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 on-board. 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.”
Mike Millar, head of the GAC Sport and Events: “After the challenges of moving the World Rallycross from Canada to Norway, the GAC Sports and Events Division were excited by the opportunity that the Extreme Sailing Series and World Rallycross schedules presented in Istanbul. Having watched the Extreme Sailing Series over the last few years and seen first-hand the skill required in navigating the difficult courses, it certainly has many parallels to WRX. It was fantastic to see Topi’s reaction to his experience out on the boat and we’d like to thank World Rallycross and the Extreme Sailing Series for the opportunity to bring the two together in such a fantastic setting.”
