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Price says that the UAE’s recently relaxed rules regarding business ownership have meant he could assume complete ownership of Dragon Racing. “Now I have the freedom to structure the business financially with more flexibility,” he remarks. “My goal is to run this company, not like every other race team, but as a proper business along lines that exist in the business world rather than the motor racing world.” So far, this strategy has served him extraordinarily well, his unimpeachable business acumen being applied to an industry more used to ‘flying by the seat of its pants’. Only a fool would bet against him at this stage. “Our core businesses can all be expanded,” he explains. “Car storage, for example, is not only for race cars but also for road cars – a service that could be accompanied by preparation for track work then driver training and vehicle development into real race cars. Put simply, there is no other company in the Middle East that can offer the full package, from obtaining one’s race licence, to training in road- and then race cars, with full professional preparation and everything else that goes with it.” He outlines that the near future will see Dragon Racing focussed on growing its track-based corporate entertaining packages, catering to the requirements of local, regional and international companies. “Throughout the recent pandemic,” he says, “Dubai has demonstrated an entirely practical and flexible balance. As a result, we have witnessed an influx of mainly Expats into the UAE, many of whom have permanently relocated; a high percentage being High-Net-Worth Individuals [HNWI] with a passion for cars and racing. We intend to focus on winning business from these people, too.” He explains that all the current divisions of Dragon Racing are “far from reaching their peak potential, and we will continue to grow them over the next few years. We also foresee an expansion of racing in local events and entry into racing overseas, with our local clients, as two areas of significant potential growth.” One thing is for certain, though, in the minds of anyone privileged to spend time in Dragon Racing’s Dubai headquarters: you’d be a fool to dismiss this remarkable visionary and the loyal team of skilled professionals who have helped Leon Price turn, what many dismissed as a far-fetched dream, into reality. Dragon Racing is undoubtedly here to stay and the world of motorsport is all the better for it. Simply Abu Dhabi | 199