JEDDAH, 16 April 2006 — United Racing Company that is building Jeddah Raceway, the first car racing circuit in Saudi Arabia, has signed a consultancy agreement with Australia’s Kwinana Motoplex, the world’s best racing circuit in term of specifications, which has the support of the Australian government.
Under the two-year renewable agreement, Kwinana Motoplex will provide consultancy services for better organization of Jeddah Raceway and good use of its facilities and equipment, for training and qualifying Saudi youths working for Jeddah Raceway and for preparing them to raise the standard of motor sport in Saudi Arabia, according to URC’s Vice-Chairman and Executive Director Mishael ibn AbdulMohsen ibn AbdulRahman Al-Sulaiman who signed the deal during his recent visit to Kwinana Beach in Australia. He also reviewed organizational procedures at Kwinana Motoplex for various racing categories and participated in some of the races as well.
“As per the terms of the agreement, Kwinana Motoplex will send two employees — Ray Treasure as general supervisor and Gary Miocevich as operation supervisor — to participate in the management of Jeddah Raceway,” Al-Sulaiman said in a statement to Arab News yesterday.
Treasure started his car-racing career at the age of 17 and went on to hold various leading ranks in the sport while also running Australia’s biggest cars modification workshop.
Miocevich took to car racing 40 years ago and was one of the main consultants for Um Alqowen Circuit in the United Arab Emirates.
“Our selection of such highly efficient and professional personnel would enable us to boost motor sport activities on Jeddah Raceway,” Al-Sulaiman said, “and thereby achieve our goals that include preparing new Saudi car racers capable of competing in regional and international races.”
Work at Jeddah Raceway, meanwhile, is fast approaching completion and arrangements for a grand opening are already underway.
“The appointment of such professional personnel will ensure the best utilization of the circuit all year round and excellent execution of all planned programs,” he added.
In Australia, Al-Sulaiman met with Tony Thornton, CEO of The Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA), and Ken Dickie, Technical Officer of ADRA, to discuss plans for Jeddah Raceway.
The two Australians had admiration for the unique design and modern administrative procedures of Jeddah Raceway and they promised Al-Sulaiman of all support, including for holding international events on it.
Australian car racing teams are looking forward to participating in the championships to be staged at Jeddah Raceway, Al-Sulaiman said quoting Thornton.
