Slidell resident and Qatar boat racer Jay Price has his sights set on winning a Formula 1 World Championship.

With two races to go, Price, who finished fifth last year, leads the competition with 85 points. The only two racers who can catch him have 49 and 47 points.

The final two races will take place Friday and on Dec. 12, both in the United Arab Emirates. Friday’s competition will be held in Abu Dhabi, and the season concludes in Sharjah.

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Price, in his second year of racing Formula 1 after being in Formula 2, said having the opportunity to capture the title exceeds any expectations he ever had when he began in Formula 1.

“Just to go over there was a dream come true, and to be able to win it, I honestly never dreamed I could bring home a world title in Formula 1,” Price said.

Participants get 20 points for finishing first, 15 for second and 12 for third. The top 10 finishers get points, with 10th getting one. Basically, one of the two boaters behind Price have to win both events and hope Price doesn’t get five points. Price said there are usually 25-30 racers per competition.

This season, Price, who has his own used car business, has won two races and finished second three times. He said he didn’t finish one race because he blew an engine.

The races last about 45 minutes. The average lap time is taken, then it is figured out how many laps it would take to run for 45 minutes.

This season began in April, and the eight-race year ends Dec. 12, Price’s 50th birthday. When he officially wins the title, family members who are making the trip will join him.

Price said he’s looking forward to seeing his family during his final race.

“It’s going to be real exciting. It’s hard to even come up with any words. We 99 percent have the championship locked up, so that’s why I booked everybody to come to the final race,” Price said.

Price’s brother, Joel Price, 44, of Slidell, will be making the trip. He said he is thrilled about seeing his brother accomplish such a great feat.

“I’m definitely excited,” Joel Price said. “Even though it’s a long flight, my emotions will be high coming and going.”

Another accomplishment Jay Price is going for is the team title. The Qatar team leads F1 Team Sweden 90-58 with two races to go.

Price also has a chance of winning the slam trophy, based on the fastest boat during the race. He currently leads with 72 points over second place, which has 60, and third with 48.

Price has been married to his wife Roberta for 28 years. The two have three children, Jamie, 28, Jayson, 25, and Jaymes, 22.