With the UAE flag emblazoned across their car's roof, Oryx Racing will make their independent debut this weekend at the Daytona 24-hour race. The Abu Dhabi-based team will showcase their new Audi R8 Grand-Am along with one of the Emirates' most prominent young drivers.
Saeed Al Muhairi, the Emirati who is an instructor at Yas Marina Circuit, will join his compatriot Humaid Al Masaood and Northern Ireland's Steven Kane as the trio compete in the season-opening race of the 2012 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. The Florida event is the first of 13 races in North America.
"Moving forward as an independent team is an exciting step for us," said Al Masaood, the Oryx team owner who, in partnership with Dyson Racing last year, won the American Le Mans Series' Baltimore Grand Prix.
"While our time with Dyson Racing was fantastic, competing in this series allows us to move to a new level. We are very excited by what is happening with the Grand-Am, which is more competitive than ever before, and it is a great opportunity for us and the UAE to enjoy global recognition."
When asked about Al Muhairi's involvement, Al Masaood said: "We are really looking forward to working with him. He brings enthusiasm, an excellent team spirit and a passion to wave the UAE flag at an international level. He's a very strong driver, and a great addition to the Oryx Racing team."
The Audi R8 Grand-Am will be making its competitive debut at this weekend's event and Oryx are one of only two teams that will compete in the new model.
gmeenaghan@thenational.ae
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