5th Aug 2011 – At a press conference in Mumbai the new i1SuperSeries was announced.

XSport Group is proud to partner with Machdar Motorsports to deliver the new i1Super Series based in India. Leading the operations team to enable smooth delivery of the innaugral seasons events, Lex Akehurst, Managing Director of XSport will team up with Robin Webb, as Championship Co-ordinator.

After the resounding success of the IPL and Formula One Grand Prix, India is gearing up for the next biggest sporting extravaganza, the i1 Supercar Series. The i1 Supercar Series is the newly launched city based motorsport racing league featuring top international and Indian drivers. The drivers will be competing for a $2 million USD prize. The i1 Supercar Series, promoted by Indian-based Machdar Motorsports, has announced cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar as the brand ambassador for the series. The series will also include celebrity team owners with Bollywood badshah Shah Rukh Khan and Tollywood superstar Nagarjuna already being confirmed as the Mumbai and Hyderabad owners.

With motorsport at an all-time high in the country after the inaugural F1 Grand Prix, the i1 Supercar Series comes at the perfect time to further promote the sport in the country. Half the drivers for the i1 Supercar Series will be young Indians who can use this opportunity to make a name for themselves. The teams for the series will represent various cities in India and will take place in 5 countries with the calendar to be confirmed soon.

“We are confident that the i1 Supercar Series will symbolize the pinnacle of motorsports in India and will play a major role in developing motorsports in the country. The series will also be an ideal platform to nurture the young driver talent available in the country. Motorsports in the country is on a high and we are keen to help take the sport to the next level in the country. Our concept is unique and the first of its kind in the world of motorsport. We are nearing the start of the season and are very excited, as I am sure, are the people associated with it. ”, said Darshan M, CEO, i1 Super Series.

The i1 Supercar Series will kick off its maiden season with 10 races held across India and Middle east. The circuits will include FIA approved tracks such as Noida’s Buddh International Circuit, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina, and Sakhir circuit in Bahrain. The series will have 9 local city-based teams represented by 18 drivers battling it out for India’s biggest motorsport series.

Apart from Shah Rukh Khan and Nagarjuna, the i1 Supercar Series has also caught the attention of Corporate India as Management guru, Arindam Chaudhuri, owner of IIPM, Hotelier Arjun Baljee, Head of Peppermint Group of Hotels and ace businessman Raghu Raju were announced as proud owners of the Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai respectively.

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan is convinced that the series will be one of the biggest sporting events in the country. “The i1 Supercar Series is a very interesting concept as it gets racing drivers from across the globe to partner with young Indian talent. After the inaugural Indian GP it is clear that motorsports is hugely popular in India and I strongly believe that this series will be a success with its one-of-a-kind concept. The concept is similar to the IPL and I am confident that in the years to come this can become one of the biggest motorsport events in the world.”

Nagarjuna, Leading Actor said, “I am eagerly looking forward to the i1 Supercar Series, India’s first major motor sport league and am happy to be associated with it and to lend my support to Anjana and her team. I am confident this league promoted by Machdar Sports will prove to be the platform to showcase India as a powerful entity in the world of motorsports and entertain the young new generation of India.”

Management guru Arindam Chaudhuri, honorary Director of the IIPM think tank, is highly impressed by the concept and was keen to be a part of it from the beginning. “We are delighted to be the Delhi Franchisee holder and very excited to be part of the i1 Supercar Series. The concept looks very innovative and intriguing and we have keen to be part of this concept ever since its inception. After the success of the inaugural Indian GP, motorsport is definitely enjoying on a high in the country and will only continue to grow. From Planman Stars we will always work towards supporting all kinds of sports in India.”

The teams will race the Radical Sportscars’ SR3. Each team will be represented by two drivers. At least one driver for each team must be a certified Indian National driver. Teams will compete for a USD 2 Million prize.

Guests and Media were introduced to the car of choice, the radical SR3

March 2011 – In the build up to the inaugural Formula Gulf 1000 Championship, due to launch in October later this year, fifteen young drivers took part in three month long test and training sessions at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

The Formula Gulf 1000 Championship is a professionally run UAE National race series where drivers compete using identical machinery to ensure focus is on driver talent, not funding. Conceived to incorporate the latest in aerodynamic and mechanical design thinking, the Formula One style RFR F1000 is a modern slicks and wings single-seater from the stable of the legendary Ralph Firman.

The young drivers received first class on-track race sessions with International driver coach Andy Pardoe, extreme fitness and stamina training from Phil Robson at Caveman Fitness followed by media skills and a sponsorship training delivered by Lex Akehurst at XSport.

“Media skills are an integral part of becoming a successful racing driver, and all drivers should have a good understanding of what is expected from them when they start their racing careers, performance off track is just as important as on track”, commented Lex Akehurst

International driver coach Andy Pardoe flew in from Malaysia to help these young drivers on their first steps to stardom in the much awaited UAE based race series.

“These are some of the region’s most promising talents and the sessions are designed to ensure that the basic driving techniques are perfected. I was very impressed with their commitment and attitude” said Pardoe.

“We have been asked to develop this tailored package for the young drivers who are looking to promote themselves professionally to sponsors and broaden their media exposure, we will be showing the drivers social media tools, advice on presentation and leadership behaviour expected from drivers at race events”, Lex continued

GulfSport Racing, http://www.gulf-sport.com are the owners of the new Formula Gulf 1000 single seater championship managed by Managing Director Barry Hope who declared the training sessions a great success.

Formula Gulf 1000 is open to national and International drivers holding a valid FIA race license with no restrictions on age.

Drivers interested in entering the FG1000 championship should check out Formula Gulf 1000

Dubai, Nov 9th 2010: – SME Advisor Middle East in association with Morrison Menon and ADCB, hosted the prestigious ‘Business Star’ of the Year Awards; a regular and well established programme in the UAE. This year’s awards took place Sunday 28th November in Dubai where Lex Akehurst founder of XSport Group, was nominated as a ‘Woman Entrepreneur of the Year’ Finalist in the annual ‘Stars of Business Awards’

The programme supports and rewards entrepreneurs who have developed successful businesses in the UAE and recognises the following categories: Trade, Hospitality and Tourism, Retail, Media and Marketing, Professional Services, Health and Wellness, Technology and Online, Manufacturing, Construction and real Estate, Green business of the year, Admirable Woman Entrepreneur, Emirati entrepreneur of the year, The one to watch and also Business Star of the year.

Lex has built her motorsports business from the roots up, following in her late fathers footsteps she is a qualified International racing driver having raced in UK, Bahrain and Dubai, she has also FIM Race bike licence and is an instructor to up and coming young drivers in the region. The XSport Group has been cultivated over a decade with a focus on the Middle East countries and specialises in Consulting, Communications and Motorsports Management. XSport has recently set up a kart academy for young children with specially designed electric karts, teaching road safety and hazards of the road.

“I’m thrilled to be nominated, and down to the final six women, especially as there are so many admirable lady entrepreneurs in the UAE, it’s a country that lends itself to the spirit of new business. Im a little disappointed I didn’t get the chance to talk about my passion for business in the world of motorsports, however I will continue to strive for the good of the sport and offer best practice to our clients” commented Lex Akehurst.

The awards are presented to small businesses who keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive in a world dominated by mega corporations and financial turmoil. Competing against over 3000 businesses that were considered for the award, Ethos Consultancy came out on top as the Business Star of the Year.

“I would like to congratulate Emirati Tala Badri, founder of Centre for Musical Arts on winning the Admirable Woman Entrepreneur and Emirati entrepreneur of the year, she is an inspiration to us all” continued Lex Akehurst

June 18th 2010- We are proud to launch CircuitProdigital.com as a new ‘cyber-highway’ for Motorsports News. Feeding supporters, enthusiasts and professionals all over the world with breaking news from the Middle East region on a daily basis.

Communicating locally with the industry, the online magazine creates a portal of information for competitors, venues, clubs, sponsors, suppliers and companies looking to tap into the growing community.

All news reports are automatically shared with social networking sites and specialist forums every 30mins. CircuitProdigital.com has teamed up with GulfPetrolheads.com the largest motorsports forum in the Gulf region and teamed up with renowned local Motorsports photographer Darren Rycroft at anysportphotos.com for its image content.

CircuitProdigital.com appeals to a wide demographic, with frank reports and news feeds, it has a specific focus on the Middle East countries, the people who shape the industry, workshops, teams, drivers, clubs and circuits that make the region a successful motorsports and business hub: its easily translated into over 20 languages, from Arabic to Chinese and everything in between.

Media and teams can send their news feeds direct for free and with the addition of prime advertising space for our local suppliers and providers, it really is a one stop shop for all things Motorsport in the Middle East region.
CircuitProdigital.com Magazine This is a direct link to the website – online NOW !

Oct 26 2010 – Today the motorsports industry is reaching new heights as local sportsmen and women take to the circuit in various forms of motorsports, from MotoX to Superbike Racing, Karting, Saloon car and Watersports, including jet ski and power boats are all represented in the UAE region.

Whilst the UAE currently has two of the worlds most addvanced motor racing circuits, the drivers and teams are in need of financial support in order to progress the international message of motorsports in the region.

Most companies are missing out in fantastic promotional opportunities to be gained by aligning themselves with up and coming racing drivers and exciting championships.

XSport Motorsports division urge the GCC Corporate market to explore how Motorsport could help promote companies and help motivate employees through incentives and initiatives to be gained through motorsports.

There are several tried and tested programmes available today that will hyper- extend market reach into new areas.

Corporate partners are also sought for established and very high profile racing teams and drivers based in the Emirates.

Interested parties should make contact with us to find out how they can get involved.

The new Electric Karting facility in Zabeel Park

29/09/09 - XSport Motorsports, today announced a carbon friendly electric karting programme in partnership with Stargate Dubai Edutainment Centre, Zabeel Park.

XSport have been awarded a contract for design, fit out and management of the facility as well as fleet management, and the implementation of a karting membership programme to educate young students.

“When we were asked to consult on this project to develop the specialist Karting facility, we were very excited, as we believe there is a very attractive future ahead for the electric vehicle, even though we live in the oil rich country of UAE. These karts are also ideal for training purposes due to the internal electronics and hand controllers which allow our marshalls to stop the karts immediately should there be any safety issues, commented Lex Akehurst.

“Children of today must be educated about the environmental issues that are now common in society and it is our duty to educate them about the options available for Green initiatives in motorsports also”, continued Peter Lanz

Compared to normal fuel burning engines, the electric motors are clean, less of a fire risk due to no fuel tank, there are no hot exhausts so children won’t get burned so they are safer and they have no smell, they are also quiet so there is reduced noise emissions.

The electric karts lined up in pit lane all plugged in ready for the first pre-opening test session

There are 60 electric karts in the specialized air conditioned karting centre which is on three floors, with individual purpose built indoor tracks. There are adult size karts, children’s electric karts and also bumper cars. It is a multi purpose karting facility aimed at families, children and education. The main Cafe areas act as a viewing platforms where parents can have full view of the children.

Stargate Dubai will be opening its doors to a special Kids Karting Club, where memberships will be offered to children wishing to take up the sport, with expert tuition and competitions under the expert management from XSport Group.

Dec 29th 2009 –  XSport concludes a successful season in partnership with the UIM F2 Championship during the GP final in Fujairah, UAE.

The final two rounds of the F2 World Championship were held in the beautiful Fujairah International Marine Club.

The week long powerboat event included two rounds of the UIM F2 World Championship and a UIM F2 Continental race, an extremely busy and testing week for all.

“We are very proud to have served UIM F2 World Championship over the past three years organising many successful World Championships and Continental races and we wish the drivers and teams the very best success in future championships, commented Managing Director, Lex Akehurst.

The new 2009 UIM World Champion was crowned in favour of Johan Coenradi. The Dutch driver was overwhelmed as he took a surprising lead in the championship after a disqualification left the championship decided in Johans favour.

The future UIM F2 World Championship rounds will now be managed individually under local authorities, developing the new calender on an annual basis.

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