NMR heads for the sun

11th December 2009

NMR is off to the UAE for the 5th annual Dubai 24hr race, but if preparations thus far are anything to go by, the trip will be anything but a holiday.

Firstly, both GT4 racers entered were fully stripped and major mechanical items replaced or rebuilt as both cars should each cover around 4,000kms on the track – almost the equivalent of a full season’s racing. Following the rebuilds both cars then had a shake-down test at Bruntingthorpe airfield.

There was then the logistical challenge of deciding exactly what equipment and spares would be required as all hardware would be sent long in advance via sea freight. NMR's container waspacked on 1st Dec and should be awaiting the team’s arrival at the Dubai Autodrome on 13th Jan.

The Dubai 24hr has become a major event on the international sportscar racing calendar. The 2010 race has attracted some 80 competitors from all over the world and both NMR cars will becompeting in the SP3/GT4A class.

The NMR team will consist of eight technicians, a team manager plus commercial and logistical support, and four drivers will pilot each car. Regulars Karsten le Blanc and Christiaen van Lanschot with David Clark and Shaun Lynn will race the green car, while Tarek and Galal Mahmoud, Greg Audi and Corentine Quiniou will drive the yellow ‘Cedar Racing’ Aston.

Practice and qualifying will take place on 14th Jan with the race itself starting at 2pm on Friday 15th.