News
Following an emphatic eighth edition of the
Championship organiser Lechner Racing has revealed heightened interest from drivers keen to be a part of the future schedule, thanks to the regional debut of the brand-new
The UAE will hope to see the return of Bashar Mardini after a successful debut outing last season, with further potential for new talent to join the grid, hopeful to follow in the footsteps of previous local champion Jeffery Schmidt.
The
“Al Faisal Al Zubair, Zaid Ashkanani, Ryan Cullen, Dylan Pereira are all graduates of our Middle East series and perfect examples of what is possible. The pathway into elite racing has evolved into a highway, with a fast-track formula for those drivers with the talent and commitment. Season 8 was a perfect preparation and springboard for these drivers and I’m confident Season 9 will be even better for even more drivers, especially with the introduction of the new car.”
Boasting a completely redeveloped power train, the
A new front apron and a new rear end improve the downforce of the new 911 GT3 Cup and therefore enhance traction and performance. The prominent 184-centimetre wide rear wing has been retained from the predecessor model. The wheel dimensions are also unchanged: One-piece 18-inch racing rims with a central locking mechanism are used – with 270-millimetre Michelin racing slicks on the front axle, and a 310-millimetre tread on the rear axle. The intelligent aluminium-steel composite construction ensures maximum rigidity and a lightweight body. The new 911 GT3 Cup is ready to race weighing in at just 1,200 kilograms.
Without doubt, the opportunity to drive the new cars on tracks, such as Bahrain International Circuit, Dubai Autodrome and Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, will be a major attraction for international racers. When coupled with the strong, competitive showing of previous seasons and the growing global stature of the Middle Eastern racing scene, there are strong expectations that Season 9 of the
Walter Lechner said: “Season 8 was one of the closest competitions in recent years and has served perfectly as a catalyst for interest in the ninth edition, expected to get underway in the fourth quarter of this year. While the high standard of competition attracts racers from the Middle East and across the world, the chance to race the new
Lechner added: “The history of this car is incredible and it is the star of our series and the ultimate ingredient of what has been, and continues to be, a hugely successful formula. We’re closing in on a decade of the series, this will be nine years of nurturing young talent and offering gentleman drivers the race of their lives. Of course, we are proud of all that has been achieved but we are hungry to continue to give regional stars an opportunity to build their skills and maintain our important position as major pillar of Middle Eastern motor racing.”
All reports on the previous season can be found in our archive.