|
 | Baja Qatar: UAE Driver Mark Powell set to enter two Predator X-18s in Qatar.
|
 | | |
UAE-based British driver Mark Powell has confirmed that he will enter a pair of Predator X-18s in the new Qatar International Baja, being run by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) as a candidate event for inclusion in the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies, on November 24-26, 2011.
The two-day event is open to cars (T1, T2, T3 and Category 2WD) and bikes (450cc, quad, women and open) corresponding to the relevant FIA and FIM homologation criteria. There will also be a Qatar National Baja running behind the main international event and the QMMF is also introducing a special class for all diesel vehicles.
"Entries are now open and we have decided to enter the two Predators," enthused Powell, a veteran of numerous UAE Desert Challenge and Ha’il Saudi Baja events in the Middle East region.
Powell, who entered the first Qatar Baja in 2004, has confirmed that one vehicle will be a customer car fitted with the original CVT transmission and powered by a 2.2-litre GM Ecotec engine delivering in the region of 170bhp.
The second car will be driven by Powell himself and is being developed by Saluki Motorsport in Dubai and features a 2.5-litre, normally-aspirated Subaru engine, which will power the 1,100kg, two-wheel drive Buggy entered in the T1.3 class.
"The overall performance of the new car is expected to far exceed that of the original set-up and we are looking forward to putting this new version through its paces in Qatar," added Powell, who will be co-driven by the experienced Wales-based navigator Quin Evans in November. Evans has competed in numerous off-road events around the globe and is a top-10 finisher in the daunting Dakar Rally.
Entries for the Qatar International Baja close on Thursday, November 10th for teams and for co-drivers in the car category on Tuesday, November 22nd. Motorcycle entries must be received by Thursday, November 10th.
Administration checks and scrutineering will take place at the QMMF in Doha on Wednesday, November 23rd and Thursday, November 24th respectively, while the ceremonial start and opening super special stage get proceedings underway from 08.00hrs at the Sealine Resort on Friday, November 25th.
Leg two takes place across the Qatar desert on Saturday, November 26th and the ceremonial finish will draw a close on proceedings at the Sealine Centre from 18.00hrs.
For further information about the 2011 Qatar International Baja, contact Marielou Cruz, Qatar Motor and Motor Cycle Federation (QMMF), PO Box 8708, Doha, Qatar, Tel: + 974 437 9884/9885, Fax: + 974 437 9761, E-mail: info@qmmf.com or marielou.cruz@qmmf.com.qa and website [ www.qmmf.com ].
2011/10/06 | 00:28 CET | ARTICLE: MR/SY/PERKINS
|
|
