The Saudi Star Race for Drifting organized at King Abdullah Park in Al-Ahsa attracted participants and spectators during the first round of the . Out of the 30 competitors, 13 qualified for to the next stage.

This championship was launched under supervision of the Saudi Union for Cars and Motorcycles and sponsored by the head of the union Prince Sultan bin Bandar. A number of private companies sponsored this race like Nissan, Total Arabia and IN-10-SO for karting.

The first part of the race classified participants into categories, according to the race system, while cars have been tested to ensure their specifications of safety standards.

The Saudi competitor Sultan Killo topped the race of the equipped and modified vehicles category and qualified for the final round to be held in Jeddah. Fares Ghallab also qualified for the final round after he won in the non-modified vehicles category. At the same time, Yossef Al-Rantas qualified too after he won in Nissan vehicles category race

Meanwhile, the organizer of this race Abdullah Bakhashab thanked Al-Ahsa Governor Prince Badr bin Mohammed bin Jallowy, Al-Ahsa Mayor Adel bin Mohammed Al-Mulhem and head of the Presidency of Youth and Welfare branch in Al-Ahsa, Yossef Al-Khamis, for their support to provide and equip a proper place for the championship on short notice. Top qualifier Killo expressed his delight, stressing his willingness to prepare for the final round.