Saleh Fareed
RIYADH — Obaid Al-Inzi surprised experienced racer by clinching the Professional Category crown in the third and semifinal round of the Saudi Star Drift Championship in Riyadh recently.
The competition among the racers was very stiff as young racers tried their utmost to prove themselves as peers to the veteran drivers. Young racer Al-Inzi secured full marks from the referees to clinch the title and qualify for the final round.
In the Amateur category, the competition was quite easy and Nader Faris clinched the crown and a berth in the final round.
Gifted racer Zaid Al-Hazaa also guaranteed a spot in the final round by winning the Nissan Category title on-board Nissan Z350.
The championship, hosted at Dirab circuit, was held under the supervision of the Saudi Arabian Automobile Federation and direct orders of its chairman Prince Sultan Bin Bandar Alfaisal, and sponsored by Nissan, Saudi Total Lubricants, Mountain Dew, Alf Alf FM Radio and In 10 SO Karting Center, and organized by the Saudi motorsport developer Abdullah Bakhashab.
The races began with scrutinizing participating cars to ensure that they meet the specifications of safety. The participants were then divided into two categories — Professional and Amateur. Out of 31 participants in the qualifying rounds only 19 qualified for the 3rd round.
Abdulelah Wazni, general manager of Marketing and Communications of Nissan Middle East, said: “The third round of the Saudi Drift Championship in Riyadh exceeded our expectations, where we saw a great number of participants show off their talents and skills. We, at Nissan, are amazed at the high level of participation in Riyadh and we don’t expect anything less from the next round in Jeddah.
“We encourage this passion in motorsports, and are committed to harness these young Saudi talents in a safe and controlled environment, as we continue to maintain our presence in the Kingdom.”
The champions were crowned in a ceremony soon after the event.
The 4th and the final round of the championship will be held in December in Jeddah.
