Top Saudi rally drivers Prince Khalid ibn Sultan and Ahmed Al-Sabban won the first-ever “Jeddah Rally Cross 2006” after facing stiff competition from many contenders.
In his Group (S) Prince Khalid of the Al-Faisal team set the fastest time of the six stages of the two-day event scoring 2.53.68. Fadi Hammadah, who delighted spectators with his performance finished second with 2.53.68, while Prince Abdulaziz ibn Turki, another member of the Al-Faisal team, finished third after scoring 2.53.69.
In Group (N), Ahmed Al-Sabban started the event as crowd favorite, who looked very determined after finishing the first day with an overall lead. Having faced tough competition from Essa Al-Dosry, Al-Sabban snatched first place with 2.57.13 minutes in the final stage followed by Al-Dosary and Abdullah Al-Marry in third.
The final ceremony was held Thursday night at Jeddah Raceway in the presence of Walid Mahyar, member of the Motor International Federation, Eng. Mishael Al-Sudairy, president of the Saudi Motor Sport Committee, Mishael Al-Suliman, vice president of the United Racing Company,
Mamdouh Khayyat the former Saudi rally champion and head of the organizing committee,
Ayman Karam, organizer and executive president of Jeddah 4×4 Club, and veteran rally driver Abdullah Bakhshab, member of the Saudi Motor Sport Committee. “I thank God for the victory in the first-ever local rally championship which gathers the best of Saudi Arabia and hope to see more such local events to raise the standard of Saudi racing sport and discover more talents to compete regionally,” said an ecstatic Prince Khalid after being awarded the first place winner in his group.
Al-Sabban who has been competing in the Middle East Rally Championships for so many years seemed to be very happy and excited to win his first local title. He said, “It was a very exciting race and it was so nice such big names in the Saudi racing field to compete for the first time locally.”
After the success of the first-ever local rally championship, Mishael Al-Sudairy, head of the Saudi Auto Sport Committee promised to have more local events in order to develop the sport in Saudi Arabia.
Middle East Rally Championship Mamdouh Khayyat added that the championship was a success and lauded the attendance of spectators who turned to see Saudi champions.
“It was an interesting event and we were very happy to gather such big names in the first-ever Saudi rally,” he said.
In conclusion, legendary Saudi rally drivers
Mamdouh Khayyat and Abdullah Bakhashab put a stunning performance for spectators who gave them an standing ovation. The event was organized by Jeddah 4×4 Club and supported by Bison, Al-Jawal, Castrol and Gillette.
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