Top racers to open X-Cat World Series

Dubai: Some of the top Class One powerboat racers will step into the unknown when they participate in the inaugural round of the brand-new X-Cat World Series at the Mina Seyahi waters today.

"This class of powerboat racing is not the same as Class One. I am sure my experience in all forms of racing will surely come in handy," former Victory Team member Ahmad Al Suwaidi told Gulf News.

"I have done some extensive testing on my new boat and I am eyeing a top three finish tomorrow," Al Suwaidi added.

This is the first time-ever that a completely new competition for this class of powerboat racing is being hosted in the UAE. And at the helm is the joint vision and cooperation of the UAE Marine Sports Federation (UAEMSF) with series sponsors Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) and the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC) under the aegis of the World Professional Powerboating Association (WPPA).

Another member from the Class One World Champion team venturing out will be Abdullah Al Muhairbi along with Saeed Al Barghoumi in their Umm Al Quwain boat.

"The field is so strong as there are so many experienced drivers and throttlemen capable of winning the race," Al Muhairbi stated.

And included in this line-up will be at least four boats backed by the popular Abu Dhabi Racing Team. "They have some talented racers such as Rashid Al Merri, Ahmad Ali Al Hamli, Rashid Awad Al Hamli and Mohammad Al Qamzi," he added.

The Abu Dhabi Racing Team is also backing the Italian duo of Mora Carrasco and Giovanni Carpitella in La Vida Loca. "I can't really say how this race is going to be as it is the first time ever that we will race in such a boat," said Carpitella.

Carpitella has a healthy powerboat portfolio having won the Middle East title for Class III racing on two occasions in 2001 and 2005. In fact, in 2001 he set the world speed record of taking his boat to an amazing 140mph.

He also spent a couple of years in Class One racing and he knows the difference. "When you experience these X-Cat boats then you are ready for racing anywhere as they are lighter and there is a need to use more sensibility while racing," Carpitella stated.

"I think this class will be the perfect training ground for drivers and throttlemen aspiring to enter the Class One arena. Besides, this championship will also help continuity in powerboat racing in preparation for the new Class One season ahead," added the Italian.

Mora Carrasco will be the driver and he too is keen to ensure a degree of success when they take their boat out today. "There is more stability on this boat and yet one can take more risks," he said.

The Italian duo of Giaympiero Soave and Diego Testa in Carpisa-Yamamay are also fancying their chances. "The idea will be to find an ideal propeller and attempt finishing between fifth to eighth place," stated Giaympiero.

Giaympiero's throttleman Testa, who has spent 12 years in Class III racing along with a season in Class One, also has a point to prove as he makes his Dubai debut. "I am here to learn, but we will be targetting a top position," Testa said.

Action will get under way at the Mina Seyahi waters with an official practice session from 10.30 to 11.30 am followed by the race at 3 pm.