The Dubai 24hr Race - Jan 13th & 14th 2012.

paulf968 · Jan 7, 2012

My First Race of 2012

Sometimes I think twice about telling you guys about my next race - but I have been doing my best to satisfy a longheld dream and drive in the Dubai 24hr race- and this year it is going to happen! So, at the risk of creating a bit of envy here goes !!

I have managed to get a seat with Cor Euser's 'Marcos International Racing Team' for the Dubai 24hr race. That team has an enviable record in endurance racing and as you will see from the link to the entry list below that there is a lot of exotic machinery on the grid.

No such exotica for me though, it is a BMW 120D (again) -- and you'll have to look right at the end of the entry list to find my name. Other drivers in our car are the legend that is Hal Prewitt and Cor Euser himself as reserve driver. So all things being equal I should have the best seat in the house to watch the race - we'll not overtake much but will need to keep a close eye on the rear view mirror for the whole race!

Various links below, including a release that advises of Radio Lemans and TV coverage.

Home page for the race
http://www.24hdubai.com

Current entry list
http://www.24hdubai.com/?page=514

Info page about live coverage on Motors TV and Radio Lemans
http://www.24hdubai.com/?page=67&newsID=833

I'm leaving Monday evening from Heathrow, 1 day to acclimatise, then a Wed session to learn the track in my rental car (yes an ordinary rental car - speed limit 60km/hr). Day and night time quali on Thurs. The race actually starts 10am UK time on Friday 13th - good thing I am not superstitious.

The Motors TV coverage for Thurs qualifying and Fri can be seen here, cannot find the Saturday schedule at the minute.
http://www.motorstv.com/sites/default/files/contenu/pdf/prog/uk/20120107_20120113.pdf

Finally I have been doing my 'youtube' homework, lots of in car footage around -- whilst the driving on this clip from qualifying is rather too aggressive, plus he's using too much kerb for an endurance race -- you get a really good idea of the track.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9VZspR9fa0&feature=relmfu

CAR No is 131

spyderman · Jan 7, 2012

Starts on the 13th - car number includes 13 - just as well you're not driving a BMW 130. Best of luck, Paul. Great race.

MarkK · Jan 7, 2012

Best of Luck Mr F!Go get em!!!!!

Melv · Jan 7, 2012

Have fun!

Sean Edwards also there.

majorporsche · Jan 7, 2012

Luck of the Irish ( munster branch ) be with you but not to include any rugby activities in January

Dave

bernard tester · Jan 8, 2012

Hi one of my mates was servicing there last year BMW M3, I think he will be there this year! not sure of the team will check. Good luck enjoy. Berny.

paulf968 · Jan 8, 2012

Thanks guys ...... the excitement is certainly starting to ramp up at this end.

Melv - yes spotted that Sean is driving again, a Merc this time, some great footage of him in last years race is available on youtube - great training for me, although I'll be going a good deal slower!

I found out yesterday that the diesel class is withdrawn for this race, only 3 cars were entered so our car is now in Class A2 racing up against Clios & Minis. So the race is now properly on to get a class podium with 8 cars competing for the 3 places.

Finally, some breaking news. It seems that one of my team-mates has a budget issue and I have put Pete Morris up as a driver. He's had discussions with Cor Euser and may well be joining the team -- it'll be great to have him on board.

Neil Haughey · Jan 8, 2012

Will certainly gaurantee plenty of banter Paul. Good luck mate that is an awesome team you guys are in, Cor Euser and Hal Prewitt. Wow.

spyderman · Jan 8, 2012

I guess you have to have an International license for this?

paulf968 · Jan 8, 2012

Simple answer is yes ... but I suspect that an exception might just be possible at the last minute if you could demonstrate your level of experience.

Melv · Jan 8, 2012

Morris???!!! There goes the neighbourhood......[

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Steve Brookes · Jan 8, 2012

Good luck Paul. Make sure you wave to Sean Edwards each time you pass him. [

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Some interesting teams there....Five Italians racing a 997 GT3R sticks out in particular! [8D]

MarkK · Jan 8, 2012

Cor cannot wait to watch some of this on TV or my laptop!!!!
So Excited!!!
Best of Luck!
If times were better i would fly out to watch in person and be a groupie!!

Mike_Pollock · Jan 10, 2012

Looking forward to this -
Good luck Paul

Mike Pink · Jan 10, 2012

Paul. What a great opportunity / experience! [

] Best of luck to you and the team.

And thanks for the links above. Will make watching this year's race more enjoyable having you and Sean to follow.

paulf968 · Jan 10, 2012

thx guys for your interest

...... arrived this morning on the overnight flight, just got back to my hotel after the first day of activity at the track. Car unloaded from it's container which was right behind our pit garage, old stickers off from it's last 24hr race in Barcelona -- all the official stickers for this race applied plus some of my own.

Of course, I sat in the car and started to visualise driving it -- yes the seat does go far enough back for me but it is a squeeze getting in and out, even with the steering wheel removed.

Signed on and had all my kit like helmet and suit checked -- tomorrow there is the chance to begin learning the circuit in your own rental car BUT limited to 60km/hr! 90 minutes of that available and that will really help me. Cor Euser will then check and setup both cars on track ie the Evora and our 120D.

I finally get to drive the car on Thurs in free practice, then it is 2 sessions of quali - one daytime, one nighttime. The daytime session defines grid position.

Pete Morris is here and he called me to say he is definitely in the team now -- but had a bit of shopping to get out of the way today, will see him tomorrow. Mel ........ what could you possibly have meant in your last post ??..........[

]

More when I know more.

Melv · Jan 10, 2012

I wonder!! [

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Have a lotta fun out there!

Big Dave · Jan 10, 2012

Sounds like your going to have a realy great time.... Soak it all up...
Not realy envious...[

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MarkK · Jan 10, 2012

Just set my sky box to "record" there is coverage on the Motors channel!
More updates Mr F!

paulf968 · Jan 11, 2012

Quick report at end of Day 2.

Had 90 minutes going round the track in our Yaris hire car, did it 4 up with Pete and he drove some of the time. Track is quite easy to learn, lots of tarmac run off. Main issues are a) positioning the car correctly into long curvy corners and b) learning which kerbs to use or miss at all costs! Think I have got it now though BUT that does not allow for all the improvisation required when in traffic.

Cor Euser was the only person driving the Evora and the 120D in the test session later this afternoon with our cars -- ie making sure they handle well and are ready to go tomorrow. It does look like the 120D will be placed close to the back end of the grid but tomorrow will reveal the actual position.

The good news is that the organisers have allowed us to refuel up to 120 ltrs each time -- so that means our car can run for about 4 hours without re-fuelling. I estimate that re-fuelling at the remote fuel sta. will add 5 minutes to each pitstop as normal pumps are being used. So we should save some time over the whole race by not needing fuel so often.

Taking it easy this evening, perhaps do a bit of sightseeing and catch a meal. Last night was a hoot in the hotel, they had an English quiz night and all the expats emerged to battle it out for brain of Dubai!! .. we did not do well !!......... the racing will be better I am sure.

tbfn