JEDDAH: Hussein Al-Sharif headed the 1st round of Toyota Karting Championship held at Jeddah Raceway over the weekend. He finished first, with Maher Mouminah and Hassan Al-Sharbatly placed in 2nd and third positions, respectively.
Al-Sharif was ahead in the race from the beginning at the weather-shortened time trial session. Mouminah topped the second round that followed, after a tussle for 20 laps between him and Al-Sharbatly.
Running at the front of the field with the threat of a penalty, Al-Sharif maintained his lead over Al-Sharbatly and Maher Mouminah in the 1st round. Yazan Hamadh and Sultan Kaylo were down in 4th and 5th places and not able to close the gap on the leaders.
By lap 25, Al-Sharif confirmed his lead with 00:21:55:37, as Maher Mouminah clawed his way into the 2nd place with 00:21:55:68. Hassan Sharbatly completed the race 3rd with 00:21:30:84
“It was a difficult race for me,” said Al-Sharif. “Several boats tried to jump the start and that meant both Al-Sharbatly and Mouminah were running behind and trying to get back to the front of the field. It was not easy to overtake. Several boats ran out of fuel near the finish and I was delighted to be first.” Al-Sharif added
In the 2nd round, Mouminah managed to clinch the pole from Al-Sharif clocking 21:13:96. Not only Mouminah managed to pass Al-Sharif, but also passed Al-Sharbatly clocking 21:17:82. Al-Sharif stayed 3rd in this round with 21:26:26.
The overall winner of the two rounds is Mouminah with 35 points, Al-Sharif 2nd with 32 points and Al-Sharbatly 3rd with 27 points.
The race was mainly sponsored by Toyota and supported by Mobil 1 and IN 10 SO. It was held under the supervision of the Saudi Committee for Motorsport and the General Presidency of Youth Welfare (GPYW).
The 15 competitors driving Tony Kart, the official car and the winner of world karting champions, started an experimental tour within the track for ten minutes.
After that drivers started the first qualifying round for 20 minutes followed by a rest for 15 minutes to start the second qualifying round for 10 minutes.
As the race for professionals went on, experienced drivers seemed to be in control with their fast driving in front of the newly and experienced drivers.
Mishael Al-Sulaiman, executive manager of Jeddah Raceway, congratulated the winners and expressed his satisfaction over the successful conclusion of the race. He also congratulated Abdullah Bakhashab for the successful organization of the competition and bringing the soul of F1 to the Kingdom.
Bakhashab said the karting races would give a big boost to the tourism sector in the Kingdom. “The competition has put the country on the international map of sporting events,” he said and hoped that the Kingdom will sooner or later become a venue for international karting races.
