DUBAI, 9 April 2004 — Records look set to tumble when a powerful assembly of 4WD prototypes, quads and motor bikes produce a dramatic motoring spectacle in next week’s Red Bull Reach the Top challenge on the famous Moreb Hill in the UAE.
With 96 entries already confirmed from the UAE and Saudi Arabia and more drivers and riders registering on a daily basis, a record line-up looks certain and the final number of starters has been limited to 150.
It all adds up to a dramatic two days of floodlit action in the Empty Quarter near Liwa as first the bikes on Wednesday, April 14 and then the cars and quads the following day attempt to break the record — currently standing at 13.5 seconds — for the 240-metre, 60-degree climb up Moreb Hill.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this unique event has built up a major following among enthusiasts from the UAE and other parts of the Gulf in recent years, but is now poised to grab wider international attention.
Its elevation in status has been guaranteed by the arrival this year of Red Bull as title sponsors and organizers, coupled with the first-time backing of the FIA and the FIM, the world governing bodies of four and two-wheel motor sport, and the Automobile and Touring Club for the UAE, the national motor sport authority.
The event is also cosponsored by Axiom. Increased media coverage means a big regional and overseas audience for a unique test of man and machines, including a battery of prototype 4WD vehicles costing millions of Dirhams.
“Many of the competitors go to tremendous lengths to develop and prepare their vehicles for this event, and some of the prototypes have been built in the US and cost in excess of Dhs2million,” said Clerk of the Course, Jhaveri Phiroze.
Among the 20 4WD challengers to date is Dubai’s Mohamed Al Hay Qubaisi, competing for the team of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohamed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum in the six-cylinder category, and Bader Ibrahim Abdullah of Dubai’s Team Formula Work Shop in the eight-cylinder category.
Carrying Saudi Arabia’s hopes in the motor bikes event will be Riyadh riders Mushal Al Khledi and Ahmed Al Shqawee, while the Kingdom will be represented in the quads by two other challengers from Riyadh, Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Saeed and Fahed Abd Al Kareem Allehaidan.
In each category, competitors are allowed two runs up Moreb Hill, and while bikes are allowed to turn around if their first bid is unsuccessful, the four-wheel challengers must reverse back to the start to begin their second attempt.
With special areas and facilities for spectators and VIPs, and the event being staged under floodlights, the Red Bull Reach the Top will illuminate the night sky and the slopes of Moreb Hill, an imposing desert landmark 30 kms from Liwa, the UAE’s southernmost oasis town.
