JEDDAH, 8 March 2005 — Registration is now open for the drivers participating in Red Bull 25-Hour Karting, which is set on the Karting circuit at King’s Road, here on March 24-25. Spectators will be able to enjoy every bit of the fierce competition between the various skilled drivers in this heart-pounding race, regulated by the international laws on karting, which is being held for the first time in the Kingdom. “The best Saudi and expat drivers, as well as other teams from the GCC countries will put their skills and endurance to the test in this unique sports event that is organized in collaboration with the Saudi Automobile & Touring Association (SATA),” a spokesman for the organizers said yesterday.
The drivers will remain behind the wheel for 25 hours non-stop, while abiding by all of the FIA’s international laws on karting. With an extra 60 minutes added to the customary 24 hours, the challenge will test racing ability, stamina, and the ability to co-ordinate team tactics. The teams will include 4 to 12 drivers who will take over from one another to ensure a 25-hour extreme speed race, under the watchful and experienced eyes of international referees who will monitor the race and make sure that the relevant laws are being enforced and public safety is preserved.
“The contestants must have an international license issued by the National Sports Committee supervising car races in KSA. All of the team members must be aged more than 18 and no more than 20 teams may participate in the event,” he added.
Explaining the rules, he said the drivers would take over from one another for 25 hours non-stop. Driving for more than one hour non-stop is totally forbidden. Each driver must stop at least every hour to hand over to the next team member. The drivers will cover a distance of 1,500 kilometers or more according to the team’s number of laps during the race. Each driver must rest for at least 30 minutes before taking back the wheel. The drivers will abide by all of the safety measures with respect to the legal outfit, the karting crash helmet, the glasses and the racing suit. Sport Stars will provide the 160 CC Honda karts to which the teams will be authorized to carry out some slight modifications affecting the steering wheel and the car front and side, in accordance with the approved norms and standards. Before the race starts, the car will be subject to a final test performed by karting experts in order to establish the car’s ability to participate in the race.
Registration for Red Bull 25-Hour Karting is possible at the following number: 055 797 9680 or by sending an E-mail at the following address: [email protected].
