JEDDAH, 4 August 2003 — Syria’s Fadi Hamada drove away with the “fastest driver in Jeddah” title with a sterling display of skill at the Star Autocross Race, held as part of the ongoing Jeddah Summer Festival here on Friday.
After seven promising drivers had beaten off the challenges of 90 drivers in the two-day event, Hamada emerged triumphant after successfully defeating five others in the fray by negotiating the 700 meters of twists and turns with the least number of faults.
Hamada had participated in similar events in his home country, Lebanon and Jordan. In his three trials against the five other contestants, Hamada logged the least penalties.
The top three finishers, the Citroen winners, on the first day, Nazar Abdulrahman, Wael Al-Ustah and Alaa Alrufai, pitted their skills against three nominated drivers on the second day. Hamada thrilled the crowd with a display of terrific control and speed and logged 1.09.399 to comfortably beat out the others.
On the first day, drivers were classified into seven groups and allowed four runs. The best time (the lowest inclusive of pylon penalties, if any) by a driver was then taken into account and the eventual winner declared. The race was prepared by technicians from UAE Sports Club headed by Khalid Malik, who was also the event manager.
Saudi Rally champion Abdullah Bakhashab treated the crowd to a bonus driving display just before the awards ceremony.
