JEDDAH: School students are taking part in the 5th and 6th rounds of Toyota Karting Training race being held at IN 10 SO racetrack in Jeddah for two days from today.
Toyota Karting Training race is one of Toyota’s programs to support motorsport in the Kingdom. “This championship is targeting school students to achieve their ambitions and skills,” ace Saudi rally driver Abdullah Bakhashab, who gave an orientation for the participants, said yesterday.
The training will be according the stipulations of Toyota Karting School, which aims to help young people to take part in international races. Toyota Karting School is the first of its kind in the Kingdom.
“All the final touches have been given to the venue for the launch of the two final rounds of Toyota Karting Training race,” Bakhashab said, adding that the race will act as the first step toward attracting and spotting talent among students for future participants of F1 competitions.”
Bakhashab said that he as the organizer would make the karting race “completely similar to what happens in F1 races.” There will be qualifying rounds before the event at 8:30 p.m. on the opening day to determine the places of every driver.
The race will then start an hour later, at 9:30 p.m. “The race will be conducted on the basis of CIK-FIA rules,” he said, adding that the organizers will choose the best cars for the tournament.
Bakhashab said that all the participating racecars have to be Italian made Fortex with 125 cc, one cylinder, 29 horse power engine.
Talking about the racetrack, he said the track has been specially prepared for the purpose with the most modern equipment and on an international level.
Competing drivers, who will be divided into groups, will have to complete 17 laps. This will have to be done within 20 minutes. Detailing safety measures taken at the venue, Bakhashab said the most modern safety equipment has been provided in the interest of competing drivers and spectators.
The competition is expected to draw a lot of motor sport fans who will be accompanied by their families, especially children.
Abdullah Al-Muteri, the 1st of the race’s 4th round, said he was ready for the last round to lift the race title. “I will then be ready to compete in Toyota and F1 competitions.”
The Toyota Karting Training race 2009 rounds were successfully organized up to now with a big number of competitors from different schools.
Abdullah Al-Muteri has 72 points, Hassan Al-Sharbatly 42 points, Sultan Kailo 41 points and Ahmad Al Nahdi 36 points.
Explaining the rules of the game, Bakhashab said participants would be awarded points after each lap. Toyota is the main sponsor of the championship along with other sponsors including IN 10 SO and Mobile 1.
