JEDDAH, 15 July 2003 — A two-day race is set as part of the ongoing Jeddah Summer Festival at a specially laid out track at Durat Al-Arus resort toward the end of the month.
“We are targeting 100 participants to take part in the Star Autocross Race, the first of its kind here,” Saudi Rally Champion Abdullah Bakhashab said at a press conference on Sunday night.
Motor sport fans have to take part with their own cars irrespective of the make and model. “Competitors, to be divided into six categories, will drive their own ordinary cars — and no sports cars,” Bakhashab said.
“A special course was prepared for the race in accordance with Autocross international rules. There are pylons and barriers in addition to points for driving skills,” he said.
“On a limited 300-meter track, drivers will be judged for their skills,” he said.
According to Bakhashab, the registration procedure is simple. “You only need to have a valid driving license to qualify, bring your own ordinary car with only the standard specifications and without changes or modifications to the engine. Safety measures and specifications are a must. These include, among other things, safety belts, efficient brakes and a helmet.”
The first day on July 30 begins with qualifying rounds after categories of participating cars are defined on the basis of engine size and power. The quarterfinal start on the final day of the event on July 31.
When qualified, candidates will attain the semifinal. They will then drive Citroen cars provided by local dealer Bakhashab Brothers Co., which is sponsoring the event. Here, drivers compete for the Jeddah Star fastest driver title.
