Dubai: The TAM Auto Engineering UAE National Race Day 6 was a day of high attrition for competitors at the Dubai Autodrome. The event, which was attended by Shaikh Juma Al Maktoum, produced some unexpected results. The highlight was a win by Emirati favourite Mohammad Al Falasi in Class 1 of the Yellow Hat UAE Touring Car Championship in Race 2.
He was also awarded the prestigious House of Portier Driver of the Day award for his efforts which saw him start from the back of the grid and progress through the 30 car field to score his maiden win in the series.
The much awaited confrontation between Championship leader Karim Al Azhari (Al Nabooda Porsche) and Julian Griffin (DXB Racing Dodge Viper) in Class 1 of the Yellow Hat UAE Touring Car Championship with House of Portier did not materialise as the latter had technical problems from Race 1 which Al Azhari won with ease.
Al Falasi in the Corvette also had a torrid first race with engine problems relegating him to the rear of the grid for the start of Race 2. This fired up the Emirati ace who carved his way through the field to take on race leader Al Azhari.
The two slugged it out for a number of laps before Al Azhari was forced into the pits due to a puncture. Al Falasi seized the opportunity to notch up his, and Corvette's, first win in the series, setting the fastest lap of the day.
Al Falasi said after his victory, "After Race 1 I was very determined to do well in Race 2. From the back of the grid I was urging myself on and was very focused. I remembered all the support in my garage, my team, my family and my friends. It was a great fight with Karim Al Azhari. It was even better to win and I thank TAM Auto Engineering for preparing the car. I dedicate this win to the UAE Corvette Club and all Emirati's who want to race. I hope this win inspires them."
In Class 2 Cabell Fisher (Khaleeji Motorsport Porsche) took two out of two wins in Class 2 ahead of Harris Irfan in the (Alex Renner Motors Porsche) on both occasions.
