Sulayem is back on track for a cause

Five corporate sponsors are paying Dh75,000 each for a thrilling ride with Sulayem, who has not taken part in championships since winning the Dubai International Rally for a 15^th time in December 2002.

The charity drive will take place on Saturday afternoon in the city’s Al Mamzar area.

Sulayem, a rallying legend and president of the Emirates Automobile and Touring Club, will drive his much-loved Ford Escort World Rally Car over a twisting track built specially for the occasion close to the club’s brand new premises. He last drove the car — which was later replaced by the Ford Focus WRC — on his way to securing the 1999 Middle East title. From Dubai Sports Channel where he held a Press conference yesterday, Sulayem said that his gesture was greatly inspired by the ‘Dubai Cares’ initiative launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“Rallying has given me a lot over the years and I want to give something back to the people who have not been so fortunate,” said Sulayem, who will donate the proceeds to a number of UAE charities.

“Charity should not be a work done at one time but it should be done on ongoing basis. I hope this step will be the first of many moves and initiatives we take together in the future in support of deserving charities in the UAE.”

A senior representative from each of the five sponsors will take the co-drivers’ seat alongside Sulayem to experience a ride of their lives with the most successful driver in FIA international rallying history.

Dubai Municipality is supporting the charity drive, which gets under way at 3pm, by building the track for the event, while the Dutco Group is erecting public stands for spectators.

During his career, Sulayem scored 60 rally wins in the FIA Middle East series, and his impressive trail of victories included two Group N successes in the FIA World Rally Championship in Spain and Argentina.

The charity drive is sponsored by Jebel Ali International Hotels, Mashreq Bank, Emarat, Tameer and Dubai Islamic Insurance & Reinsurance Company (AMAN).