A 23-day festival of adventure and entertainment

Opening with the UAE Falcons Aerobatic Team

Liwa Village: The festival hub

New Year’s Eve celebration

Celebrating Emirati heritage

Abdullah Rashid Al Hammadi  is an accomplished Emirati journalist with over 45 years of experience in both Arabic and English media. He currently serves as the Abu Dhabi Bureau Chief fo Gulf News.

Al Hammadi began his career in 1980 with Al Ittihad newspaper, where he rose through the ranks to hold key editorial positions, including Head of International News, Director of the Research Center, and Acting Managing Editor.

A founding member of the UAE Journalists Association and a former board member, he is also affiliated with the General Federation of Arab Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists. Al Hammadi studied Information Systems Technology at the University of Virginia and completed journalism training with Reuters in Cairo and London.

During his time in Washington, D.C., he reported for Alittihad  and became a member of the National Press Club. From 2000 to 2008, he wrote the widely read Dababees column, known for its critical take on social issues.

Throughout his career, Al Hammadi has conducted high-profile interviews with prominent leaders including UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and key Arab figures such as the late Yasser Arafat and former presidents of Yemen and Egypt.

He has reported on major historical events such as the Iran-Iraq war, the liberation of Kuwait, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority. His work continues to shape and influence journalism in the UAE and the wider Arab world.

The second round of the 2025/26 Asian Le Mans Series at Sepang International Circuit delivered another dramatic four-hour endurance battle on Sunday, December 14, heavily influenced by unpredictable Malaysian weather. After claiming victory in Saturday’s opener, Cetilar Racing’s #47 Oreca 07-Gibson crew of Roberto Lacorte, Charles Milesi, and Antonio Fuoco dominated proceedings to secure a weekend double, finishing ahead of the field when the race was red-flagged with approximately 20 minutes remaining due to torrential rain flooding the track.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The race featured multiple interruptions, including three periods behind the Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car and two full-course yellows, as teams grappled with shifting conditions and tire strategy. Competitors were circulating on slick tires behind the Safety Car following an earlier incident when the heaviest downpour hit, rendering the circuit undriveable and prompting race control to halt proceedings prematurely.

Cetilar Racing controlled much of the race after taking the lead in the second hour. A key moment came when Antonio Fuoco overtook Tom Dillmann in the #25 Algarve Pro Racing Oreca on a restart, pulling away to build a comfortable margin—eventually over 30 seconds—before the red flag sealed their second win in as many days. Algarve Pro Racing held on for second, with the #4 Crowdstrike Racing by APR Oreca completing an identical LMP2 podium to Race 1.

LMP3: CLX Motorsport Gambles to Victory

In the LMP3 class, a bold strategy propelled CLX Motorsport’s #17 Ligier JS P325 to the top step. Driver Paul Lanchere—fresh off his European Le Mans Series title success—served the two mandatory 100-second pit stops during an early Virtual Safety Car period, a calculated risk that paid dividends as conditions evolved. The Swiss outfit capitalized to claim victory, with Lanchere sharing the podium with teammates Kevin Rabin and Alexander Jacoby.

The #71 23Events Racing Ligier finished second, ahead of the #29 Forestier Racing by VPS entry in third, rounding out a competitive class battle in the debut season for the new-generation LMP3 machinery.

GT: Kessel Racing Masters Conditions for Win

Kessel Racing secured maximum points in the hotly contested GT class, overcoming a grid penalty to triumph with their Ferrari 296 GT3. Dustin Scott Blattner made rapid early progress, climbing from 15th to third in the opening laps, before astute tire calls allowed Chris Lulham and Dennis Marschall to surge into the lead and stay there amid the chaos.

The #69 Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 delivered a strong recovery after an overnight engine change addressed power issues from Race 1, with Tony McIntosh, Parker Thompson, and Dan Harper taking second. Third went to the #87 Origine Motorsport Porsche, where Bo Yuan impressed with blistering pace during a long stint, charging from 14th and briefly challenging for the lead.

The Asian Le Mans Series now heads to the United Arab Emirates for the next double-header, with the 4 Hours of Dubai scheduled for January 31 and February 1, 2026.

Sepang Race 2 Results

03_Classification_Race 2_FINAL

Barranquilla is reviving its long-held dream of hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix for Colombia. The local administration, led by Mayor Alejandro Char, has announced the reactivation of the city’s bid to join the world championship motorsports calendar—an objective that would combine sporting spectacle with a major economic and tourism boost for the region.

Despite differences with President Gustavo Petro’s national government on the issue, the mayor said yesterday that the project depends solely on his administration and that state approval is no longer required. With this, the aspirations of the capital of Colombia’s Caribbean region are being renewed and are now framed under a logic of municipal autonomy and the direct interest of Formula 1 organizers in exploring alternatives in emerging markets.

In the most recent talks, Formula 1 delegates visited Barranquilla to assess the city’s potential as a race host, focusing on a semi-urban circuit running along the Magdalena River and connecting with the Gran Malecón. This renewed push comes at a time when the city is drawing attention for other international bids—such as hosting the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final—and is seeking to establish itself as a hub for global events in the Caribbean region.

The possibility that top-tier single-seaters could race on Colombian soil has reignited interest and expectations among government officials, business leaders, and fans alike, sparking a debate over what it would mean for Barranquilla and for Colombia to open a new chapter in the history of motorsports.

Barranquilla sets its sights on hosting Colombia’s Formula 1 Grand Prix

Barranquilla’s aspiration to host a Formula 1 race did not emerge overnight. The project has its roots in earlier efforts, when under the administration of then-mayor Jaime Pumarejo concrete possibilities were explored to bring the championship to the city.

During that stage, there were direct conversations with representatives of the category, and possible semi-urban layouts were designed around the Magdalena River waterfront. Even figures linked to motorsport and to the organization expressed enthusiasm for Barranquilla’s potential as the venue for a “Caribbean Grand Prix.”

However, political and logistical factors at the time stalled the project’s realization, and the lack of an official letter from the national government was perceived as a key obstacle. Today, with an administration determined to take the reins of the process, that barrier has shifted.

Mayor Char has emphasized that progress on the bid now depends almost exclusively on agreements between the Mayor’s Office and Formula 1 organizers, without requiring direct approval from the national executive branch. This municipal autonomy is seen as a strategic advantage, capable of speeding up negotiations and presenting a proposal that is more agile and better tailored to the category’s needs.

Despite the enthusiasm and interest shown by Formula 1 representatives, not all aspects of the project are straightforward. Among the most frequently cited drawbacks by the Barranquilla administration is the city’s airport infrastructure. The international airport serving Barranquilla, Ernesto Cortissoz, has been identified as insufficient to meet the demands of an event on the scale of a motor racing Grand Prix.

Formula 1 delegates, according to statements by the mayor, have indicated that the current conditions of the air terminal and its facilities do not meet expected standards, raising the need for investments or significant improvements in this area.

Beyond logistical challenges, the project’s backers defend its economic potential. Formula 1 is far more than a race; it is a magnet for high-spending tourism, global sponsorships, international media coverage, and urban development. Cities such as Miami have shown how the presence of the top tier of motorsport can transform a destination’s international perception and attract investment.

For Barranquilla, a Grand Prix would mean not only an expansion of its sports and cultural offerings, but also a direct impact on sectors such as hotels, restaurants, commerce, and services, with the arrival of thousands of visitors over a race weekend.

The layout and identity of a Caribbean Grand Prix

Preliminary proposals for the circuit in Barranquilla envision a semi-urban layout that takes advantage of distinctive features of the city: its geography, its waterfront, and its proximity to the Magdalena River. The idea of a circuit that runs through emblematic areas, rather than a traditional closed track, seeks to create a unique experience for both drivers and spectators.

This connection with the urban and natural environment could be one of the attractions that appeal to Formula 1, which in recent years has shown interest in diversifying its venues and exploring new markets.

The dream of organizing a Grand Prix in Barranquilla still faces many challenges ahead, from technical and financial agreements to improvements in key infrastructure. However, the reactivation of the bid under a locally driven approach conveyed by Mayor Char has renewed expectations and placed Barranquilla once again in the international conversation of motorsport.

If the proposal continues to move forward, the roar of the engines could become yet another symbol of the city’s Caribbean ambition to establish itself on the map of major global events.

In the high-stakes world of NASCAR Cup Series racing, where billions in revenue swirl around media deals, sponsorships, and the all-important charters that guarantee a team’s spot in every race, most owners play it safe. They sign on the dotted line, grumble privately, and keep the peace with the France family empire. But in late 2024, two teams decided enough was enough.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

23XI Racing—co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and driver Denny Hamlin—and Front Row Motorsports (FRM), led by Bob Jenkins, refused to sign NASCAR’s “take-it-or-leave-it” charter extension for 2025-2031. While 13 other teams reluctantly inked the deal, fearing the loss of their valuable franchises, 23XI and Front Row filed a bombshell antitrust lawsuit, accusing NASCAR of monopolistic practices that stifled team growth and funneled too much profit to the sanctioning body.

It was a gutsy move. They raced much of 2025 as “open” teams, forfeiting millions in guaranteed revenue. The trial in Charlotte dragged on for weeks, exposing embarrassing texts, tough negotiations, and the raw power dynamics of the sport. Many in the garage whispered that the rebels were risking it all—for what?

Then, on December 11, 2025, everything changed. Midway through the trial, a settlement was announced. NASCAR blinked.

The deal handed all 15 chartered teams “evergreen” charters—essentially permanent franchises that don’t expire, making them true assets like NFL or NBA teams. Overnight, industry experts estimated charter values could double, from recent sales around $45 million to potentially $90-100 million each. Teams gained shares of international media rights (previously zero for them), a cut of new intellectual property deals, reinstated governance input via an expanded “strike” rule, and more.

The other 13 teams? They got all these upgrades without spending a dime on lawyers, without missing a single purse payout, and without ever sticking their necks out during negotiations.

Although none of the other team owners said, they all had to be thinking, ‘We signed because we felt we had no choice. Those two fought the fight we were all too scared to wage—and now we’re all richer for it.’

The irony wasn’t lost on anyone. The teams that played it safe, signing the original deal under duress, now reap the biggest rewards thanks to the ones who had the balls to sue.

Denny Hamlin captured the resolve behind the fight: “Standing up isn’t easy, but progress never comes from staying silent. The reward is in knowing you changed something.”

Michael Jordan emphasized the broader impact: “From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress. It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees, and fans.”

Hamlin added that the outcome is “going to grow the sport, and it’s going to be better for everyone, there’s no doubt about it.”

Other team owners welcomed the resolution. Rick Hendrick stated: “Today’s resolution allows all of us to focus on what truly matters—the future of our sport. When our industry is united, there’s no limit to how far we can go or how much we can grow the sport we love.”

Roger Penske called it “tremendous news for the industry.”

As ESPN’s Ryan McGee noted, every team once stood united with 23XI and Front Row during negotiations but eventually lacked the balls and signed—leaving the two to carry the fight alone. “They won that fight, and as a result, so did every NASCAR team owner who is fortunate enough to have one of those 36 charters.”

Former NASCAR driver and now pudit, Kenny Wallace, predicted what the settlement by NASCAR could imply for the teams and why it could be game-changing.

Shortly after the announcement, Wallace spoke to the camera, where the 62-year-old shared his thoughts and seemed rather pleased with the turn of events.

Wallace believed 23XI Racing and FRM had gotten what they sought and hence decided to settle. He also presumed that the settlement would translate to more TV revenue and evergreen charters for the teams.

According to Wallace, NASCAR’s leaked letters and the overall fan sentiment prompted the governing body to pursue the settlement route further. He also pointed out that NASCAR bosses’ unwillingness to answer tough questions only weakened the governing body’s case.

For their efforts and fortitude, NASCAR will pay 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports an unknown amount of monetary damages and legal fees.

With permanent charters now in place, the entire Cup Series field reaps enhanced stability and value, courtesy of the two teams that refused to back down. The garage moves forward united, poised for growth in 2026 and beyond.

The overwhelming influence of sponsors in NASCAR became evident during the recent charter agreement fiasco. Teams would face significant challenges in operating and covering their expenses without the substantial real estate opportunities provided by their cars. But seldom do these sponsors, which are often large enterprises, stick to a single team or driver.

Dave Alpern explained why in a video posted by the team on their YouTube handle. He went, “Some sponsors within an organization like to be a family of drivers versus one. Interstate Batteries is a great example.

“Interstate for many years was just on our famed No. 18 car. Now, they try to do at least one race with all of our drivers.”

They also have an associate sponsor logo on all of the team’s cars throughout the season. This is just a marketing strategy that the company employs to have visibility during races and associate itself with one particular well-performing team. Other companies don’t necessarily follow this same approach.

Alpern continued, “There are also brands that choose to sponsor multiple times. I think of Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola has a family of different drivers across a bunch of different organizations. Their goal being, they want a winning driver to get out and swig a Coke. The more drivers they have, they feel like that meets their strategy.”

And then, there are companies like Bass Pro Shops. The sporting goods retailer not only sponsors races, but it is also associated with a bunch of different teams. It has strong relationships in the garage with multiple teams and drivers, with a wide reach of sponsorship. The point to be made is that there is no right or wrong in this facet of the sport.

“It kind of just depends on the brand and what their objectives are. But yeah, it’s more common to see one sponsor paired with one driver and car number. But it’s not uncommon to see them spread across multiple cars,” the Joe Gibbs Racing President added.

Race cars are essentially moving billboards for companies, and the ultimate goal is to catch the eye of the passionate fanbase.

Moreover, sponsoring a single car and driver can be a risky gamble. The driver could get injured or perform poorly throughout the season. This would hurt the image of the sponsor heavily and go against their end goal.

Published on
December 13, 2025

MotorCity Dark Horse Racing has started making headlines. Dark Horse Racing is a Detroit-based, newly formed racing company that has just recently started racing in major competitions like the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) and the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) sanctioned events, and has just landed a partnership with global corporations META. It is a pivotal moment in Dark Horse Motor City’s history, and META’s partnership with Motor City opens the door to trailblazing tech innovations for the motorsports industry.

With the company gaining traction, the strategic collaboration with META’s AI program will continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in high-speed motorsports. With AI tools that will enhance motorsport activities like racing, collaboration, and interaction of the vehicles, the company is headed for a bright future.

Motorcity Dark Horse Racing – A New Era in Professional Motorsport

MotorCity Dark Horse Racing set out to make a mark in the motorsport industry and, within a year, achieved extraordinary success by entering the season in major global competitions. The team has competitors in support races at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Lone Star Le Mans, racing events that are synonymous with pushing vehicles and racing athletes to their physical and mental extremes. The team has garnered noteworthy attention, even in its rookie year, for its performance at the events and its relentless commitment to professional motorsport.

Motorcity Dark Horse Racing has a new partnership with Patrick Gen AI Racing. This is the start of new opportunities for this team in professional motorsport. This collaboration will enhance the team’s operational performance, on track and off, and provide the team with the means to implement more advanced and beneficial technology. The team has improved its prospects for success in upcoming races as the collaboration will enhance the team’s operational performance.

META LLama Collaboration: Starting Right

As the team works towards future goals, one of the most recent accomplishments was the acceptance of the team into META Corporation’s LLama Startup AI Program. Beginning in June of 2025, this program pairs early-stage startups and corporate partners, using some of the most innovative and advanced AI technologies to develop cross-industry relationships. It was a first in the sector of motorsport to have a company like MotorCity Dark Horse Racing become a participant.

Thanks to this partnership, the team is now able to use industry-leading AI to streamline how they race and the ways they approach every aspect of the competition. AI is now used in every facet to increase performance through race strategy selection, team coordination, vehicle setup, tire prediction, and more. META worked with their individual AI practitioners to refine and cooperate with the team in model training, using legacy data that was vital to the team’s competitiveness.

Innovations to Combat Motor Racing Performance

The focus of this collaboration with META is in three major areas: AI-powered optimization, predictive analytics, and enhancement of team collaboration.

The Benefits of AI-Driven Optimization: The team has used AI in vehicle setup optimization in areas of suspension settings, aerodynamics, etc. The team obtains a competitive edge by being able to change setups and update conditions in real time.

The Benefits of AI-Driven Predictive Analytics: The team has been able to foresee and track conditions, weather, etc, and adapt strategies accordingly in real time. This has been able to decrease time spent on decision-making especially when it comes to tire compound and pit stop changes.

The Benefits of AI-Enhanced Team Collaboration: There has been an improvement in real-time decision-making and communication with the entire team. The team operates more quickly, collaboratively, and internally.

How META Helps Businesses Innovate

MotorCity Dark Horse Racing has made enormous strides, and META has played a crucial role in that growth. The team benefited from META’s AI tools, as well as systems engineering, and from META’s experts in consulting. Other creative startups in META’s network have partnered with the team and provided helpful knowledge and tactics for MotorCity Dark Horse Racing.

The company collaborates with motor racing with technology in unusual ways, and for that, they partnered with META for the AI program targeted for startups in all sectors. With Starter META’s proprietary tools, they can advance in areas where motor racing is not as developed. Because of all the support they have received, they can compete in highly developed areas and advance motorsports.

Potential Horizons: A New Era of Motorsport

The entry of Motor City Dark Horse Racing to META’s Llama Startup AI program opens a series of opportunities in the world of motorsport. Within a framework of advanced AI development, the team is likely to enjoy consistent success, not only in racing but also in achieving the nirvana of the convergence of technology and motorsport.

With the help of META’s AI-enhanced tools, the team’s efforts towards fostering technology-driven innovativeness should allow them to remain pioneers of technology in the world of motorsport. In the coming years, the continued advancement of AI in partnered development is likely to enable novel technology pathways that could promote sport itself.

Conclusion

During this period, the journey of Motor City Dark Horse Racing is showing the prospective boundaries of multi-sport collaboration. Enrolling in META’s Llama Start-Up Program, Dark Horse Racing the Dark Horse Racing team is now able to explore advanced technologies, which should greatly improve their performance and speed on the track. Utilizing AI Optimisation, Predictive Analytics, and advanced team synchronisation, Motor City Dark Horse Racing is on the verge of doing something remarkable. As the company only strives forward in innovating the technology used in racing and with META, a partnership designed to integrate AI into racing technology, Dark Horse Racing will show how technology in AI can be used to advance racing in the years to come.