Dubai: Lebanese ace Emil Kneisser stamped his class on the Emirates Desert Championship when he piloted his Nissan Patrol to an emphatic victory last weekend.
Kneisser spearheaded a great day for Nissan when he won the T2 category as UAE’s Mansour Al Helei, also in a Patrol, took second place to give the Japanese multinational a one-two triumph in the punishing event.
“This victory is particularly special because I had damage to my vehicle in the opening round of the Desert Championship but this time everything went to plan,” Kneisser said.
“And for Mansour to nail second place in the T2 category was the icing on the cake. He’s a top driver and it shows what outstanding vehicles Patrols are in these conditions.”
Kneisser is aiming to dethrone last year’s victor Ahmed Al Fahim but it won’t be easy beating the champ. Al Fahim holds overall lead on 40 points but Kneisser has moved to fourth place on 34 points.
Nissan Patrols are just about everywhere you look in the thrilling, unforgiving Emirates Desert Championship and that spells problems for many other competitors as the Nissan team hits its stride.
“It’s no surprise to see Patrols in a Baja rally. Events don’t come much tougher than Bajas, but then vehicles don’t come tougher than Patrols,” says Kneisser who had a “nasty jump” in race one and ended up with damage to the front of his vehicle and lost considerable time, but still finished the race.
Last weekend was different and he hopes for smooth sailing for the rest of the series although that can never be guaranteed in a brutal Baja event.
This 2014-15 Baja series has also been extended from four to six rounds so there’s a long way to go.
The Emirates Desert Championship achieved a record turnout for the 2014-15 season-opener with over 100 competitors in action but that was expected to be beaten in the second round when the final tally is done.
Cars, buggies, bikes and quads are all in action in the Baja with the Desert Championship, the only UAE event to accommodate the four forms.
Baja events are famous around the world. They are designed to make racing more accessible for those who have a passion for the desert.
Samir Cherfan, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East, heaped praise on his drivers and said they are hitting peak form at the right time.
“Last weekend was a sensational effort by our team. To finish in first and second places is a tremendous effort. Everyone is very proud and we’re looking forward to Round Three with confidence.”
Organised by the Emirates Motor Sport Federation, the Desert Championship series is run with the support of the Automobile and Touring Club (ATCUAE).
ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The championship has created a great atmosphere among competitors and we’re optimistic that it can take another step forward this season.”
Each round of the Desert Championship comprises a short course rally where quads and bikes compete on one loop while cars and buggies are on another.
“The series has captured the imagination of drivers and riders alike and created a genuine buzz of excitement,” said Ben Sulayem. “Attracting 100 competitors was a milestone and we’re sure the championship will grow in popularity.” THE PENINSULA
