Dubai Falcons lead standings ahead of epic Endurance Championship climax in Kartdrome 24 Hours 08.12.2015: Photo caption: The Kartdrome 24 Hours race starts on Friday 11 December

Photo caption:    The Kartdrome 24 Hours race starts on Friday 11 December


Three titles up for grabs with reigning champions CG Racing targeting triple crown; former champions Batelco make welcome return to series



 The 2015 Kartdrome Endurance Championship Driven by Mini comes to a conclusion this weekend with the Kartdrome 24 Hours race at the UAE's most popular karting venue.


The stage is set for an intriguing finale as three titles are set to be decided when the chequered flag waves on Saturday.


The season so far has been a riveting contest between defending champions CG Racing Pro and Dubai Falcon Racing Team in the Pro Category, with the CG outfit winning the opening round and the Falcons bouncing back to win the next two rounds.


The two pace setting teams head for a final showdown this weekend with Dubai Falcons topping the standings with 115 points and CG Racing Pro a mere five points adrift. With 60 points on offer to the winners of the 24 Hours race, it has become a case of ‘winner takes all’ in the fourth and final round.


Dubai Falcons team manager Hadi Al Bloushi said, “Our goal is to win the final race and with it the title. We are aware that the competition will be tougher than ever, but I have full faith in our drivers and crew who are more than capable of lifting the big trophy on Saturday afternoon.”


In the unlikely scenario of neither CG Racing Pro or Dubai Falcons finishing the race, Mini Dubai – made of only Emirati drivers – have a mathematical chance of claiming the top prize, but their focus will not be on the overall honours but rather on claiming the Nations Cup title which they lead with 115 points to their credit.


Hot on their heels are the all-Lebanese CG Racing 1 team, with 107 points to their credit who are followed by the all-Indian driver line-up of ENOC-NHB and Russian LD Racing outfit.


All four teams are in with a chance of nabbing the coveted Nations Cup title, but the smart money would be on Mini Dubai or CG Racing 1 doing the business when it matters.


Three teams are in the hunt for the title in the prestigious Corporate Category with Team Emirates topping the table with 107 points, but chased hard by CG Racing 1 and CG Racing 2 with 105 and 102 points respectively, thus setting the scene for a fascinating race-within-a-race, where once again the ‘winner takes all’ scenario will come into play.


CG Racing team manager Habib Chouery said ahead of the weekend, “Last year we made history by becoming the first team to be champions in all categories in a single season. This year we are targeting all three titles once again and we have full faith that our team will accomplish this tough mission.”




 Three titles will be decided when the chequered flag waves at the conclusion of the race on Saturday 12 December



Traditionally the season finale Kartdrome 24 Hours draws a top notch field and this year once again there is a great depth of quality.


Triple champions Batelco return to do battle and will be the proverbial ‘cat among the pigeons’ as they are a squad with huge experience, more than capable of upsetting the balance of power and sure to be in the mix for top honours this weekend.


A host of international teams from Russia, Ukraine, Austria, China, France and Germany will be unknown quantities and along with race regulars such as Globcom, Lukoil Racing Team and Mach 1, could spring a surprise.


Dubai Autodrome Chairman Ali Al Fardan said, “To celebrate on the podium at the end of the 24 hours, teams and drivers will need to dig deep into their pools of speed, stamina, determination and teamwork and make these all gel into one giant effort which may be rewarded when the chequered flag waves.


“Whatever the case, every team that rises to the challenge and completes the 24 hours should be proud of their efforts – all winners in their own right.”



The weekend is set for an exciting climax to the 2015 Kartdrome Endurance Championship Driven by Mini


Track action on Friday (11 December) starts with Free Practice at 9:30am, followed by qualifying at 10:45am and the classic Le Mans style start at 12:00 noon. The race will end 24 hours later on Saturday 12:00 noon.


Entry is free for spectators with easy access to viewing areas as well as the pits and paddock area. Food and refreshments are available at the Kartdrome throughout the two days of racing.




- Tony Lewis, Total Communications Dubai - also photos