DUBAI // Mahmoud Tannir wrapped up the Motorcity UAE Sportbikes championship with two commanding victories, and Rupesh Channake overcame an big deficit to snatch the title in Class 2 of the NGK Racing Series on the final day of the 2012/13 road-racing season.
"I feel fantastic, really," said Tannir, who rode the Duseja Moto Triumph. "It was a tough season. Last year I won it and, of course, it was not easy. But this year, we had problems and at one stage it didn't look good. But we stuck to it and in the end we got it, and right now it seems sweeter."
He added: "From the outset we knew we had good pace, and although we did not have to win today, it is great to give this to the team and really make everyone happy, helping forget the misfortunes we had on the way to this.
"I am very happy."
Surya Raja needed to defeat Tannir twice to take the championship, but could not match his pace.
"Of course, we are disappointed," Raja said.
"But we kind of knew it was a tough call to take it back after we led the standings for so long. Credit to Mahmoud. He worked really hard and rode very well. We gave it our best shot; we did a good job even from my own expectations.
"I know now we have the pace to run at the top. I must be honest that I was surprised to win so early in the season, after my rookie year. I learned a lot this year. I also have had lessons on staying mentally strong, and how to sustain a title campaign. All this will mean that next year I come back stronger."
Gautam Mayilvaganan was second to Tannir in Race 1 of the 600 Class, and Erikas Savickas was second in Race 2.
Dominik von Poelnitz also ended the season in style, winning twice aboard a Suzuki to win the Rookie Cup title.
Abdulaziz Binladen won twice in the 1000 Class on his Saudi Falcons Honda.
Costas Panatonis had wrapped up the NGK Racing Series Class 1 title earlier in the season, and won twice more yesterday, but the Class 2 competition was heated till the end and produced a surprise champion.
Channake trailed Alexandros Annivas by 44 points in the season standings, but by winning twice in double-points races, on his Lap57 Honda, he was able to vault to a championship.
"I am in total shock," Channake said. "I can't believe it. We did not score in five races and here we are now with the title. It is fantastic but still sinking in."
Annivas was magnanimous in defeat.
"In one word, the season was fantastic," he said.
Ramzi Moutran won twice to overcome Annivas and win the UAE Clio Cup title.
The 2013/14 season will begin in late September or early October.
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