Dubai SC backs UAE trio for Dakar Rally challenge

Three UAE nationals will undertake what 14-time Middle East rally champion Mohamed bin Sulayem described as the “biggest challenge” of their careers at the Dakar Rally in January.

Abdullah Al Heraiz, Khalid Al Kendi and Mohamed Balooshi will represent UAE at the world’s toughest off-road race which takes place in Peru, Chile and Argentina for two weeks from January 1.

“It is no secret that the Dakar Rally is the most gruelling race in the world. It takes great bravery and determination to complete it. Thankfully, our competitors have shown in the past that they are champions and I know that they will do their country proud,” said Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) president bin Sulayem at a press conference on Monday.

He thanked Dubai Sport Council (DSC) for their support by acting as an umbrella for the three competitors. “We wish our boys all the luck in the Dakar Rally, which is considered one of the most presitigious events in motorsports. We are confident in their ability to represent the UAE as ambassadors, not just competitors, in this global event,” said Dr Ahmed Sharif, secretary general of DSC.

For Al Heraiz and Al Kendi, finding sponsors has been their biggest obstacle since making their debut in the Dakar Rally last time where they finished a creditable 26th out of 55 finishers.

“With or without sponsors, we will be going,” said Al Heraiz who has been taking part in rallying events around the world since 2006.

Asked to describe his Dakar Rally experience, Al Heraiz said: “The rally is for 14 days and covers a distance of 9,600km, 800km every day non-stop except one day. On ninth or tenth day, we found our position was good and improving.

"So we decided to press a little bit on the gas. Our strategy was to maintain 50-60 per cent but after a meeting with our management we increased it to 65-70 per cent. It was a risk actually. Our aim was to finish Dakar and we didn’t care what will happen at end. That is how we finished 26th out 55.”

The Emirati duo placed third in the new entrants category and fourth in the T2 Production category (Diesel).

Balooshi is looking forward to his debut in the Dakar Rally and was thankful to his sponsors for making it possible.

“My main priority is to finish. We have few more years to prove ourselves. I thank people who are believing in me, without them it is impossible,” said the two-time Arab Motocross champion who has also won the Middle East title.

The KTM-UAE Racing team will feature UAE-based British rider Sam Sunderland alongside Balooshi in its Road to Dakar project supported by Red Bull, Volkswagen, Geodis Wilson and the Al Shafar Group.

Experienced rally rider Tim Trenker will manage the team.

“Hopefully I’m going to take part in the Baja rally in Qatar in November and testing with the factory team in Barcelona. All of this should help in the preparations for Dakar,” said the nine-time UAE champion who has been a professional rider since the age of eight.

The Dakar Rally begins in Mar Del Plata, Argentina on January 1 and traverses 9,000km of South American roads, deserts and mountains before finishing in Lima, Peru, 14 days later on January 15. This will be the fourth running of the event in South America, following its move from its traditional North Western African staging following security concerns.

“What these three competitors will go through is beyond belief. It’s all about controlling your mind and taking calculated risks,” said bin Sulayem when asked what advice he would give them.

“I still dream about taking part in the Dakar Rally. It’s not about results. The important thing is they are representing UAE,” said the ACTUAE president wishing them a safe Dakar Rally.
 

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