Dubai: It’s been a long summer for the UAE Sportbike Championship brigade, who are now itching to kickstart their 2013-2014 season at the Dubai Autodrome this Friday, when a quality field will line up on the grid to challenge reigning champion Mahmoud Tannir for the UAE’s top motorcycle racing prize.
Tannir is double UAE champion and starts the season as the man to beat aboard his Triumph Daytona, but he faces a bunch of strong rivals who will be keen to prevent him from claiming the triple-crown.
Ahead of the season opener, Tannir revealed, “I have been enjoying time with the family. I don’t stop training, so whenever I don’t answer my phone that means I’m in the gym or asleep. I would like to defend the title for the second time.”
Among the frontrunners to challenge Tannir are the likes of Saudi Falcon rider Abdul Aziz Bin Ladin on his Kawasaki and Dubai-based Indian ace Surya Raja on his Yamaha.
The first of two rounds of the competition takes place at Dubai Autodrome’s National Circuit. The races will add up to the UAE Sportbikes Championship’s 16 rounds.
The action on track unfolds with the warm-up at 9.30am on Friday, followed by qualifying at 9.55am, with the first 10-lap race scheduled for 11.40am and race two at 2.20pm.
Also lined up for the day are two rounds of the NGK Racing Series and Bike Track Day. Entry is free for spectators, who are allowed access to the grandstands and the paddock area.
