For more and more drivers and teams from all over the world, it has become a good tradition to start the new motor racing season in Dubai. Next year will be no exception, with the 13th running of the 24H DUBAI scheduled to be held at Dubai Autodrome from 11 till 13 January, 2018. Although the event is still almost eight months away, 70 entries have already been received.
“And by no means only GT3 cars, as the provisional entry list has a good mix of touring cars, GT cars and 24H Specials. Interest from TCR touring car teams is rising: already 15 TCR cars have been entered. CREVENTIC is still committed to attracting touring cars for Dubai and the other 24H SERIES events and therefore is delighted to see that half of the provisional entry list currently consists of touring cars and GT4s,” says Gerrie Willems on behalf of CREVENTIC. The Dutch agency is promoter and organiser of the 24H SERIES, in co-operation with the Dutch National Racing Team (DNRT).
The 24H DUBAI has firmly become established as one of the world’s major international endurance races. Held for the first time in 2006, the race is the flagship of the 24H SERIES. Gerrie Willems says: “The regulations will keep the focus on an open and sporting character for a wide variety of cars for the combination of amateurs, gentlemen drivers, semi-pro and pro drivers. Taking into account the valuable feedback from our teams and drivers we will carry out some significant improvements. For instance, we will no longer be working with minimum ‘reference’ lap times and go back to racing and we will try to create more transparency related to penalties.”
A separate GT4 class new for 2018
“In agreement with SRO, a separate GT4 class will be included in all our events from 2018, starting with the race in Dubai,” Willems continues. “With new GT4 cars from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-AMG expected to be available for next year, and the large number of McLaren and Porsche GT4 cars already competing, this category is becoming more and more important. GT4 cars have proven to be perfectly suited for endurance racing, so they fit very well into the 24H SERIES and 24H TCE SERIES. For the non-GT4 cars currently running in the SP3-GT4 class, we will maintain the SP3 category.”
A trouble-free experience with various transport solutions
Having organised the race in Dubai so many times already, CREVENTIC has unparalleled experience when it comes to logistics and handling of cars and equipment related to the event. It has become a good tradition that standard sea freight transport to and from Dubai is included in the entry fee, ensuring a trouble-free experience for the teams. “We take care of the transport from the European Union to the United Arab Emirates and back, customs and delivery and pick-up to and from Dubai Autodrome. When teams arrive at the track, they can immediately start unloading the containers and setting up the pit box,” CREVENTIC’s logistics manager Daphne Gengler says. “Based on our experience with these affordable and convenient transport options, CREVENTIC is also offering various opportunities for teams wanting to take part in our inaugural 24H COTA in November of this year, allowing them to combine this with participation in Dubai.”
Prototypes again in action at Dubai
Following the very successful premiere at Dubai this year, another prototype race will take place at Dubai Autodrome in January, 2018. The race format is yet to be announced, but a total duration of twelve hours is scheduled. The prototypes will race on the weekend prior to the 24H DUBAI, so on 5 and 6 January, 2018.
Attractive entry fee with reduced fees for some classes
The entry fee remains attractive with the same prices as for this year’s race, with even a reduction for the 991, SP3 and GT4 classes. A discount of 1,000 Euros is in place for all teams, irrespective of the class, who submit their registration and payment before 15 August, 2017. CREVENTIC is offering affordable travel packages and catering facilities at the circuit as well. Live streaming with commentary by Radiolemans,com is planned for the 24H DUBAI.