Gillman's farewell marks the end of a glorious era

Abu Dhabi: It was an end of a glorious era in the UIM Formula One circuit as American champion, Scott Gillman, decided to hang his helmet.

Four-time winner of the title and the defending champion Gillman decided to stop racing on medical advise.

He suffered chest pains after winning the first round of the UIM F-1 World Championship this year in Portugal.

He finished at the second place in the second round held in France before having to retire in the third round in China.

Brilliant display

"I am not happy that I will not drive again but my compensation is watching my colleagues in the UAE F-1 Team, Thani Al Qamzy and Ahmad Al Hamly performing brilliantly in the championship this year," Gillman told Gulf News yesterday.

Gillman, the captain and trainer of the UAE F-1 Team, was all praise for Al Qamzy.

"I am proud of him. I am overjoyed when he won first place in China and Qatar. It is like watching my son winning the races.

"Thani (Al Qamzy) was fantastic to succeed in such a short time and to make a name for himself among the best drivers in the world.

"I believe he needs a miracle to win the title this year because he retired in the first two rounds because of mechanical problems.

"But believe me next year he will be the driver to watch because we will start preparing for the championship early and we will buy two new boats for the team," Gillman said.

Gillman, winner of the title in 1997, 2000, 2004 & 2006, will continue working with the UAE F-1 Team as a trainer and team manager.

"I am happy with the performance of Ahmad (Al Hamly) who proved to have the potential for becoming a future hero. I am sure that he only needs a short time before reaching the podium," Gillman concluded.