The event will feature a strong mix of amateur and experienced contenders with their driving skills, its organizer Abdullah Bakhashab told reporters over the weekend.

"They will drive ordinary cars of their own and then compete with Toyota Camry, the official car of the championship, to determine the Saudi Champion for this round," he said. The competition is sponsored by Toyota and supported by Mobil 1.

Autocross is a branch of motor sport that involves driving a car anti-clock wise on a loose surface circuit. The competition will take place on a temporary circuit. A competitor will get a three-lap practice session and four timed runs of four laps.

"To take part in the event all you will need is a crash helmet and fireproof overall which comply with the FIA regulations, and of course a car," he said, adding that there are different classes for standard cars with very limited modifications, right through to purpose-built specials.

A group of special engineers has designed the track, which has made the contest all the more challenging with a slew of curves and hairpin turns. The circuit length exceeds 1,300 meters and is punctuated with turnings and obstacles. A special digital timing system is being used.

The 35 amateur drivers selected for the round will be divided into seven groups and members of each group will compete among themselves. The drivers, with their cars, will categorize into seven classes depending on the capacity and the power of 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 6, F Stock (FS) for sedans and coupes, and BS for medium size coupes.

"Our aim is to help Saudi youth attest their driving talents and skills in the right places and specialized areas away from endangering people and their own lives by racing cars in the city streets and high ways" Bakhashab said.

The round will see a distinctive challenge between experienced drivers and those who compete for the first time to determine the Kingdom's champion. Bakhashab added.

A judge and 12 marshals around the track will control the track. If anybody hits the barrier, the marshals flag him and the driver will lose one point.

The top three drivers will win cash awards worth SR6,000, SR4,000 and SR2,000, respectively.