MANAMA, 18 November 2004 — Around ninety drivers from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain will take part in the first regional drag race ‘Rumble in the Desert’ starting at 7 p.m. today.
The event is organized by E. K. Kanoo at the newly-build $150 million Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir. Doors will open for the event at 12 noon.
The event is being held in cooperation with the BIC and is the first of its kind to be held since the circuit was opened in April earlier this year. The desert circuit hosted the first Formula One Grand Prix in the Middle East on April 2004. The event will consist of three major categories — street, super-street and the open class, categorized according to the engine types and specifications.
Each car taking part will be scrutinized by the organizers ahead of the competition at 8.30 a.m. A car show exhibiting over 100 modified cars from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as well as 45 motorcycles will be held at 1p.m. followed by a practice race at 4 p.m. Some of the biggest names in drag racing including Bahrainis Khalid Mohammed, Tariq Hadi and Khalid Shokan, Kuwaitis Jaber Al Sarraf, Hussain Al Ali, Arkan Mansoor and Hussain Hilal.
The Kuwaiti delegation will be headed by the Kuwaiti Motor Federation President Shaikh Ahmed Dawood Al Sabeh.
“We wanted to hold a regional event that will display the talents of Gulf drivers,” said Managing Director of E.K. Kanoo, Ebrahim Kanoo. “The race is an opportunity for motor sport fans to enjoy races,” he said.
The event is sponsored by Batelco, Bapco, Arabian Motors, Al Ayam, Bahrain Tribune and LG with support from Gulf GT, Bison energy drink, Bahrain Cars, Khaleej Finance and Investments, Bin Hindi (Tyron), Sparco, Kleeman, Sonax, Skoda, Michelin, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Volvo, Antera, BP, Blaupunkt and Kahn. Tickets for the event can be bought at Seef Mall, Dana Mall, Bahrain Airport arrival lounge, at the entrance of the event or via email www.bahraingp.com.
