JEDDAH, 15 July 2005 — Motorsport in the Kingdom received a big boost with the completion of a spanking new karting racetrack.
Built inside the Al Serefi Mega Mall here, IN-10-SO was inaugurated recently by Prince Abdul Majed, governor of Makkah and chairman of Motorsport Development Committee in the Kingdom.
A racetrack cum entertainment complex, IN- 10-SO covers an area of 8,500 square meters.
The racetrack will begin experimental races on July 23, according to former Saudi rally ace Abdullah Bakhashab whose company Abdullah Bakhashab Est. for Motorsport Development took the initiative in building the project.
The indoor racetrack, the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, will stage as many karting races as possible to encourage Saudi youths to take up motor sport. This will hopefully be the foundation of the higher level of the sport, say rallying or Formula One racing, said Bakhashab.
The project enjoys full support not only of Prince Majed but the lead government agencies of the city as well, he said.
In addition to karting, IN-10-SO also has facilities for wall climbing, bowling, video games and others. There are also designated areas for families. “From the time that we had promised to develop projects for the youths and since we told Prince Majed about our ideas regarding this project he gave us all the assistance we need making as proceed quickly and finished this project,” said Bakhashab.
“IN-10-SO supports the government’s Saudization program and it will be operated by a great number of Saudi qualified youths. We prepared a serious training course for youth regarding clients services, machine operations and other modern systems” he added.
Bakhashab said Jeddah will be distinguished by this project hoping that it will help boost the city’s tourism projects.
Details can be obtained from Abdullah Bakhashab Est. — P.R. Department (Mohammed Nassar) on 050-9375856, fax: 6520310, tel.: 6520360 or E-mail: [email protected].
