JEDDAH: One hundred young drivers selected from the Western, Central and Eastern regions concluded their classes in Toyota Rally School’s training session at Durat Al-Arous on Sunday, with Saleh Al-Saleh emerging as the winner to take part in Hail Rally later this month.
British trainer Bill Gwynne and his assistant Nicholas Bolt trained the drivers during the school’s four-day session, providing them both theoretical and practical courses. Gwynne, who runs a rally school in his home country, had trained Abdullah Bakhashab, Saudi Arabia’s champion and developer of motorsport, in 1990.
Theoretical lectures and practical training were provided during the four-day session. Theoretical lectures included rally regulations and rules. Practical lessons concentrated on safe driving and driving in difficult conditions similar to those of the rallies.
After the 2nd day, 15 drivers were selected to compete on the 3rd and 4th days. They were then provided an intensive course to give them an opportunity to display their talents.
Three of the drivers managed to attract the attention and admiration of the evaluation committee. Saleh Al-Saleh, Abdul Aziz Al-Yaesh and Saed Al-Mouri stood out in both theoretical and practical tests. Although Saed Al-Mouri clocked the best time on the last day, Al-Saleh managed to win the title as the school’s best driver and will thus drive the Toyota Rally Team Saudi Arabia car at the Hail Rally set from Jan. 26-28.
Gwynne, expressed his happiness over the drivers’ skills: “I was impressed by their performances, which indicate the love of Saudi youth for motorsport and rallies. Support and care for these drivers will introduce many Saudi champions to participate soon in the Middle East competitions,” Gwynne said, and adding that he was impressed by the level of preparation and equipment, and even the tracks developed for training.
“Today, I have to give credit to the Saudi rally champion, Abdullah Bakhashab for his efforts to serve youth and encourage them to be skilful drivers,” Gwynne said.
Thanking the Toyota Company and its Kingdomwide agent Abdul Latif Jameel Co. (ALJ), and Bakhashab for his latest achievement, Al-Saleh said: “Becoming a rally driver has been my dream. Toyota Rally School has helped me to show off my skills and enlighten me more on rally rules and regulations. I hope to do well in the upcoming Hail Rally. I want to prove that winning the Toyota Rally School selection is well-deserved,” Al-Saleh said.
“Rallies are a most popular sport for youth and we have been trying to qualify more drivers to participate in national and international events. We have introduced rally drivers like Majed Al-Ghamdi, Sultan Hamdi and Amro Shas,” Bakhashab said. “ALJ’s support and the presence of Mobil 1 helped in the establishment of this school,” he added.
The school, sponsored by ALJ with Mobil 1 as its cosponsor, is operating under the direct supervision of Bakhashab.
