Mohammed Ben Sulayem has thrown down a UAE desert challenge to Jamiroquai main man and fast car fanatic, Jay Kay, ahead of the band’s concert in Dubai on Thursday night.
The Arab world’s top motor sport personality wants Jay Kay to become the first celebrity driver to tackle the UAE Desert Challenge, the spectacular cross country rally for cars, trucks and bikes, in November.
If he accepts he will compete alongside many of the world’s top cross country rally drivers and riders over a dramatic route sweeping from the Oasis town of Liwa into the Empty Quarter.
Sulayem, organiser of the UAE Desert Challenge and the 14-times Middle East rally champion, will meet Jay Kay privately for the first time in Dubai tomorrow (Wednesday).
“I’m looking forward to it, not just because he’s such an established music star but because I know he has a very keen interest in cars, as I do,” said Sulayem.
“There’s a great opportunity for someone like Jay Kay to become the first celebrity driver to compete in the UAE Desert Challenge. It’s an event that allows amateur enthusiasts to compete along with world champions on two and four wheels, which is something that can’t happen in many sports.”
Jay Kay, who has a garage full of fast cars at his Buckinghamshire Manor; will be impressed by Sulayem’s own collection.
It includes a Ferrari Enzo, a limited edition Porsche 911 GT 1 of which only 19 were made, a Ferrari F40 and F50, a Mercedes CLK GTR Limited Edition, and a unique Mercedes SLK 55 with a 665HP SLR engine.
“If we have time I’ll be happy to take him for a spin,” said Sulayem. “But my hope is that we’ll see him driving in the Desert Challenge in November. I’m sure we’ll be able to find him a good 4WD car and an experienced co-driver.”
Sulayem, who recently took over as President of a new-look Automobile & Touring Club for the UAE, will be hosting Jay Kay at his majlis on the eve of Jamiroquai’s sell-out concert at Dubai Media City on Thursday night.
Other visitors have included pop superstars Michael Jackson and Rod Stewart, and Formula One drivers Michael Schumacher and Jenson Button.
Recognised in the US as one of the UK’s most successful musical exports, Jay Kay is the front man of a band which has sold over twenty million albums, and he has also collected
five MTV awards and a Grammy.
Sulayem has won more FIA (world governing body of motor sport) international rallies, and more FIA international rally championships, than any other driver.
