Jeffery Schmidt eyes title-clinching drives at Dubai Autodrome

Sport360 staff 00:10 18/02/2016
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  • Title dream: Jeffery Schmidt (r).

    The fifth and penultimate round concludes three back-to-back race weekends in the UAE, beginning at Yas Marina Circuit in January, finishing this weekend in Dubai before heading back to Bahrain for the finale early next month.

    For each driver the importance of the last two rounds of the series is huge, and with the title hanging in the balance, it is all to play for as the drivers make their way into the business end of the season.

    For the prolific Jeffery Schmidt of Dubai-based Al Nabooda Racing, a lot rests on this round with the championship closer than it has been after any round of the season so far.

    While the home advantage of the Autodrome will no doubt give the driver all the encouragement he needs, it is also the only track where he has lost a race – forced to retire in race one of the previous round.

    That left the door open for his rivals, and although he managed to restore order in race two, and extended his lead at the top to five points, the standings are now a bit too close for comfort and he knows how vital it will be to put in a strong performance.

    Schmidt said: “I am looking forward to this weekend, it is a chance for us as a team and for myself to secure some crucial points at the most important part of the season.

    “Dubai Autodrome is a home race for Al Nabooda so we will be racing for the fans as well and that will be the focus. I have had an extremely successful season so far with Al Nabooda and I am determined to finish it in the best way possible.”

    The seventh season of the region’s leading one-make series has once again proved a superb platform for local talent to develop their skills.

    Zaid Ashkanani has affirmed his status as one of the Middle East’s most promising and most talented young drivers, while new racers such as Saudi Arabia’s Saud AlFaisal and Qatar-based Charlie Frijns have been shining in a series that offers a pathway to global motor racing.

    Both races take place at Dubai Autodrome Friday with all fans welcome.

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