Gulf Radical Cup 2006/2007 - The Premier Race Series in the Gulf

Gulf Radical Cup™
Rounds 15 & 16

With Bob George and JohnStanley in Europe competing in the Radical European Masters, and both Eric Charles and David Moran away on business, the Dubai grid was somewhat depleted this weekend. However, this offered interesting opportunities for new drivers such as Harvey Boulter and Cabell Fisher to fight it out in their amazing V8 powered machines SR8s, and Carl Rolaston and Humaid Al Masaood to get to grips with the Radical SR3 sports racers.

Nevertheless, it was Shaikh Salman bin Rashid Al-Khalifa (Team 777) who gained pole position almost half a second faster than championship series leader Bassam Kronfli (Evo Middle East).

With unusually hot conditions for a March event, Race 1 got underway at 1.30 in 37C temperatures and saw Salman Al-Khalifa take up his customary position at the front with Kronfli in tow. Cabell Fisher retired on lap 13 when his rear carbon fibre undertray broke loose, and Harvey Boulter also retired after a spin at the bowl. Try as he might Kronfli could not find enough room to get past Salman Al-Khalifa who took a convincing win. Andrew Lemon finished in 3rd place to gain a well earned trophy.

The second race started with a grid based on the result of the first race and so it was Kronfli who had to again try to get past the fast starting Bahraini. In his determined efforts to win the race, Kronfli recorded the fastest lap of the race at 1:01.945, but with important championship points at stake, he could not afford to throw the race away whilst trying to overtake. This time Boulter kept it all pointing in the right direction and was able to beat Fisher to win the Invitation Class Trophy. GulfSport’s Andrew Lemon picked up his second trophy of the weekend.

So with two races to go, the Bahraini drivers Fahad Al-Musalem and Salman Al-Khalifa have now edged Team 777 into the lead in the Championship. With only the best 16 of 18 race results to count for Championship points Team 777 now have an 18 points advantage.

However, it’s not over yet. The last event of the season on 25th April is crucial to both teams as both races offer double points. A good result from Kronfli could save the day!