Driver change for Dubai boat ahead of Stresa GP

19 June 2014, Stresa, Italy – The Victory Team have revealed that Sultan Al Dhaheri will not be competing in this weekend’s fourth round of the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series in Stresa, Italy due to medical reasons. His spot in the Dubai boat alongside, American throttleman Jay Price, will be taken by young driver Salem Al Adidi, who last competed in the Victory Team boat in Fujairah in February.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to race again,” said Dubai-based Al Adidi. “I missed out on the Napoli GP so it’s great to be back in the boat again and I am looking forward to teaming up with Jay. He is a great pilot with so much experience so I’m sure I can learn a lot from him while still challenging for a podium place,” he added. Price, who claimed his first ever XCAT victory in Stresa last year with Rashid Al Tayer, added: “I won my first ever X-Cat race there in 2013. The race course is one of the fastest and the city is spectacular. I had a new driver then and have a new driver for this race again. “I have never driven with Salem before but, I have great respect for him as a driver and I am confident that we will master this course together. Best wishes go out to my partner Sultan; hopefully he will return to racing in the near future.”

Dubai in action at the Napoli GP

The first official practice will take place on Friday at 3.45pm (local time) while the race for Emaar Pole Position will be contested at 2.30pm on Saturday. This will be followed by the thrilling, head-to-head Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run at 5.30pm on Saturday. The main event, the Stresa GP will take place at 3.30pm on Sunday. The city of Stresa has come on board as hosts of the fourth round of the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series in a big way, with local shops and cafes displaying XCAT colours, while one gelateria has even produced a special XCAT-flavoured ice cream.