- Iconic watch brand with great motorsport heritage partner with Sodi Racing Team
- TAG Heuer and Sodi Middle East share similar philosophies and synergy
TAG Heuer, the worldwide leader in prestigious and high precision watches and chronographs are pleased to announce a partnership with SodiKart Middle East Racing Team, which has become one the leading kart racing teams in the UAE.
SodiKart Middle East Racing Team was founded by 1993 karting world champion David Terrien, with Joao Gouveia as Operations Manager and Nicolas Fargeas appointed as Team Director.
GGI Entertainment in the UAE runs two teams, namely the SodiKart Racing Team and Abu Dhabi Racing. The teams are currently manned by 12 staff, including George Gibbons as SodiKart Team Manager and 2009 karting world champion Luke Varley as Abu Dhabi Racing Team Manager.
SodiKart Racing Team has in a short space of time become respected in the UAE karting paddock for their professionalism, dedication and commitment to the sport. Recently the team earned the accolade of the “Best Presented Team Award” at the O Plate round of the Dubai Championship.
The team features some of the most promising young talent in the region, including the likes of Piers Packenham-Walsh in DD2, Patrick Hannah in Senior Max, Taymour Kermanshachi and Tehmur Chohan in Junior Max and Khaled Saab in Micro Max.
This combination of drivers have scored regular wins this season, and are constantly fighting at the sharp end of proceedings on any given race day in their iconic white, black and orange race suits. Approximately 25 drivers are competing with SodiKarts on the UAE karting scene.
Kolia Neveux, General Manager of TAG Heuer Middle East said, “We’re very proud to partner with the SodiKart UAE Racing Team. When we met with David Terrien and Nicolas Fargeas for the first time, there was an obvious synergy and we became partners. They have an amazing structure, a cross-generational team and high-tech equipment.”
“SodiKart Racing Team encompasses the TAG Heuer spirit and just like us, they raise the bar, choose the best path and belong to a young generation for whom nothing is impossible. This team further adheres to the TAG Heuer motto of always moving forward, never compromise and don’t crack under pressure,” added Neveux.
Nicolas Fargeas, Team Director of SodiKart and Abu Dhabi Racing said, “Being sponsored by such a prestigious brand is an honor for all of us providing incentive and motivation to target victories and podiums every time we race. Our commitment is to grow karting in the UAE and also the Gulf region. We are proud of our association with Abu Dhabi Racing and all our drivers are part of our SodiKart family which is what makes our team special.”
About TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer: the Swiss Avant-Garde watchmaker since 1860. Its rich heritage is built on pushing boundaries and breaking rules: harnessing mental fortitude to overcome technology restraints and create daring watches and chronographs. Long-lasting partnerships with motor racing teams and charismatic ambassadors drive it to break with watchmaking conventions, and, as a consequence, master time with unparalleled precision. The brand’s motor racing DNA, as well as the amazing athletes who belong to its dream team, reflect its core values of teamwork, mental strength, courage and ambition. Its slogan, DON’T CRACK UNDER PRESSURE, is far more than a claim–it is a mindset.
About SodiKart
SodiKart adventure started in 1981 in Sautron near the city of Nantes, in the West of France. SodiKart was created by Gildas Mérian, who is still at the head of the company; it has spectacularly expanded its operations to become the biggest manufacturer of leisure karts in the world.
About GGI Entertainment
David Terrien a former SodiKart factory team driver, winner of multiple titles including a title of world champion in 1993. Three years ago he led the formation of a motor racing oriented company called GGI Entertainment in Dubai, distributing SodiKart race and rental karts along with a variety of other racing equipment. The operation has become an specialised consultancy which also designs karting tracks and offers management expertise for karting venues.