Football legend Maradona to follow XCAT action in Naples

by Karien Jonckheere on 20 May 2014 UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series in Naples, Italy 2014 - 20 May 2014, Dubai – In just a matter of weeks all eyes will be on Brazil for the kick off of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. But come this weekend, one of the most recognisable faces in football, Diego Maradona, will be taking in some powerboating action at the third leg of the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series in Naples, Italy.

It will be something of a homecoming for the Argentinean legend, who played for Serie A side Napoli from 1984 to 1991. During his time there, he is credited with guiding the club to two Serie A titles within three years, leading to his being hailed as a hero of the city.

Now he’ll return to give his support to the 13 teams taking part in this weekend’s UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series race, which will be staged in Naples for the first time in Series history.

'We are honoured that Diego Maradona will be joining us for what promises to be a thrilling race in Naples this weekend,' said Vice President of the WPPA, Dr Khalid Al Zahed.

'As a hero of the local football side back in the 80s, we have no doubt that his presence will add to the excitement that is already building around the third race of the Series, which is being held in Naples for the first time,'

'Maradona has already shown his great support for the Series, attending and thoroughly enjoying the last race of the 2013 season in Dubai in December – a mark of its growing stature on the international sporting calendar,' added Al Zahed.

Racing gets underway on Friday with the first Official Practice while Emaar Pole Position and the Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run will take place on Saturday, and the Napoli Grand Prix will be contested on Sunday at 3.30pm local time.

Fazza (Arif Al Zaffain and Nadir Bin Hendi) currently lead the 2014 UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series with a maximum 800 points, after emphatic victories in the first two races of the season, in Dubai and Fujairah. Skydive Dubai (Sultan Al Dhaheri and Jay Price) are second with 525 points, while Italian team Six (Tomaso Polli and Matteo Nicolini) are in third place with 313 points. But with Fazza not having had things all their way in races away from home last season, there will be all to play for when action resumes in Italy.

All the action will be streamed live via the Series website. For more information on the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series and to catch the action, log on to XCAT