JEDDAH, 20 January 2007 — The first day of the final round of Mobily Desert Race drew thousands of spectators who gathered in Bahra to cheer the participants of the race here on Thursday. After the first round in Alkhobar and second round in Riyadh in recent months, the final round inevitably brought out the enthusiasts.

The two-day event was supported by the General Presidency of Youth Welfare and with the support of Mobily as the main sponsor and Toyota as the official car. Bison energy drink, Mobil 1 and Okaz are among the other supporters.

Saleh Al-Saleh, the champion of the Riyadh round won the first day on the track and clocked the best time of two minutes and 1.97 sec, followed by Hawari Wassim, who finished with 2 min 5.94 sec; Khaled Al-Sadoon third in the standings with 2 min 10.979 sec.

Saleh Abdulalli won the motorcycle section, clocking 1 min 24.233 sec, Yazid Al-Khalaf, who also races all-terrain vehicles, came in second with 1 min 31.943 sec and Jaafar Abduljawad lay third, clocking 1 min 32.779 sec.

On the first day of the two-day rally, the participants drove their own vehicles.

Organizers divided vehicles into four classes according to the number of engine cylinders: Standard 6-cylinder vehicles modified 6-cylinder vehicles, standard 8-cylinder and modified 8-cylinder cars.

Abdullah Bakhashab, the veteran Saudi rally champion and the organizer of the event, said that more than 30 car drivers and 16 motorcycle racers were first asked to drive the same vehicle to judge their driving capabilities.

Bakhashab, a developer of motor sports across the Kingdom, complimented both motor sport amateurs for their participation and companies for their support.

“Motor sport ranks second in terms of popularity across the Kingdom. Our duty is to help them practice this sport safely according to the International Automobile Federation rules,” he said.

Al-Saleh wanted organizers to hold championships on a regular basis. “There are lot of people who are fond of racing their vehicles in the desert,” he said. Enthusiasts regularly come to this area on weekends to drive across sand dunes and hills.

Wassim, who has many years of experience driving in the desert under his belt, said: “After regular practice in modified vehicles, more young Saudis will be able to take part in regional and international competitions.”

Al-Sadoon, the third in the standings, believed strongly that if regular competitions were organized, more people would develop interest in the sport.

“I have been driving in the desert since I was a kid,” he said. “I picked up this hobby from my father, who was also fond of driving in the desert.”