JEDDAH, 15 May 2007 — Fadi Hamadah trounced the field to rule the two-day Mobily Saudi Star Autocross 1st round, which ended after a two-day run at Durat Al Arous race track over the weekend. The event, organized by Abdullah Bakhshab Establishment for Motor Sport Development drew a large number of car racing enthusiasts from across the Kingdom who pitted skills in a non-stop endurance battle as each tried to score the maximum under the new awarding system.

And when the dust settled, it was Hamadah in his car who led the podium winners clocking the best time of 1.34.123 in the Camry challenge stage on the second day. Bandar Al-Silamy piloted his car around the track in a second best time of 1.35.230. In the third position was Abdulrahman Al Haraki with 01:35.283.

Al Faisal Mobily team under the leadership of rally champion Prince Khaled ibn Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal did not participate in this event.

“I was impressed with their driving skills,” said Bakhashab who is always on the lookout for new talents to excel in motor sport. The two-day races were attended by enthusiastic spectators including women and children who enjoyed the high-speed action. In all, 30 drivers took part in the event. The race was very interesting and challenging, especially among those who used the modified cars.

The race began after grouping the participants according to their vehicles into seven classes based on international autocross laws and the capacity of the engine and its power and production year. After the technical test on the first day, every participant had to make a free tour through the track. Then the drivers had two trials to collect the best time.

In the first group (DS) Iad Al Najar won with a time 01:38.470 to move to the second stage. In the second group (AS) Jankeez Khan managed to stay top with 01:35.528.

In the third group (CS) Abdulrahman Al Haraki prevailed with a time of 01:36.465.

In the fourth group (BS) Shan Loutry won in 01:34.568. The fifth group (ES) race went to Bandar Al Silamy who clocked 01:39.315. In the sixth group (FS) Majed Al Ghamdi was tops with 01:40.707 Fadi Hamadah was the winner in the last group (SS).

In the last round of Toyota Camry challenge on the second day, the qualified drivers had two trials. Outsmarting his rivals, Hamadah clinched the championship. It was a thrilling and interesting round where Iad Al Najar finished second and Abdulrahman Al Haraki third.

Bakhashab said he was looking forward to motor sport getting the nod from the authorities. The race went on as planned.

The results were calculated on the times the racers achieved on their own cars. The top drivers of each of the seven categories had to compete again using two Toyota Camry cars. Fadi Hamadah, who blazed the tarmac with his stunt-filled driving, won in a Camry. Mobily is the main sponsor of the event. The other sponsors include Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Ltd. (Toyota Camry), Mobil 1, Okaz newspaper and Bridgestone as the official tire.