Dubai: With just a matter of weeks until the fourth round of the UIM XCAT World Series, Team Saracen Australia are relishing the prospect of racing on home waters.
One of two Australian teams in the series, the Melbourne-based team have given themselves a motto for the Gold Coast GP from August 21-23.
“Of course we are looking forward to showcasing our sport to the home crowd and giving it a red hot go,” explained team manager Loreen Luhrmann.
“Our theme for the Gold Coast is ‘Go Hard at Home’. A Podium finish would also be great.”
Having joined the XCAT Series at the beginning of this season, the prospect of competing at home is something Antony de Fina and Brett Luhrmann have been savouring. “It has been our dream to compete on the world stage – and to be able to race in front of our family and friends in our own country is beyond our wildest expectations. For both Brett and Antony to race at home is the realisation of boyhood dreams,” said Luhrmann.
“Both of our pilots have competed in race events for many years however this is a truly global competition. The only thing that comes close to this is Formula 1 car racing. There is nothing else of its kind on water, and we can’t wait to show our fellow competitors and race followers from around the world what an amazing coastline we have in Australia.
“We hope that they can stay a little longer to take in the sights of Australia. It’s a large and diverse country.”
Dubbed the greatest motorsport series on water, the XCAT World Series truly is a spectacle of speed, with teams of two taking each other on in two-engined carbon-fibre boats that tear around the course at speeds close to 200km per hour.
Asked what type of conditions teams are likely to experience at the Gold Coast GP, Luhrmann explained: “Typically Australia presents rougher waters, however it all depends on the wind and currents on the day. This event is occurring at the end of the Australian winter, so weather conditions could be an influence.
“The big influence is likely to be the wind and at this stage we hope there won’t be too much of it. Spring conditions in Australia on the Gold Coast would be fantastic for the event so let’s cross our fingers and hope for an early spring.”
As for what Australian fans, who may be witnessing the XCAT extravaganza for the first time, can expect, Luhrmann added: “The Gold Coast likes to think it is a fun place to be at any time, but this is something new. A really fun, exciting few days.
“Apart from the different types of races, with Speed Cat Run and pole shootout occurring before the race, there is a myriad of other entertainment on and off the water and it is truly world class. The Aussie public can expect to be wowed by this event.”
The Gold Coast GP will take place at Doug Jennings Park, The Spit at Main Beach, and entry is free of charge to the general public.
