JEDDAH, 16 December 2005 — The final round of the autocross was held in Durat Al-Arous, a seaside resort north of Jeddah. Mansour Al-Qahtani, a rising star on the first autocross in the Kingdom proved his abilities when he won the cup for the fastest Saudi Driver in the third and final round of Bison Saudi Star championship.
Qahtani beat experienced Syrian champion Fadi Hammadah and the desert rally champion Majed Al-Ghamdi to the title after he did the fastest lap in a Toyota Camry V6 provided by the Bakhashab organization, who organized the event.
Racers competed in their own cars, which were set into groups according to engines and chasses specifications and modifications. The best two of each group then faced off on the two Toyota Camrys to determine a winner. The same format was employed in the first and second rounds earlier this year.
In addition to Bison, the championship was sponsored by Toyota, Mobil 1 motor oils, V-Kool thermal films, In 10So and Al-Bilad newspaper. Abdullah Bakhashab, the Saudi veteran and multichampion who oversaw the tournament, said that the three events revealed new talents in driving skills that could go further in motor sport.
“New names emerged as potential professional talents in the events,” said Bakhashab, “With the right kind of funding, sponsorship and decision making, these new talents can go places in motor racing in the future.”
He also called upon more and more organization and corporate entitles to sponsor similar events. “Competition even among organizers is good,” he said. Bakhashab and other organizers agree that developing a motor sport culture in Saudi Arabia will play a great role in reducing deaths resulting from accidents on public roads.
The Shoura Council is already looking into ways to regulate the sport and even the possibility of establishing regional auto clubs controlled by a single governing body, which should make it possible to hold regular championships.
For details, contact Mohammad Nassar on mobile No. 0509375856 or at Abdullah Bakhashab Establishment Tel: 02-652-0370 or Fax: 02-652-0310.
