From January 14th till 16th, 2010, the Dubai Autodrome will again host the annual 24-hour race for GT and touring cars and 24h specials. Next year’s running of the race will mark the fifth anniversary edition of the Dunlop 24H of Dubai and already now, the organisers from Dutch agency Creventic BV have received many registrations. “Currently we already have 75 entries, so we expect a full grid again. All the cars and equipment of the teams will be shipped to Dubai, December 8th from Antwerp in Belgium. So, last minute, teams still have a possibility to enter for the race. However, there are only few places left”, says Creventic’s Gerrie Willems.

After the four successful previous editions, the Dunlop 24H of Dubai has become firmly established on the global motorsport calendar as the first international endurance race of the year. For next year’s fifth anniversary edition, teams from Europe, Australia, Japan, China and the United Arab Emirates have already signed up. “It is positive to see the steady increase in the number of participants from the Emirates”, says Gerrie Willems. “That is a clear sign that motorsport is becoming more and more popular in the Gulf region, too. Moreover, with more teams from Australia and Asia joining us for next year, the worldwide appeal of our event is clear.”

A varied entry with GT and touring cars

The provisional entry lists includes a wide array of competition machinery. Top of the bill are of course the thoroughbred sports cars like Ascari KZ1 R GT3, Aston Martin Vantage N24, BMW Z4 M Coupé, Brokernet Silversting, Ferrari F430, Donkervoort, Dodge Viper, Lotus Exige, Marcos Mantis, Saker and Ginetta and, of course, a large quantity of Porsche 996 and 997 RSR and Cup cars. However, one of the assets of the Dunlop 24H of Dubai is that the race is also open to smaller, less expensive cars like Renault Clio, SEAT Leon Supercopa, Volkswagen Golf and BMW 1- and 3-series, both with petrol and with diesel engines. The event concept with various different classes allows all types of cars to compete for class honours.

“When you look at the entry list, there are at least 20 contenders for overall victory”, says Gerrie Willems. “The winners of the 2009 edition, Land Motorsport, are back with their Porsches, but so are the second- and the third-placed teams, Al Faisal Motorsport with the BMW Z4 and Besaplast Racing with the Porsche. Of course, the Hungarian Bovi Motorsport’s Brokernet Silversting was very strong in the 12H of Hungary while the Petronas Syntium Team from Japan have also joined us with a pair of BMW Z4 Coupés. There is a works-entry from Dutch sports car brand Donkervoort and the Maserati GT4 will also race for the first time in our event. And then there are many, many more.”

Spectacular Superkarts as the official support category

Next to the GT and touring cars that will feature in the 24-hour race, there will be some more powerful machinery on the track: the spectacular International Superkart Series are the official support category for the fifth edition of the Dunlop 24H of Dubai. The programme for the Superkarts includes one free practice session, two qualifying heats and no less than three races! With its wide Asphalt-covered run-off areas, the Dubai Autodrome is perfectly suited for the fast Superkarts that can reach speeds of up to 250 km/h.

More information can be found at www.24hdubai.com, the official website of the event.