We seem to be talking a lot about local motorsport recently. Our local racers are dotted all over the globe, banging out the fast laps and spreading the word, that Middle Eastern motorsport is coming. Year after year it is getting more and more impressive… from that slow burning organic grass roots base, we are all but there. With F1, FIA GT, V8 Supercars, GP2, WRC, Endurance Racing and a superb regional GT and Touring Car back bone, it just gets better and better.
For the hardcore petrol heads and racers out there, you can’t fail to miss the incredibly successful Dubai 24hrs, that is now well on the way to its 10 year anniversary. Well, when the last piece of tarmac was laid at the globally recognised Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, we heard whispers of an endurance race being held there… whisper no more.
Welcome to the Gulf 12hrs. Set to take place this coming winter at Yas, the invitation-only event (we think that means apply and keep those fingers crossed) aims to support the continued and very much sustainable growth of motorsport in the United Arab Emirates whilst attracting a wider variety of teams and drivers to the region. By placing themselves at the end of the year it is of course very close to the Dubai 24hrs, however we don’t think there will be a concern with that race… more the other way round, as grid slots are all but booked up for the ‘Dust Bowl’ 24hrs epic.
The event will be open to a maximum of 48 cars from GT2 to GT4, one make series’ such as Porsche Cup and Ferrari Challenge, home brew sports cars and a limited number of touring cars.
Sounds promising so far… we will keep you abreast of the situation as it continues to gather pace.
