Reem Circuit in Riyadh is set to welcome autocross lovers and aspiring champions for the third round of Toyota Saudi Star Autocross Wednesday. The two-day championship is mainly sponsored by Abdul Latif Jameel Company Ltd. - Toyota. It is also supported by Mobile 1. This round comes after the successful first and second rounds which were held in Jeddah and Al-Khobar respectively. The earlier rounds were well attended by autocross lovers, several families and mediamen. The competition takes place on a temporary circuit. A competitor will get a three-lap practice session with three or four timed runs. For the participation in the championship one just needs to be a member of a Motor Sports Association which is affiliated to the official body here. One can compete in autocross from the age of 16. About 20 amateur drivers will take part in the event. The main aim behind organizing such event is to assess and develop driving talents and skills. The event is hoped to help discover new generation of future rally drivers. The drivers will be divided into seven groups and each group members will compete among themselves. The drivers, with their cars, will be categorized into 7 classes depending on the capacity and the power of engine, car size and year of manufacture. The classes will be: 1. super stock (SS) for ultra high performance sport cars, 2. A Stock (AS) for high performance sport cars 3.PA - sport cars and GT's, 4. C Stock (CS) for small size compact cars, 5. D Stock (DS) for intermediate size sedans 6. F Stock (FS) for sedans and coupes, 7. BS for medium size coupes. Each driver will be allowed to drive 2 trials. The best time (the lowest time inclusive pylon penalties, if any) will be taken for ranking. Stressing the importance of organizing autocross championship in Saudi Arabia, Bakhashab mentioned that autocross is popular in Arab world and that several Arab countries organize the championship all through the year. “We have made several studies concerning motor sports development and found that a high percentage of youngsters wish to see sports event and activities organized locally in Saudi Arabia,” Bakhashab said. He said, “The event is a rare opportunity for competent drivers to show talents and skills polished through scientific approach and principles of careful and considerate driving.” __
