Dragon Racing – July 2024
We are excited to bring you the highlights from an unforgettable season finale of the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East program, held at our home base track, the Dubai Autodrome. The event hosted by Ferrari Middle East commenced with a spectacular entry adorned with iconic yellow Ferrari flags, guiding guests to the heart of the action at our main garage. The vibrant display set the tone for an incredible day of racing.
Dragon Racing – April 2024
We’re excited to announce a permanent addition to our team that marks a new chapter in Dragon Racing’s legacy. Please join us in welcoming Goncalo Gomes, who has recently transitioned from a dedicated contractor to a full-time employee, now with the prestigious title of Sporting Manager. With this new role Goncalo will be responsible for our driver coaching programme along with growing our manufacturer activity on and off track.
Dragon Racing with Ferrari – March 2024
The highly anticipated “Ferrari Racing Days” event returned to the iconic Yas Marina Circuit from 1st to the 4th February, 2024. Ferrari enthusiasts enjoyed diverse activities, including the traditional Ferrari Club Challenge Sessions, F1 Clienti, FXX Programme, Ferrari Winter Challenge Racing, Lifestyle Drives, and a spectacular Owners Parade.
DRAGON RACING WITH FERRARI – DECEMBER 2023
Our highly anticipated “Ready to Race” program recently returned for 2023 to fuel the next generation of racing drivers. In just three action-packed days, a group of talented drivers learned the skills required to obtain a national racing license. The course was uniquely tailored to the exceptional capabilities of the 488 Challenge Evo to prepare drivers for Ferrari Racing Days and the Ferrari Challenge Winter Series.
DRAGON RACING – NOVEMBER 2023
DRAGON RACING’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY
We are delighted to share the exciting highlights from our unforgettable Dragon Racing 10th Anniversary celebration, which took place last month. It was a day filled with adrenaline-fueled races and heartwarming reunions, making it an event to remember in Dragon Racing’s history.
Our anniversary celebration kicked off with a thrilling track event specially organized for our valued customers. Participants and their guests were treated to the sight of powerful race cars and road cars racing around the Dubai Autodrome track.
As the sun set, the celebration continued into the night at Dragon HQ. The night was filled with laughter, music, and joy as our guests enjoyed a delightful Italian dinner, expertly crafted cocktails from our bar, and tunes by one of Dubai’s favourite DJs, Walter Scalzone.
A highlight of the evening was the reunion with our former Director of Racing, Rob Barff. His presence added an extra layer of nostalgia and excitement to the celebration as he shared stories from the early days of Dragon Racing.
The heart of this celebration was undoubtedly the inspiring speech delivered by Dragon Racing’s visionary founder, Leon Price. In his speech, Leon shared how Dragon Racing was born and his favourite moments with Dragon Racing over the past decade. His speech concluded with him expressing gratitude to his talented team and for the strong partnerships the company has created with Pirelli Middle East and Ferrari Middle East. It was a heartwarming moment for everyone, reminding us of the incredible journey we’ve had over the past decade.
As we reflect on this milestone event, we are filled with gratitude for your continued support. Dragon Racing’s 10th-anniversary celebration was not just a celebration of our past but also a promise for an even more exciting future!
PROCAR – ROUND 1 – OCTOBER
Round 1 of the Procar Season opened at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit where four Dragon Racing driver’s competed for a place on the podium.
Khaled Al Marzouq set the tone for the weekend by clinching pole position for race one, showcasing his racing skills in a Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo. The second race brought a shift in dynamics, with Ian Roberts securing pole position based on the second fastest time of qualifying, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown.
During the race, we witnessed fierce competition among Dragon Racing’s talented drivers. Khaled Al Marzouq and Jan Sandmann, both behind the wheels of a Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo, engaged in thrilling fights for overall podium places and victory. Ian Roberts showcased unparalleled determination and skill as he raced his Praga with a display of control and precision.
A notable weekend highlight was Dragon Racing Driver Keith Gatehouse making his mark in the Mercedes AMG GT4. Despite being his first-ever race, Gatehouse showcased remarkable skill, finishing both races and proving to be a contender against more experienced drivers. His competitive pace impressed spectators, hinting at an exciting season ahead.
Al Marzouq emerged as the star of Round 1, securing victories in both races with a display of exceptional speed and unwavering consistency. His dominant performance left the competition trailing behind, highlighting his skills on the track.
The battles between Sandmann and Roberts kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The Dragon Racing duo exhibited extraordinary skill and determination, with both drivers finishing both races with a breathtakingly close margin of just over a second at the finish line.
As we wrap up Round 1 of the ProCar Racing Series, the Dragon Racing team has set the bar high, promising an action-packed season filled with intense competition and thrilling races.
PROCAR – ROUND 2 – NOVEMBER
The Dragon Racing team came out in full force for Round 2 of ProCar, with a dynamic lineup featuring Gurunath Balasubramanian in the Porsche 992 Cup, Tani Hanna and Masoud Jaberian in a Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo, and Keith Gatehouse behind the wheel of a Mercedes AMG GT4.
During Round 2, Jaberian made his debut in professional car racing, where he displayed exemplary skill behind the wheel of a Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo. Having recently earned his racing license upon the successful completion of Dragon Racing’s exclusive “Ready to Race” course, Jaberian’s take-off in the racing world has been nothing short of remarkable.
Balasubramanian, making a promising return to racing in the Porsche 992 Cup, immediately turned heads with his competitive pace, securing Pole Position for Race 1. His triumphant comeback set the stage for an exciting weekend of racing.
The adrenaline kicked in from the start as contact between Balasubramanian and Hanna on lap 1 of Race 1 created an opening for Jaberian to seize a win. While Hanna faced difficulties after this contact, he showcased remarkable resilience and made a strong comeback from last place after lap 1 to secure a podium finish in P3.
Steering in the Mercedes AMG GT4, Gatehouse fought hard in Race 1, initially leading the pack in Class 3. An intense battle later followed with Vasily Vladykin in the Toyota Supra GT4. Despite the close competition, Gatehouse secured a podium finish, adding crucial points to his championship tally.
Race 2 saw another fierce showdown, this time between Dragon Racing teammates Jaberian and Hanna. In a display of skill and determination, Jaberian emerged victorious, while Hanna secured a strong P2, reaffirming Dragon Racing’s dominance on the track.
Gatehouse continued to impress in Race 2, securing a podium finish. His consistent pace and strategic racing demonstrated his skills, earning valuable points for the championship in only his second-ever race weekend.
As Round 2 at Dubai Autodrome concluded, the Dragon Racing drivers showcased their racing talents, leaving a mark on the ProCar Racing Series. The competition is heating up, and we can’t wait to see what the next rounds have in store.
Stay tuned for more adrenaline-pumping action at the next ProCar round!
Round 3 – Dubai Autodrome – 15th December to 16th December 2023
Round 4 – Yas Marina Circuit – 5th January to 6th January 2024
Round 5 – Yas Marina Circuit – 19th January to 20th January 2024
Round 6 – Dubai Autodrome – 1st March to 2nd March 2024
Round 7 – Dubai Autodrome – 29th March to 30th March 2024
DRAGON RACING – AUGUST 2023
TWO NEW FERRARI 296 GT3 RACE CARS
It is with great pleasure that we announce Dragon Racing will soon be taking delivery of a pair of Ferrari 296 GT3 race cars. The new vehicles are currently in build, and will soon undergo a shakedown at Fiorano before they are delivered to Dragon Racing in October.
In a recent interview with Daily Sports Car our CEO Brad Fincham commented “We look forward to being back on the GT3 grid, our foundations in the UAE started with the 458 GT3 where we took 2 wins at the Dubai 24hrs and podiums in the Gulf 12hrs. We also enjoyed success at the Gulf 12hrs with the 488 GT3 so being back racing at the front is a challenge we are looking forward to.”
Our Ferrari 296 GT3 fleet is already attracting strong interest with the cars set to debut at the Gulf 12hrs in December, followed by the Dubai 24hrs in January and then onto the Asian Le Mans series in February.
WORKSHOP UPDATES
As the anticipation for the new season heightens, our mechanics have been working hard to rebuild our own fleet, and update our customers cars to prepare them for their return to the racetrack.
Our approach is focused on a commitment to excellence, ensuring that each vehicle undergoes a thorough inspection, refurbishment, and fine-tuning to deliver the reliability and performance our clients expect from Dragon Racing.
While we’re deep into the project of rebuilding multiple customer 488 Ferrari Challenge Evos, let’s not forget our very own fleet of 458 Ferrari Challenge cars. These vehicles have been an integral part of Dragon Racing’s journey, and these vehicles will have a fresh look ahead of the 2023-2024 motorsport season.
SHINING A LIGHT ON THE FAST LANE
We are excited to unveil an electrifying update that’s set to illuminate your racing experience like never before! As the summer heat starts to simmer, we’re turning up the excitement at our home track with brand new lights that have been installed at Dubai Autodrome. The new lights will pave the way for thrilling night time activity on the circuit.
While we eagerly anticipate the debut of Dragon Test Days at night, we encourage you to stay tuned for further updates and announcements through our newsletters and social media page.
GPM RACING JOINS GULF PROCAR
GPM Racing is the latest team to commit to the Gulf Procar championship. Team Owner/Driver Keith Gatehouse has purchased the race winning Dragon AMG GT4 and will line up on the grid for the full season of the championship, with the aim to clinch the GT4 Class.
The car, fresh in its striking new Mercedes F1 inspired livery, is certain to catch everyone’s attention. Keith, who started racing in 2023, is excited to get his testing campaign underway ahead of the new season.
PRAGA COMMITS TO GULF PROCAR
Dragon Racing has renewed its partnership with Praga Racing UAE, and will enter Ian Roberts’ Praga R1T into the Gulf Procar championship for the 2023/2024 season.
The privately owned 650Kg R1T is powered by a 365HP Renault turbo engine, and took the 2022/2023 Gulf Procar season by storm, competing in a total of 7 races, achieving 5 race wins, 6 podiums, and 4 fastest laps.
With the eyes now set for the first rounds of the 2023/2024 season starting at Yas Marina Circuit in October, Ian has his sights firmly set on further success in this stunning prototype style race car.
2023-2024 GULF PROCAR ENTRIES ARE OPEN
We would kindly like to remind all drivers that registrations for the upcoming season have now opened. This is your opportunity to book in advance and secure your slot on the grid. With expanded grids throughout every class, this season promises to be bigger than ever and grow on the success of the newly managed series in 2022/2023.
Should you have any inquiries or need assistance with the registration process, please feel free to reach out to Jake at jake@dragonracing88.com. We’re here to ensure your journey to the checkered flag is as smooth as possible.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories as we gear up for an adrenaline-fueled season ahead!
