Mohammed Al Mutawaa. They will be flying the UAE in the 28 team field which includes 150 drivers from around the globe.

Sheikh Hasher has this season, so far, competed in the Speedcar Series and driven in the Toyo Tires 24 Hours at Dubai Autodrome^® for the Khaleeji Motorsport Ferrari team. The Nivea for Men Endurance Challenge is an event he enjoys racing in, “For me racing of any type is an opportunity to learn. Every time I go out I learn something and in karting endurance races I enjoy being part of a team and racing to the strategy set out by the team manager. Of course we are aiming to win this event.” And winning is a big possibility for the Emirati driver as he is part of the formidable NFM Professionals team who are the reigning 2008 Nivea for Men Endurance Challenge Champions and go into the event as the team to beat.

Also part of the NFM Professionals set-up is new recruit Al Mehairi who will be racing for the squad for the first time. “I am really proud to be selected for the team which is one of the best in the business. I want to prove to them that I am the right guy for the job and thus will be doing everything I can to help the team in our goal to win this race. I will be driving with great kart drivers and I am thrilled to be part of the 2009 campaign.”

Sixteen year old Al Mutawaa has landed a drive with the Gee Heroes team who are made up of some of the best karting talent, Champions included, currently competing in the UAE. Being in such exalted company does not intimidate the young Emirati, “It is good to be part of this team as they are among the best karting drivers in the country. I believe we have a good chance to win this event. Personally I am focusing on giving my best and am prepared for any conditions that arise during the race. Having raced in Europe for the HSBC Racing Academy I am prepared even for wet weather which looks likely to come our way. Our team is very confident and hopefully we can turn that into a good result.”

Weather, particularly of the wet kind, is in all likelihood going to play a major role in proceedings as the forecasts appear unanimous in their predictions of rain. This will not prevent the event from taking place as the elements are part and parcel of endurance racing. Kartdrome Manager David Terrien explains, “Endurance racing is all about facing whatever challenges come your way. Sure there are the competitors you race against but in truth the battle is to overcome a number of obstacles along the way, including taking on the elements while working to a strategy and race plan. We are ready for the worst case scenario and have prepared accordingly for all conditions that may emerge over the 24 hours of racing. If torrential rain is on the cards – we have a plan for it. I am confident that all the bases are covered and the Kartdrome will once again host an exciting, yet safe race for the drivers and teams.”

For drivers, race day on Friday (27 March) starts early with driver’s sign on, briefing and kart allocation staring at 8.30am. Free practice starts at 11.00am and runs until 12.30pm with the green light to start the race at 2.00 pm.

Live timing throughout the Nivea for Men 24 Hours of Dubai will be available on www.tracktalk.ae