DIMC to host XCAT series

This weekend will witness the seventh and final round of the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series at the Dubai International Marine Club in the Mina Seyahi/Dubai Marina area.

By Kt Report

Published: Fri 13 Dec 2013, 1:24 AM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 6:52 PM

The scenic location with the backdrop of the down town skyline makes the event a memorable stopover for the teams. — Supplied photo

The 13 boats have arrived in Dubai from China after the previous leg and final preparations are underway for this weekend’s high octane action. Entry to the event will be free to the general public.

“It’s all systems go and the excitement is building up,” said Sid Bensalah, secretary general, World Professional Powerboating Association (WPPA), the organisers and promoters of the Series.

“Our team is working tirelessly to put up a spectacular event this weekend as XCAT action returns to Dubai, for the final race that will decide the Championship,” he added. “We couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion to the Series as several boats are still in with a shot of taking the Series, so the Dubai crowds are really in for something special.”

Last year’s Series winners, Fazza (Mohammed Al Marri and Arif Al Zaffain) are currently at the top of the overall standings with 1,501 points. But the Mouawad combination of Omar Danial and Gary Ballough are close behind on 1,290 points with Chinese Grand Prix winners Skydive Dubai (Sultan Al Dhaheri and Jay Price) not far behind on 1,206.

Four hundred points awarded for a win, 300 for second and 225 for the third spot.

Danial said: “To win you have to finish. To finish first you obviously have to get your equipment in good order. One has to make sure it’s fresh and obviously make some modifications. You learn through each race, but I think our focus now is to make sure all our equipment is ready to go all out for the last race.”

The first official practice will take place on Thursday at 2.30pm with another practice at 9am on Friday.

This will be followed by the race for the Emaar Pole Position at 10.15am while the thrilling one-on-one Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run will take place at 3pm on Friday.

There will be another official practice at 11.30am on Saturday and the main race, the Dubai Grand Prix, will get underway at 2.30pm. More information on the Series can be obtained by logging on to www.xcatracing.com

sports@khaleejtimes.com