KHOBAR: The Saudi Championship driver, Saeed Al-Mouri, booked a berth at the Red Bull Car Park Drift Championship in Lebanon topping the qualifier here last weekend. Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Fahd Bin Abdullah Al-Saud, President of the Tourism Development Council in the Eastern Region, crowned Al-Mouri as the second driver to represent the Kingdom at the finals. Following Al-Mouri were Abdul Aziz Al-Yaeesh and Abdul Hadi Al-Qahtani in the second the third positions, respectively. Al-Qahtani, onboard his spacially-eqipped Ford Mustang, was making his first official appearance for the Al-Jazirah Ford Racing Team. Spectators turned out in their thousands to enjoy the sounds of the roaring engines and the screeching tires. Strong competition was seen among the 24 drivers who kept the spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the competition. It was only when the final results were announced that Al-Mouri (in his modified Hankook Lumina SS car) could have taken a sigh of relief. Prince Abdul Aziz later said: “I would like to extend my thanks to the huge crowds who came to support the drivers. They are the real factor behind the success of the event. In this connection, the Tourism Development Council of the Eastern Region will extend all possible support to boost tourism in the region.” He also commended Red Bull's role in introducing drifting to the people and helping the authorities with their drive to enhance tourism in the region. Al-Mouri, who also represented the Kingdom at last year's Red Bull Car Park Drift final in Lebanon and finished third, said: “I would like to thank God for the win here. It would be a great honor for me to represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the final round in Lebanon. I promise you all to exert maximum efforts to win the championship for the Kingdom.” Saudi Racing champion and member of the judge's panel Raed Abu Znada said: “I was astonished to see the amazing number of spectators at the qualifiers. It attests the popularity of the sport in the Kingdom.” Sabah Abdullah Al-Kredes, Al-Jazirah Vehicle Company's Sales and Marketing Director said: “I want to congratulate Al-Qahtani for making the podium in the team's first official participation. We consider this quite an achievement.” The third and the final round of the qualifiers in the Kingdom will be held in Jeddah on June 9. __
