In Dubai last week, the Nicholas Mee Racing team tackled its first-ever 24-hour race. Despite their lack of experience, they took their no. 124 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4 to 3rd in class in the highly competitive Dunlop 24 Hours of Dubai, finishing a commendable 18th overall from the huge grid of 74 cars.

Regular driver Karsten le Blanc (NL) was joined for the endurance event by guest drivers Shaun Lynn (GB) and last-minute recruit Wolfgang Kaufmann (DE). “This was my first 24-hour race and I loved it,” said le Blanc. “Our Aston didn't miss a single beat throughout the race. It ran like a dream!” Not bad for a car which completed 550 laps, or 1843 miles, at race pace.

His team-mate Shaun Lynn, while a familiar figure in historic racing, was quick to point out that it was his first time in a modern race car. “I am sure it won’t be the last,” he enthused. “I really, really enjoyed the experience and this race will stay with me for a long time.”

Meanwhile, the team’s second car – the no.125 ‘Cedar Racing’ NMR Aston Martin GT4 – suffered two lengthy and unscheduled pitstops caused by a problematic drive-belt tensioner, which lost them several hours. Piloted by brothers Tarek and Galal Mahmoud (LB), along with Greg Audi (LB) and Corentine Quiniou (FR), the car nevertheless managed to complete 403 laps to finish a gallant 8th in class and 49th overall.

Both cars will arrive back in the UK in February for a rebuild, in anticipation of a busy and exciting 2010 season a little closer to home.

Full Dubai 24hr results can be found at http://live.24hseries.com.

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