Motor sports in the United Arab Emirates is burning up a feverish competitive spirit with the only Arab competitor Karim Al Azhari, all set to take part in the 2nd Toyo Tyres 24-hour Dubai race at the Dubai Autodrome circuit starting from the 11th to the 13th January 2007.
Karim Al Azhari is a name that is gaining as much speed among the country’s motor sports enthusiasts, as he is tearing apart competition on the racetrack. Currently in a dominating position in the ongoing competing in the Bartercard Gulf Radical Cup part of the national racedays – the UAE's premier motor racing series and is becoming the Gulf’s fastest motor racing series.
Al Azhari has already won five races out of eight and leads the Bartercard Gulf Radical Cup with 102 points and 5 wins. He will be creating history when he starts off the Toyo 24-hour motor racing at the Autodrome. The 24-hours race is one of the toughest circuit race challenges around and only a few such races in the world, the most famous of them being the 24-hour Le Mans in France, the 24 hour Nürburgring in Germany and the Daytona 24 hour in the USA.
Karim’s performance at the Bartercard Cup has set the bar high for the daring driver who is expected to excel even in the gruelling Toyo 24-hours
Saeed Khalfan, Chairman of the Dubai Autodrome said, “Karim Al Azhari has made us very proud. He is the right role model for the young generation of the Arab world showcasing the true sprit of motor sport racing and culture. We at Autodrome are committed to encouraging such competition and hope that more and more Arabs and nationals participate in the various world-class events that we will be bringing to Dubai.”
Karim started his motor sport career 17 years ago, he currently holds an FIA International Circuit B Racing License. In 2004, after 4 years of pursuance, he was awarded the prestigious certification as Porsche Instructor from Germany. In 2005 assigned as Dubai Autodrome Race School Senior Instructor. In 2006 he was Champion of Gulf Radical Cup driving for Al Nabooda Racing. Currently official Race Driver for Team Al Nabooda Racing, and Lap Record holder at the Dubai Autodrome Club Circuit.
About the Dubai Autodrome
Dubai Autodrome is the region's first fully-integrated motorsports facility. The Autodrome is a state-of-the-art complex featuring an FIA sanctioned 5.39 km track, There are six track permutations, with three of them being able to work simultaneously, giving unparalleled options for track users. The complex, part of the Union Properties MotorCity development, includes a Race & Driving School, a CIK-approved Kart track; is ideal for concerts and corporate entertainment. Dubai Autodrome also acts as a social destination and tourist attraction for overseas visitors.
