JEDDAH, 10 February 2006 — Native son Farhan Al-Shamari won the inaugural Hail Rally with another steady performance during the final day on Wednesday.
Shamari, with co-driver Bandar Al-Sindan in a Toyota Land Cruiser, logged a winning time of 9.50.59 for the two-day groundbreaking rally event sanctioned by FIA and fully supported by Toyota-ALJ.
Rasheed Al-Shamari with co-driver Salman Al-Omari in another Toyota Land Cruiser bettered his first day clocking with the day’s best time of 4:46.24 in a strong performance that gave him the second position.
Rasheed was in third at the start of the final drive from Gobah city to Hail that saw Khalaf Shamari tumble out of second and into fourth in the standings. Faisal Al-Shamari and co-driver Rajeh, completed the podium winners by coming in third place.
Prince Saud ibn Abdul Mohsen, governor of Hail region, presented the trophies and prize money to the top three winners during the prize distribution ceremony that capped the Hail Rally (Tahadi Al-Noufooz Al-Kabeer).
The staging of the event was well received and supported by the residents of Hail region and despite some shortcomings the rally was a big success.
Speaking of his victory, Farhan said he fulfilled a promise he made during the start of the rally. “We know exactly our region like the palm of our hands,” he said.
“I achieved my dream to win this rally and become the first Saudi driver to win in the Kingdom. I dedicate this victory to my master, Prince Saud ibn Abdul Mohsen and his vice president. I thank all the peole of Hail because they supported and encouraged me,” Farhan said.
Though some of biggest names in the sport around the Gulf region are entered, the last day of the event had been reduced to a competition between rally drivers from Hail and particularly the Al-Shamari drivers.
The last special stage was a 261 km drive from Al-Gobah passing through Al-Aleem Mountain and some difficult to negotiate sandy areas at Zobydan.
Waleed Mehear, rally administrator, thanked everyone who contributed in making the event a success.
Derek Ledger was the FIA representative who attended the event.
