JEDDAH, 30 May 2003 — Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed has extended his support to Toyota Race of Champions 2003 for the second time in a row, according to Saudi rally champion Abdullah Bakhashab. The race is to be held during the upcoming Jeddah Summer Festival.
“I explained the importance of such events for promoting sports and tourism during a meeting with him and presented a new Saudi Motorsport Federation project,” he said. “Prince Abdul Majeed showed keen interest in supporting the Saudi championship and the establishment of the proposed specialized federation to help motorsport develop,” Bakhashab said.
Bakhashab, meanwhile, has been declared “Man of the Year” by Sport Auto magazine in recognition of his efforts to promote motorsport. The title is described as the first of its kind awarded by the “First auto magazine of the Arab world” to an Arab rally driver.
“The award not only recognizes his efforts to spread motorsport but also for encouraging Arab enthusiasts in the sport. His scientific approach in creating public awareness in motorsport has led him to establish a special rally school to train a new generation of rally drivers,” the magazine said in its citation.
The citation also mentioned the various rallies Abdullah has organized, including an annual rally in Jeddah.
“I’m delighted to have been honored with the title from the specialized magazine. I wish motorsport in the Kingdom and elsewhere in the Arab world more progress internationally,” Bakhashab added.
Bakhashab, a Marlboro driver sponsored by Power Horse, formed the first Saudi rally team in order to support motorsport in the Kingdom and the rest of the Gulf. His team achieved high levels of performance during their participation abroad, and showed excellent driving skills, particularly in their last participation in Qatar Rally 2003. The Saudi rally ream is under the direct supervision of Bakhashab who trains and prepares them for local and international competitions.
