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Baker opts out of future rallyevents by EMSF
(Gulf News Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Dubai: Former UAE champion Raed Baker has opted out of all future events conducted by the Emirates Motor Sports Federation (EMSF).
Baker, a winner of the prestigious 1,000 Dunes Rally in 2003, was miffed following certain "discrepancies" arising during the 1,000 Dunes Rally last week.
Baker, who has good friend Nabeel Ahmadi as his co-driver, charged that at least two drivers had strayed from the course last weekend, and the EMSF officials had done little to penalise the offenders.
"I don't think I want to continue in EMSF events as it looks like the authorities do not want to change their attitude toward the sport," Baker told Gulf News.
In a stiff retort, Khalid Al Malek, Managing Director of EMSF, told Gulf News that he has no problems with any individual's choice.
"Everyone is free to take their own decision. We have been professional with the way we have run the sport, and if someone does not want to fall in line and take the sport to a higher level, we will not miss him," Al Malek said.
Ironically, Baker made his rallying debut in 1996 at the 1,000 Dunes Rally.
"Over the years I tried my level best to see if there was any change in the way the EMSF was approaching the sport. But I see no change, so I think I am only wasting my time, money and effort," Baker said.
"At least two drivers were caught out of the route, and yet not penalised. So the message that comes through is that it all depends on who you are and the rules really do not matter," Baker lamented.
Al Malek said that the EMSF had implemented a brand-new GPS tracking system to cut out frailties.
"We have come to a decision after watching all the drivers.
"There are rules of the game, and if someone does not want to abide by these, he is free to leave," Al Malek countered.
Baker and Ahmadi teamed up in their Range Rover to end in fourth place last week.
"This has nothing to do with the position I got. It is about going by the rule book and being fair to all competitors," Baker said.
Copyright 2006 Al Nisr Publishing LLC. Source: Financial Times Information Limited.
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