Al Muhairi to compete in Daytona 24-hour

Dubai: Emirati driver Saeed Al Muhairi is one of a team of three competing in the Daytona 24-hour race this weekend.

Al Muhairi, Humaid Al Masoud and Steven Kane will take turns driving Oryx Racing's Audi R8 Grand-Am round the world-famous track. The race is the first event in the 2012 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, which the Abu Dhabi-based Oryx Racing is competing in for the first time.

Speaking about Oryx's decision to run in a series as an independent team for the first time, team owner and racer Al Masoud said: "Moving forward as an independent team is an exciting step for us. Competing in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series allows us to move to a new level. We are very excited by what is happening with the Grand-Am, which is more competitive than ever before, and racing in this prestigious series is a great opportunity for us, our sponsors and the United Arab Emirates to enjoy global recognition."

Al Muhairi has been on the racing scene since 2007, racing in karts before graduating to official race driver of the Yas Marina Circuit Aston Martin GT4.

On Al Muhairi joining the team, Al Masoud said: "We are really looking forward to working with Saeed. He brings enthusiasm, an excellent team spirit and a passion to wave the UAE flag at an international level. He's a very strong driver, and a great addition to the Oryx Racing team."