UAE’s best drag racers battle to win ‘King of the Street’ title

Supplied photos

Abu Dhabi – Yas Marina Circuit echoed to the sound of street racers as the first round in the Yas Super Street Challenge got the series underway.

On January 8 and 9, more than 90 drivers from the UAE lined up in their own cars to battle for the title ‘King of the Street’ across five distinct categories – ‘4x4 Super Street SUV’; ‘Index 11.5’; ‘Index 10.5’; ‘Super Street’ and ‘Super Street – Open Category’ – on the circuit’s purpose-built drag racing strip.

During each of the four rounds in the series, cash prizes for first Dhs 15,000, second Dhs 10,000 and third place Dhs 5,000 were on offer to the top three racers in each category.

The two-day first round programme of qualifying and races produced real action, and spectators were treated to the smell of rubber burning and the roar of engines.

After a day of tightly fought competition, the ‘Super Street Open Category’ was won by Ali Al Suwaidi, who walked off with the top prize of Dhs15,000. Mohammad Al Ghafli landed second place and Dhs 10,000, with Waleed Saleh claiming third place and Dhs 5,000 cash.

The category of ‘Super Street’ was also closely contested, but Waleed Al Hosani clinched first place, with second and third place awarded to Khaled Al Thani and Alaa Al Hammou, respectively.

The precision challenge demanded by the ‘Index 10.5’ category saw Salah Al Amoudi edge ahead of Fadi Tamour to win, with Saeed Mubarak following closely in third, and the ‘Index 11.5’ category top prize was awarded to Marei Al Katheeri, with Khalifa Al Mouhairbi and Ahmed Husain claiming second and third.

The final category was the ‘4x4 Super Street SUV’. Saif Al Kaabi beat all comers to finish first, as Salim Mubarak and Salah Al Amoudi’s run timings placed them in second and third.

Speaking at the event, Saud Al Qaydi, Motorsport Manager at Yas Marina Circuit, said: “During the next three rounds of the competition, the action won’t stop as drivers compete for the overall series title of ‘King of the Street’.”