IN its continued drive to be a catalyst in establishing a world class vibrant motor sports environment in Saudi Arabia, Nissan took another powerful step in that direction by sponsoring the Hail International Rally which kicked off on May 19 and ends on March 20. On the occasion of Hai'l Rally's 10th anniversary, a new three-year sponsorship agreement was signed with Nissan. Prince Abdullah Bin Khalid Bin Abdullah Al-Saud, Vice President of the Supreme Commission for Hail Development as well as head of the executive committee of the rally and Samir Cherfan, the Managing Director of Nissan Middle East, signed the contract announcing the new title “Hai'l Nissan International Rally”. “We are committed to facilitating sporting activities for the Kingdom's youth. The pace and progress of the development of the Hai'l Rally has been staggering and Nissan is proud to support the event which represents excellence in motor sports in the Middle East”, Cherfan said. Underlining its commitment to support motor sports enthusiasts; Nissan is fully sponsoring five Saudi drivers and their teams; training and grooming them to triumph in Nissan cars this year. Those T1 and T2 teams are the teams of Samir AlSammari/Suliman Alsanu'ni, Rajih AlShammari/Mubarak AlShammari, Khalid AlShammari/Fahad Suliman, and Munif AlSuliman/Ali Mirza. At the same time, 6 more drivers will receive other forms of backing from Nissan. All will be competing alongside Emil Khneisser, Nissan Patrol entrant, who was very successful across the main regional desert rallies last year. In addition to all this excitement, a host of celebratory activities are lined up throughout the rally to entertain the fans. Nissan is also supplying 23 cars to the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation (SAMF) for use throughout the rally. That is not counting the Patrol, as the Rally's Zero car, which kicks off the race. “Nissan has a stellar history in motor sports. Our collaboration with the Hai'l Rally makes a perfect fit, particularly that it is a unique Saudi Auto sporting event that enjoys international attention,” said Najeeb Alissa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alissa Auto. In the decade since its inception, the Hail event has grown from a small, enthusiastic club contest to a cross-country rally of international standing. Nissan has a proud record in competition in the Hai'l Rally. Yazeed Al-Rajhi was victorious with Matthieu Baumel in 2009 in a Nissan Navara while Ibrahim Al-Muhanna and Ali Obaid triumphed in their Patrol last year. — SG
