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Article
Full field for Abu Dhabi X-Cat Series - Third Round |
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(Friday, April 10, 2009)
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| Abu Dhabi The same field of 22 boats has confirmed their participation for this afternoon (Friday April 10, 2009) third round of the 2009 X-Cat Series to be held at the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC). The X-Cat World Powerboat Series has a total prize fund of Dhs 1.6 million and is being organized by the UAE Marine Sports Federation (UAEMSF) with sponsorship and cooperation between the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) and the ADIMSC under the auspices of the Dubai-based World Professional Powerboat Association (WPPA). Primarily touted as the breeding grounds for training future powerboat drivers, the new series is being run as per rules and regulations laid down by the WPPA for XCat powerboat racing. Teams are allowed to fit their boats with transponders for the live virtual system to enable better race management and safety. Rules also allow the use of Mercury 300hp Optimax EPA engines provided the boats carry the same weight as Class III vessels with the 2.5 litre Mercury engines. "Till late this afternoon, we had an entry field of 19 boats, and we hope to have the other three register tomorrow before practice," Nasser Dhaheri, Race Co-Ordinator, ADIMSC said. "But we have been told that there may be a late addition to the entry list. So, we will wait and see if there is the late confirmation for tomorrow's race," Bensalah added at the time of going to press. "There is surely going to some stiff competition for the third round," predicted Saeed Hareb, President of the WPPA and CEO of Mina Seyahi Dubai - a division of Dubai International Marine Club Hareb was pleased with the huge response to this new powerboat series. "And it will grow even further as we have been getting a lot of enquiries from corporates who want to get involved in this sort of activity," Hareb said. Friday's action will get under way at around 11.30 am with an official one-hour practice session that will decide the starting line-up for the race that follows at 3 pm. The third round will see a newly designed course that will prevent the untoward incidents that marred the second round in January this year. In the second round of the series Mora Carrasco and Giovanni Carpitella, in La Vida Loca boat ran a calculated race hanging among the top three from the start of the second race. Close behind on their heels was Fazza with Arif Al Zafeen and Nadir Bin Hendi of Victory Class 1 Powerboat Racing fame. Carpisa who had not seen much success in the first round in Dubai finally made it to the podium in third place after a technical calculation between Al Haj Group and Carpisa. Review of the recordings proved that Al Haj Group had jump started and hence had to be sent down one place although they were the third to cross the finish line under the chequered flag. Carpisa – Yamamay made a fantastic finish only to be ahead of Al Haj and take the third position. Tough competition and fierce battles on the water will have everyone watching with bated breathe. |
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