XCATs back on the prowl in Dubai this December

27 November 2014, Dubai – XCAT action will be back in full force next month as 14 international teams battle it out in the final round of the 2014 UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT Powerboat World Series at the Dubai International Marine Club. The 2014 season will be brought to a close with the Emirates Airline XCAT GP, taking place from December 11-13. The Fazza duo of Arif Al Zaffain and Nadir Bin Hendi have already secured top honours in the Series –their third consecutive XCAT title – after making a clinical clean sweep of the titles on offer throughout the year, but there will be pride to race for as the other teams go head to head for the remaining overall podium places. Adding a new twist to the weekend’s racing will be the fact that Fazza will be testing out the newly developed, reliable 350Hp XCAT Mercury 4 stroke engines, set to be introduced for the 2015 season. Comprehensive testing has already been carried out and several adjustments made since the trials started in May this year, but this will be the first time that the engines will be tested under race conditions. The remaining teams also have the option to test the new engines during the course of the weekend should they desire, just not during racing. “This is a very exciting time for the Series with the introduction of the vastly improved, more environmentally friendly 4 stroke engines and we are really looking forward to the Emirates Airline XCAT GP in a few weeks’ time,” said HE Dr Saif Al Ketbi, President of the WPPA, promoters and organisers of the Series. “As the WPPA and a Series we are constantly looking to improve the racing experience – not only with new exciting venues around the world but also for the drivers and their boats, and this is another massive step forward for us.” XCAT action will get underway on Thursday, December 11 with Official Practice before the race for Emaar Pole Position takes place on the morning of Friday, December 12. The thrilling head-to-head drag race-type Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run will then kick off later that afternoon. The main event of the weekend, the Emirates Airline XCAT GP, will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, December 13. Entrance for the public areas is free of charge and, as always, there will be plenty on offer to keep the crowds entertained with exciting activities both on and off the water in between racing, a kids area, and other attractions.