Motor racing is one of the many Dubai sports which have emerged in the recent decades as an adventure sport. Go-Karting is a newer sport but has gained public interest over the years and if you travel to Dubai, you can feel the acceleration of the adrenaline rushes when you actually sit in one of the 13 horsepower Karts which skims the floor at 130 km/hour as you race around the CIK Approved Karting tracks at the Dubai Autodrome in Dubailand.
Together with the Emirates Automobile and Touring Club, the Dubai Autodrome Motor Sports Club is the organizing Committee for the Dubai Autodrome which was inaugurated in October 2004. The track is 5.39 kms. in length and has 3 circuits operating simultaneously, and is independent of each other, having 6 different configurations. Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum is a visionary and with his passion for motor racing is leaving “no wheels unturned” as he succeeds in bringing international and national racing to the Arabian Peninsula. He has himself driven in 4 Formula races in the U.K, and finished in the Top Three twice.
Visit Dubai’s first Indoor Go-Kart Center which has been built at the Dubai Autodrome on 40,000 square feet and is fully air-conditioned. An out-door track which runs 0.8 km is also available. In May 2005, the first “Arrive & Drive” sessions began at the Kartdrome fully equipped to handle 7 to 12 year olds too. This is flood-lit and complete with hairpin bends and chicanes. A new 1.2 km Autodrome with an indoor and outdoor track for go-karting is being completed.
The Dubai Autodrome Motor Sports Club organizes regular competitive events like the Nations Race series, Sprint Challenge, Knockout and Redline challenges regularly. Private testing sessions and track days are set aside for non competitive events. International high profile events like the FIA GT championships have been held for two years in a row. In January 2009, the first 24 hour event in the Middle East is going to be held which will upgrade Dubai’s image as a modern and cosmopolitan city, worldwide. Travel to Dubai at this time to witness the first Toyo race run by enthusiastic amateurs.
Facilities:
The Dubai Autodrome caters to the Corporate and Business groups who conduct regular “team building” events here as the facilities provided are professional and 5- star hospitality is offered. A Business Park with retail shops is anchored here. VIP suites for those addicted to this form of racing are specially built facing the grandstand so that when they visit Dubai’s Autodrome they can stay in the suites and watch the race in the comfort of their suite.
For tourists and adventure seeking corporate individuals crazy about this form of Dubai sports, racing cars like the Audi TT, Audi RS4, Subaru STI Impreza and the awesome F1 Style single seater amidst others, are available at the race track, to choose from, at a fee. Full or Half day packages are on offer for corporate clients.
There are racing and driving schools for both junior as well as professionals at the Dubai Autodrome. Visit to Dubai will not be complete without a trip to this magnificent racing track where for a few hours you experience the thrills of a racing driver as you zoom across the track.
Rules:
Before you travel to Dubai, make sure you are equipped with a physical fitness certificate and a valid driving license. As with most sporting activities, proper riding gear is compulsory from crash helmets to gloves, racing suit and safety belts. A prior experience of handling circuitous bends helps you enjoy the ride better. Trainers and instructors give you on the spot 20 minute training instructions to help you enjoy your race on the track to the optimum. For expatriates and residents, the Race and Driving School is available for skilful training and maneuvering. To go-kart, one should have a maximum height of 1.9m and your weight should not exceed 114 kgs. Do not forget to check the safety bumpers on the go-kart.
Timings:
The Dubai Autodrome is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for motor racing except when it has been booked for a corporate event. Go-Karting carries on into the night under floodlit conditions indoors.
Contact:
The Dubai Autodrome
P.O. Box 24649
Tel: 4 3678745 / 043678700
Fax: 4 3678750
E-mail: drive@dubaiautodrome.com
In addition to the Autodrome there is the Dubai Kart Club beside the Jabel Ali Hotel, open daily. The Dubai Kart club is also very popular and it is advisable to make a booking in advance.
Travel to Dubai and lose yourself in the many activities presented to you as you enjoy the thrills of motor racing or go-karting with all the professional facilities offered with such hospitality.