The time for speculation was over as ten mighty Radical sports prototypes came rumbling into view at a controlled speed of 50kph, the Dubai Autodrome’s Safety Car pealing off into the pit lane for the first of two rolling starts.

Change was in the air, as experienced driver Bassam Kronfli led the pack from pole position, having dominated qualifying in his rather mean looking black carbon-fibre bodied Radical SR3.

The green lights came on and the 2007 Gulf Radical Cup, the region’s premier home-grown motor racing series, was underway. Dubai based GulfSport Racing, series organiser and sales agent for the awesome two-seater Radical sports racing cars, had achieved their goal to make a significant increase in the number of race cars on the grid. Even without Dave Moran (Lamprell) in his British Racing Green SR3 and John Stanley (Ardentia Search) who were unable to make this opening event, there were ten colourful Radicals hammering down the main straight towards the third gear Turn 1 on the first of 18 laps of the Autodrome’s Club circuit. Towards the back of the pack, making their debut in the Gulf Radical Cup was Rafael Unzurrunzaga (Blue Bay Racing) in the very distinct sounding SR8, and Rami Malhas (Volante Dubai) and Harvey Boulter (Porton Capital) both in 252bhp SR3s.

Despite three cars arriving simultaneously at Turn 1, which saw a trading of paint between last year’s Champion, Karim Al-Azhari (Al Nabooda Racing) and Roy Viejden (Palm Yacht Charter), it was Kronfli who was able to stay ahead and hold the lead till the end. Dutch Karting champion Maurits Knopjes (Nivea for Men - ARC Motorsport), put in an exceptional performance to snatch second place from Al-Azhari on lap 13.

But in race two, Kronfli got mugged by the fast starting Al-Azhari who snuck past on the outside of the main straight whilst Kronfli was dealing with fast starting Bahrain champion, Fahad Al-Musalem (Team 777) who took up third place in his first appearance in the Gulf Radical Cup. But Knopjes was able to get past Al-Musalem on lap 7 to pick up another trophy.

So it was the new improved Kronfli that went home with two trophies, two fastest race laps, pole position and a big smile on his face!

Next Gulf Radical Cup race is at the Bahrain International Circuit on 3rd November with the Australian V8 Supercars.

Race 1:
1st Bassam Kronfli
2nd Maurits Knopjes
3rd Karim Al-Azhari
Fastest Lap – Kronfli 1:03.067

Race 2:
1st Karim Al-Azhari
2nd Bassam Kronfli
3rd Maurits Knopjes
Fastest Lap – Kronfli 1:02.596