Dubai: Experienced German driver Hans-Joachim Stuck leads a pack of top drivers in the non-stop Toyo Tires 24-Hour Dubai motor race at the Dubai Autodrome.
Stuck, who made his name as a touring car driver in the 1970s, is among a strong international entry.
The event will feature several categories including the Touring Cars of FIA Group A and Group 24-Hr Special and the SP1 Touring Trophy Cup Cars.
Stuck's victories included the 1972 Spa 24 Hours and in 1974 he moved to single-seaters, finishing a creditable second in the European Formula 2. He made his Formula1 debut that year.
He participated in a variety of events throughout the 1970s including the German, Austrian and US Grand Prixs. He came into his own during the 1980s, winning the World Sportscar title, the Sebring 12 Hours and the Le Mans 24-Hour race twice.
He later continued his career in the USA before returning to Europe and picking up the trophy for the German Touring car Championship in 1990. Hans-Joachim was a member of the Duller Motor Sport team that won the first Toyo Tires 24-Hours last year.
Saeed Khalfan, Chairman of Dubai Autodrome, said: "We are delighted to have this big lineup of cars and high calibre drivers such as Hans Joachim Stuck. It's a great way to start to our motor racing calendar.
"Of course, Dubai Autodrome is proud to be hosting this, the only such race in the region and after last year's successful event we are confident this year's will be exceptional too."
The racing weekend will start today morning with the Lumina CSV Championship ME Free Practice. The qualifying session will take place in the afternoon followed by the first race.
On the same day the 24 hour competitors will have some time to practice at noon time followed by a qualifying session in the afternoon. At 8:30pm racing fans will be treated to a Drift challenge qualifying session.
