Victory Team set sights on another podium sweep in speedy Arona showdown

The crowds expected to line the shores of Lake Maggiore this weekend can expect an even speedier spectacle at the fifth round of the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series. With the action moving south from Stresa to Arona for the next leg of the Series, manager of the podium-sweeping Victory Team, Ragesh Elayadeth believes less tricky turns in this weekend’s course will produce higher top speeds during the race. Elayadeth had plenty to celebrate after the Dubai-based Victory Team stable claimed a clean sweep of the podium places in last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, with Skydive Dubai taking top spot, Fazza second and the Victory Team boat third. But after one celebratory team dinner on Sunday night, it was back to business first thing Monday morning with the boats being transported one hour down the road to Arona and preparation getting underway for another XCAT showdown. “With back to back races, we have to focus on the next race and getting ready for that race, doing some minor repairs and changes,” explained Elayadeth. “We have to make a few changes to the set up and we are planning to finish the next race on top again. “By Thursday or Friday the boats will be back in the water. The lake is obviously the same, with the same water but the race course is a little different to Stresa. There are a lot of long stretches so we’ll see – we should have a different set up. Stresa was a short race course with a lot of turns. Because of the longer stretches in Arona, the boats will reach quicker top speeds. If there is any wind or anything, that will affect it. But I think it will be faster.” As for what the drivers are likely to be doing in between races, Elayadeth said: “The drivers have to plan for the next race and work hard on their fitness. And we all have to sit together and plan for the race – that’s it really. “They do the normal work out kind of stuff because they have to keep fit. It’s not such an easy job in the boat so they do a lot of exercises.” Jay Price, who claimed top podium spot with Rashid Al Tayer last weekend, added: “We keep eating our protein and potassium and keep our bodies in shape so we’re ready for the next race. There’s no testing really needed until we get to the next track.” Asked whether he could claim his second Series win this weekend, the American simply stated: “Insh’Allah” (God willing). Racing gets underway in Arona on Saturday with Emaar Pole Position and the Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run, while the main race (the European Grand Prix) will be contested on Sunday.