South Racing has closed an agreement with Sabertooth Motoring Adventure for the Dubai-based operation to become its strategic development partner in the Middle East. Sabertooth will also become the regional agent for South Racing products and associated brands.
Based in Germany, South Racing is the leading developer of Can-Am Maverick X3s, tailor made to be eligible for the FIA’s new T4 all-terrain category for rounds of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies and FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas.
Sabertooth will take possession of three of the latest specification 2021 FIA T4 Can-Ams for use in the Middle East and will also stock sufficient spare parts and components to service and manage the vehicles on events or to be able to offer them as rental packages.
South Racing’s managing director Scott Abraham said: « This is very exciting news and an excellent opportunity for South Racing and Sabertooth to work together to develop this form of cross-country sport in the Middle East region from a strategic base in Dubai.
« This agreement is exciting for South Racing to further our global expansion. To be able to work with such a strong partner as Sabertooth Motoring Adventure is a very positive step. We feel that the region has a lot to offer in terms of development opportunities, especially when you consider that there are many major events in the Middle East, like the Dakar Rally, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Bajas in Dubai, Jordan and Saudi Arabia and numerous smaller national races. With our Dakar Rally-winning Can-Am, we are looking forward to a long and successful partnership together. »
Sabertooth Motoring Adventure has a partnership hub based in Detroit House Autodrome Motor City – the emirate’s leading motor racing circuit – with a testing and Dakar facility in Umm Al Quwain. Sabertooth offers vehicles preparation, event management, desert experience and rentals for customers keen to tackle off-road events in the nearby UAE deserts and further afield.
The company was founded by current CEO Thomas Bell, himself a competitor on events such as the Dakar Rally and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Bell’s dream was to own a cross-country motor sport operation and he has grown the business over the last few years to offer a multi-vehicle team and servicing package for global events.
Thomas Bell added: « We recognise this great opportunity to work with the strengths of South Racing, the three-time and reigning Dakar Champions, and provide the GCC region the wealth of our combined experience.
« From our partnership hub, Detroit House at the Autodrome in Motor City Dubai and our testing and Dakar storage facility in Umm Al Quwain, we are well placed to provide cross-country racing opportunities. With numerous UAE National events, as well as FIA World Cup events and the Dakar, on our doorstep we are a one-stop shop for off-road motoring adventure. This is a next-level partnership for the region. I am very excited and confident that we can support the region and our customers with a professional level of service! »
Shelby Ingrilli, the newly appointed Race Director of Sabertooth, added: « This is a great opportunity for all of us here at Sabertooth as we look for the Middle East racing scene to really grow in the upcoming years. There is no doubt that South Racing builds the best FIA Can-Ams in the market currently and we look forward to showing that off. »
Neil Perkins,