UAE Karting team mounts world challenge

UAE KARTING TEAM MOUNT STRONG WORLD CHALLENGE

United Arab Emirates, 28th January 2003 - In the desire to bring the Rotax Max Challenge, the fastest growing Kart race class in the world, to Dubai, the UAE Kart team - sponsored by Union Properties PJSC's Dubai Autodrome and Business Park- took part in the recent Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals in South Africa.

Held on the 15-19th January, the event attracted the top 68 Rotax Max Challenge drivers from 33 countries around the world to the Zwartkops Raceway near Pretoria. As newcomers to the Rotax Max Challenge, the UAE team, consisting of driver Glyn Parry (the leading Rotax Max Driver in the UAE), mechanic Andy Boux (UAE International Class Champion) and team manager Mike Wilkes, were invited to partake in the 125cc kart finals as a prelude to the event taking place in Dubai.

The finals proved to be a successful first time venture for the UAE team, with Glyn rapidly moving up the field and finishing in an exceptional 13th place out of the 34 drivers that took part in the Max Masters category for divers over 35. A lot of emphasis was placed on the ability of the mechanic and on Glyn, who was experiencing a totally new kart, it's set up and it's handling ability on the fast circuit in the grueling heat.

Mike Wilkes, UAE team manager, said, "Dubbed the 'Olympic Games of motor sport', the Rotax Max Challenge is a truly magnificent event. It's brought together many top kart drivers of all ages from around the world. The competition was at its highest level, however for rookies to the event we were very pleased with Glyn's final position and our work as a team. It's our full intention to bring this event to Dubai and with the backing of the Dubai Autodrome and Business Park we were able to spread the word."

Paul Berger, Managing Director for the Dubai Autodrome and Business Park, added, "We are keen to promote karting at grass roots level and were only to happy to sponsor the UAE karting team, especially for such a prestigious worldwide event. They did exceptionally well for newcomers, and their participation is a great stepping-stone to bringing the event to Dubai and the Dubai Autodrome and Business Park. It's a serious milestone and one that will put Dubai on the map of world karting."

In achieving this feat, the Rotax Max Challenge will have the luxury of one of the finest karting track and facilities in the world available at the Dubai Autodrome and Business Park, which is due for completion by the end of 2003.

Other sponsors for the UAE team included Emirates Airline, Gulf Agency Company, Performance Motorspares and The Automobile and Touring Club of UAE.

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