Qatar Welcomes H1 Unlimited
Nearly four years ago, H1 Unlimited Chairman Sam Cole signed a contract for the Unlimited hydroplanes to race in Doha, Qatar. It would be the first time the tour had ever competed outside of North America and in a foreign land that most of the race teams knew little about.
A lot has changed as the fleet prepares for the Oryx Cup world championships in Doha starting November 17. The Middle Eastern country entered the world stage last year when it was selected to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and in the process will become the first Arab country to host the soccer tournament. The country is also a big supporter of boat racing, hosting F1 and Class 1 races into addition to the H1 Unlimited Series.
“They are active in sports around the world,” Cole said. “It’s a sports mecca there this time of year.”
Nowhere was that more obvious than when the team arrived last year for the Oryx Cup Championships. Streets around the Corniche, the waterfront promenade where the races take place, were lined with banners featuring individual drivers. At a nearby stadium, the Champions Tour with tennis legend John McEnroe was staging a match.
Team owner Ted Porter, who will be campaigning three boats in Doha, is impressed with the venue. The course features a skyline with high-rise buildings that is seen nowhere else on the H1 Unlimited circuit. Porter notes the crowds grew substantially last year and expects an even better turnout next week.
“The first year we didn’t know what to expect or how we would be received,” Porter said. “Once we got there we discovered this great atmosphere and it’s been a good experience for the teams.”
Although the teams are focused on winning the season’s final race, they’ve gotten an opportunity to take in the local culture. Drivers have ridden camels, watched camel races in the desert and participated in a day-long safari.
While their free time is limited at the race site, driver Steve David tries to take in as many sites around Doha as possible.
“It’s all part of the whole experience,” said David, who will make his third trip to Doha. “When you leave there you have a whole difference perception. They are very likable people.”
H1 Unlimited opens the pits for one night so that the locals and race fans can see the hydroplanes and take pictures with the drivers. Thousands of people stream into the pits on the warm summer evening.
This year’s Oryx Cup Championships will feature 12 teams—two more than in previous years. Driver Dave Villwock, who pilots the hometown boat Spirit of Qatar, is looking for his second straight Oryx Cup championship and to win his first national high points championship since 2007.
“We’re definitely playing in the stadium for us,” Villwock said. “We love racing for the people of Qatar … and would like to get them another victory.”
Cole is hoping the Doha race is the centerpiece for an international expansion. Ultimately, H1 Unlimited would like to add three or four races overseas, he said.
“I think we’ve proven we can take the sport abroad,” Cole said. “We want to expand the sport globally.”
The Oryx Cup is being staged by the Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF), under the presidency of His Excellency Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani.
To see more of Jim Simpson’s Oryx Cup Gallery CLICK HERE
Qatar Welcomes H1 Unlimited
Nearly four years ago, H1 Unlimited Chairman Sam Cole signed a contract for the Unlimited hydroplanes to race in Doha, Qatar. It would be the first time the tour had ever competed outside of North America and in a foreign land that most of the race teams knew little about.
A lot has changed as the fleet prepares for the Oryx Cup world championships in Doha starting November 17. The Middle Eastern country entered the world stage last year when it was selected to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and in the process will become the first Arab country to host the soccer tournament. The country is also a big supporter of boat racing, hosting F1 and Class 1 races into addition to the H1 Unlimited Series.
“They are active in sports around the world,” Cole said. “It’s a sports mecca there this time of year.”
Nowhere was that more obvious than when the team arrived last year for the Oryx Cup Championships. Streets around the Corniche, the waterfront promenade where the races take place, were lined with banners featuring individual drivers. At a nearby stadium, the Champions Tour with tennis legend John McEnroe was staging a match.
Team owner Ted Porter, who will be campaigning three boats in Doha, is impressed with the venue. The course features a skyline with high-rise buildings that is seen nowhere else on the H1 Unlimited circuit. Porter notes the crowds grew substantially last year and expects an even better turnout next week.
“The first year we didn’t know what to expect or how we would be received,” Porter said. “Once we got there we discovered this great atmosphere and it’s been a good experience for the teams.”
Although the teams are focused on winning the season’s final race, they’ve gotten an opportunity to take in the local culture. Drivers have ridden camels, watched camel races in the desert and participated in a day-long safari.
While their free time is limited at the race site, driver Steve David tries to take in as many sites around Doha as possible.
“It’s all part of the whole experience,” said David, who will make his third trip to Doha. “When you leave there you have a whole difference perception. They are very likable people.”
H1 Unlimited opens the pits for one night so that the locals and race fans can see the hydroplanes and take pictures with the drivers. Thousands of people stream into the pits on the warm summer evening.
This year’s Oryx Cup Championships will feature 12 teams—two more than in previous years. Driver Dave Villwock, who pilots the hometown boat Spirit of Qatar, is looking for his second straight Oryx Cup championship and to win his first national high points championship since 2007.
“We’re definitely playing in the stadium for us,” Villwock said. “We love racing for the people of Qatar … and would like to get them another victory.”
Cole is hoping the Doha race is the centerpiece for an international expansion. Ultimately, H1 Unlimited would like to add three or four races overseas, he said.
“I think we’ve proven we can take the sport abroad,” Cole said. “We want to expand the sport globally.”
The Oryx Cup is being staged by the Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF), under the presidency of His Excellency Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani.
To see more of Jim Simpson’s Oryx Cup Gallery CLICK HERE