JEDDAH: After the 1st round at Durat Al-Arus in Jeddah the Toyota Saudi Star Autocross Championship moves to Alkhobar for the second round at Al-Iskan Garden starting tomorrow.
“It will be a two days meeting over a weekend with free camping and all the facilities for a great family weekend,” the organizers said. About 20 amateur drivers will take part in the event, which aims to discover a new generation of future rally drivers.
The drivers will be divided into seven groups and each group members will compete among themselves. The drivers, with their cars, will be categorized into 7 classes depending on the capacity and power of the engine, car size and year of manufacture. The classes: Super stock (SS) for ultra high performance sport cars, A Stock (AS) for high performance sport cars PA — sport cars and GT’s, C Stock (CS) for small size compact cars, D Stock (DS) for intermediate size sedans, F Stock (FS) for sedans and coupes, and (BS) for medium size coupes.
Each driver will be allowed to drive 2 trials. The best time (the lowest time inclusive of pylon penalties, if any) of a particular run is to be taken for ranking with each classes.
A judge and 12 marshals around the track will direct the proceedings. If any body hits the barrier, the marshals flag him and the driver will lose one point.
Stressing the importance of organizing autocross championship in Saudi Arabia, chief organizer Abdullah Bakhashab told the media yesterday that autocross was becoming popular and several Arab countries organize the championship throughout the year. “We have prepared several studies concerning motor sports development and found that a high percentage of youngsters wish to see sports event and activities organized locally in Saudi Arabia,” Bakhashab said.
Sponsored by Abdul Latif Jameel Company Ltd., the championship is supported by Mobile 1.
“Toyota Saudi Star Autocross Race 2008 is another step forward to promoting and expanding motor sport in the Kingdom after the success of the 2007 rounds. The event is a rare opportunity for competent drivers to show talents and skills polished through scientific approach and principles of careful and considerate driving.
