Up to 100 cars expected to challenge in the iconic endurance race

Dubai, UAE, 11 January 2017:  Race teams from around the globe have flown into Dubai this week to prepare for the Hankook 24H Dubai (12-14 January), the first round of the 2017 24H Series powered by Hankook.

The race paddock at Dubai Autodrome is now full of containers and cars, with officials and pit crews bustling in preparation for the challenging twenty four hour endurance race featuring a variety of GT and Touring Car class vehicles as well as 24H specials.

Richard Birch, General Manager of Dubai Autodrome, said: “This week we have received 140 containers, 100 cars, 400 drivers and their crews to our venue.  We welcome all of our guests from around the world and we look forward with great anticipation for the start of this classic endurance race on Friday.” 

Entry into the race paddock and grandstand at Dubai Autodrome will be free to visit for spectators, and in addition to the featured race there will be car displays, food and entertainment which will be available throughout the venue.

Gourmet food truck providers, Truckers DXB have moved into the Grandstand Village and will be serving up culinary delights starting at 8.00am on Thursday (12 January) when practice and qualifying for the Hankook 24H Dubai will commence.

The Dubai Autodrome Grandstand Village will also treat guests to a Tomini classic car collection, a kids play zone, Red Bull Freestyle Artists, an Adventure HQ climbing wall, a full selection of A&E adult beverages and LED screen with a live feed of the race.  At night the same area will feature a live band and DJ.

Festivities continue on Friday during the start grid at 12.45, giving spectators the opportunity to mingle with the drivers and teams before the race flags off at 14.00.  Up to 100 cars are expected to line up on grid and rumble in action on the 5.39 kilometre Grand Prix Circuit.

Last year’s race winner, Belgian Audi Club WRT, will be back with a pair of Audi R8 LMSs to defend its honour, and three-time 24H Dubai champ Black Falcon will also be in the mix, taking up the challenge with two Mercedes-AMG GT3s.

At 20.00 on Friday the night sky over Dubai Autodrome will light up with fireworks, right above the track action, which will run continuously until 14.00 on Saturday.

After the chequered flag is waved and the new winner crowned, the top drivers will participate in the renowned camel parade through the pit lane with the celebrations moving to the Grandstand Village for the 24H Dubai after-party.

Hankook 24H Dubai Event Schedule:

Thursday, 12 January 2017
08:00 Grandstand Village: F& B Opens
12:45 - 20:00 Hankook 24H Dubai Practice & Qualifying
20:30 Grandstand Village: Live Band & DJ

Friday, 13 January 2017
02:00 Grandstand Village: F& B Closes
08:00 Grandstand Village: F& B Opens
10:00 - 10:30 Hankook 24H Dubai Teams Practice
12:45 - 13:45 Hankook 24H Dubai Start Grid
14:00 Start of the Hankook 24H Dubai Race
14:00 Grandstand Village: Start of Live Race Feed
15:00 Grandstand Village: Red Bull Freestyle Artists
20:00 Fireworks

Saturday, 14 January 2017
02:00 Grandstand Village: F& B Closes
08:00 Grandstand Village: F& B Opens
14:00 Finish of the Hankook 24H Dubai Race
14:15 Camel parade and podium ceremony
15:00 Grandstand Village: Dubai 24H Dubai After-Party