Season resumes for Motorcity UAE Sportbikes

Championship leader Mahmoud Tannir chased by Steve Blackney

6 February 2012

It’s been well over two months since the Motorcity UAE Sportbike riders were out in action and talk in the paddock is they are all itching to get back out on track. This weekend the two wheel brigade returns to business at the NGK UAE National Race Day at Dubai Autodrome, with Round 9 and Round 10 of the championship on the bill.

It’s been a long break for the riders, who keep fit and hone their skills during the regular track days at Dubai Autodrome, but what they crave is race action and this weekend’s two races, Round 9 and Round 10, will fill the void and at the same time be vital for the championship contenders.

In the premier 600 Class Mahmoud Tannir (Vendetta Racing Triumph Daytona 675R) has edged ahead in the championship table, and heading into the final six races has a 21 points lead over his closest rival. Tannir has racked up six wins so far this season and has been unbeaten in the past five.

Although reluctant to talk about the championship title as the old saying in motorsport is ‘anything can happen’, nevertheless prior to the break Tannir spoke about what the accolade would mean to him personally: “That would be a great achievement, even after four long seasons of racing, but when I see how much I have improved, it makes me very proud of my progress. Also it means a lot to me to win in a sport that no other Lebanese has managed to compete in… well, as far as I know.”

The man most likely to spoil Tannir’s party is his Vendetta Racing team mate Alan Boyter who has tasted victory twice this season, but not scoring points in Round 7 is a big blow to his title aspirations, but he still has 95 points in the bag and will be looking to end his team mate’s winning streak on Friday.

Despite the deficit Boyter is not throwing in the towel, and remains upbeat about his chances of challenging Tannir all the way to the final race. He said at the mid-point of the season: “The season is not over yet!”

Also in the hunt, with 92 points is Steve Blackney (Honda) who will be targeting his first UAE national win in the remaining half dozen races, but will first have to deal with the likes of Joe Oxley (Kawasaki), Omar Naji (Kawasaki), Erikas Savickas (Yamaha) and Leon Chad (Yamaha).

All eyes will be on the battle for supremacy in the Rookie Cup – race within a race – where a hitherto dominant Chris Morley (Kawasaki) met his match in young up and coming Surya Raja (Yamaha) who scored a pair of well deserved victories in the last two rounds and be keen for a repeat of the feat.

Morley leads the championship standings with 115 points to his credit, with Raja a mere 11 points adrift with 90 points up for grabs in the final six rounds. The stage is thus set for an intriguing battle between the pair for the remainder of the season and will also be chased hard by Jonathan Arnup (Suzuki), Emirati rider Rashed Mohammed (Yamaha) and debutant Mike Down (Honda).

Much interest will revolve around the 1000 Class battle where Nasser Al Shaiba (BMW S1000RR) takes on Gernot Dobida (Honda CBR1000RR) and Daimen van Blerk (Ducati 1198R).

Motorcity UAE Sportbikes action starts with qualifying at 10:30am, with the first race scheduled 15:05pm and race two at 16:55pm.

Also on the bill on the day are races for: NGK UAE GT Championship, UAE Radical Cup and Suzuki Swift Cup. Entry is free for race fans with easy access to the paddock and grandstand.

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