UAE-based team to race in 2012 Grand-Am series in North America with Humaid Al Masaood and Steven Kane to be joined by rising star, Saeed Al Muhairi

Oryx Racing has announced it will take part in the 2012 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series in North America, the first time it has competed as an independent racing team. The Abu Dhabi-based team will kick off the season this weekend at the world-famous Daytona 24 hour race, with new driver, Emirati Saeed Al Muhairi joining Humaid Al Masaood and Steven Kane in the first of thirteen races.

Last year, Al Masaood and Kane raced in the American Le Mans Series in partnership with legendary American sports car team, Dyson Racing. For 2012, by entering a new series with a new team member and in a new car, Oryx Racing is taking a major step forward as a fully competitive, independently run international racing team.

Speaking about the decision, team owner and racer Al Masaood said, “Moving forward as an independent team is an exciting step for us. While our time with Dyson Racing was fantastic, competing in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series allows us to move to a new level. We are very excited by what is happening with the Grand-Am, which is more competitive than ever before, and racing in this prestigious series is a great opportunity for us, our sponsors and the United Arab Emirates to enjoy global recognition.”

Joining Oryx Racing this year is Emirati racing driver, Saeed Al Muhairi who brings youth, robust ambition and experience to the team. Having been on the racing scene since 2007, racing in karts before graduating to official race driver of the Yas Marina Circuit Aston Martin GT4, Al Muhairi shares a common goal with his team mates Al Masaood and Kane, namely to achieve success on a major international motorsport platform.

Commenting on Al Muhairi joining the team, Al Masaood said, “We are really looking forward to working with Saeed. He brings enthusiasm, an excellent team spirit and a passion to wave the UAE flag at an international level. He’s a very strong driver, and a great addition to the Oryx Racing team.”