Team Westerlund battle for return to XCAT podium in Dubai

8 December 2013, Dubai – The last time Team Westerlund left Dubai after the third round of the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series in March, it was with the winners’ spoils. The Swedish outfit took advantage of Series leaders Fazza’s mechanical problems to speed past and take their first ever XCAT victory on that occasion. But that was the last time they were on the podium, having left the last three races empty handed, apart from a second spot in the Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run in Stresa, Italy. Now they’re hoping Dubai will serve up some rough conditions when the seventh and final round of the Series takes place at DIMC from December 12-14. “It feels great to be back in Dubai where I did my first XCAT race and my XCAT career started. Hopefully there will be windy conditions and strong waves like the last race in Dubai because there I’m really strong,” said Joakim Kumlin, who has been racing with F2 star Erik Stark for the past two rounds, but will once again be teaming up with his initial partner Daniel Svenson this weekend. “A flat water race can be hard to be number one, but with rough conditions, we can push the boat to the max and up to the podium,” said Kumlin. Team Westerlund have finished in fifth spot in the last two races (in Ningbo, China and Arona, Italy) and failed to finish in Stresa, Italy after suffering a gearbox problem. Asked what it will take to change those fortunes, Kumiln reckoned: “We need to be top four in the race for pole position and then need a great start in the race, with those rough conditions.” The seventh and final round of the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series takes place from December 12-14. With three boats still vying for overall Series victory, this race will decide the 2013 Championship. Entrance is free to the general public. For details on VIP packages, please visit the xcatracing.com home page.