WORLD RALLYCROSS MEETS THE EXTREME SAILING SERIES™ IN ISTANBUL

Two of the world’s fastest-paced and action-filled sports crossed paths today in Kadikoy Sahli harbour, Istanbul, thanks to global logistics provider GAC.

Friday 2nd October 2015

Two of the world’s fastest-paced and action-filled sports crossed paths today in Kadikoy Sahli harbour, Istanbul, thanks to global logistics provider GAC.

With the World Rallycross Championships and Leg 7 of the Extreme Sailing Series both descending on Istanbul over the same weekend, GAC and GAC Pindar, official logistics partners for both events, arranged for Finnish World Rallycross driver Toomas ‘Topi’ Heikkinen to join up with GAC Pindar’s crew to take part in the opening Extreme Sailing Series races of the day.

Topi Heikkinen, who finished runner-up in last year’s World RX behind Petter Solberg, boarded GAC Pindar’s high speed Extreme 40 catamaran as the ‘sixth man’ on day one of racing, to experience the in-shore racing spectacle up close and personal.

“What a fantastic experience!” said Topi. “I really wasn’t expecting the boats to be so quick and agile. It’s crazy how close they get to each other when jostling for position and making passing moves. It’s very similar to motor racing, in that you have to bide your time, pick your angle and make split second decisions, and I certainly have a new found appreciation for the skill and physical fitness that these guys need to sail at the highest level. From where I was sitting it looked exhausting. I can’t thank GAC Pindar enough, but I think I’ll stick to the safety of dry land from now on. Good luck to the crew for the rest of the week’s racing.”

GAC Pindar Skipper Chris Draper commented: “It’s always great to see the reaction of those who join us onboard. Given the speeds that Topi drives at during the World Rallycross events it was nice to impress him by demonstrating the capability of the Extreme 40s.

“It always shocks people just how fast these Extreme 40 Catamarans go and when we are at a 45 degree angle to the water, it can certainly get a little bit hairy in terms of hanging on. Topi was a great sport though – we just can’t wait to get a shot in one of his racing cars.”

GAC Pindar Team Principal Andrew Pindar commented: “With GAC Pindar the official logistics provider for the Extreme Sailing Series and GAC the official logistics partner to the FIA World Rallycross Championship it was too good an opportunity to miss when their competition schedule clashed in Istanbul this weekend. It was clear from Topi’s reaction that he wasn’t expecting the racing to be quite so quick and exciting. We look forward to him spreading the word of the Extreme Sailing Series and hope to see more drivers joining us on board next year.”