Dubai | Porsche Centre Dubai and Northern Emirates, Al Nabooda Automobiles welcomed Porsche owners, enthusiasts and motorsport fans for the third round of 2024/25 Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East at the internationally-acclaimed Dubai Autodrome.
Porsche Carrera Cup is the most competitive one-make racing in the world. It is in its second year in the Middle East and marks 16 years of Porsche racing in the region. This follows its elevation from the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, and it is one of just 12 Porsche Carrera Cup series worldwide.
Porsche Centre Dubai and Northern Emirates is a foundation supporter of Porsche racing in the Middle East and welcomed its 16th year of support with a family-friendly weekend of trackside entertainment to complement the on-track action.
Fans enjoyed the racing from trackside vantage points as well as via live streaming as they dined from food trucks supplied by local Dubai-born and bred establishments, DRVN, Acai Bowl, AD Burger and Ranch offering a wide variety of cuisine from gourmet burgers to the ultimate sandwich complemented by premium locally roasted coffee and a wide range of healthy and freshly squeezed juices.
“Porsche Centre Dubai and Northern Emirates, has been supporting Porsche motorsports at the Dubai Autodrome since it began so we understand and value the importance of making this a weekend for all the family to enjoy, not just the race enthusiasts,” said K. Rajaram, CEO of Al Nabooda Automobiles.
For those fuelled by watching a full field of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars racing, a GTS Gallery featuring not only the recently launched 911 GTS but also the Cayenne, Panamera and Cayman GTS models allowed an up close look while those who wanted to take it further could register for test drives of their favourite models.
Future Porsche drivers still dreaming of holding a driver’s licence tested their skills on the children’s trampoline mini racing challenge with winners receiving their mini prizes.
Other off-track racing included the vibrant sim racing zone where guests competed in mini tournaments to win some of the historic Porsche posters on display in the Porsche Art Box that formed part of the Art Zone.
The Art Zone proved popular with a resident DJ keeping the vibe going as guests perused the 911 Art Hood Studio where recognizable 911 hood shapes on easels welcomed guests to create their own artwork using supplied accessories with guidance from experts. A more traditional form of artwork was also on display at Calligraffiti with the Macan BEV.
Back on track the racing was close, with the first race held under lights at the Dubai Autodrome on Saturday night, followed by Race 2 in the daylight hours of Sunday.
Stiak wins both races to extend points lead
Current championship leader, 17-year old German driver Janne Stiak continued his winning streak by taking both race wins in Dubai.
The German driver won the first race of the weekend, despite losing out at the start to British driver James Wallis. Stiak regained the lead within the first lap and led to the finish in his DHL-backed 911 GT3 Cup.
Wallis was second in both races, with his countryman Angus Whiteside third and Australian Caleb Sumich fourth on his Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East debut.
Saudi Racing leads Pro-Am battle
Finishing first and second in the Pro-Am and the GCC class were the Saudi team-mates of Saud Al Saud and Khaled Alahmadi for Saudi Racing. Both drivers raced each other hard for the full race distances, as well as keeping pace with the Pro class cars.
Japanese driver Bankcy claimed first place in the Masters class in both races, pushing many of the Pro-Am field and adding valuable points to his season total.
The fourth round of the 2024/25 Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East will be held at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE on 25-26 January 2025.
Motorsports