day Toyota Saudi Star Autocross 2nd round to begin at Al-Iskan Garden in Al-Khobar on Wednesday. Following the success of the first round in Jeddah, the organizers are looking forward to a fun weekend for the contestants and the visiting families. The event is sponsored by Abdul Latif Jameel Company Ltd. The participation of professional drivers such as Ahmad Al-Eisa, Abdul-Hadi Al-Qahtani and Ahmed Al-Khuytr raises the interest among the audiences. In the first round Bandar Ghalib was first, followed by Fadi Hamadeh and Iyad El-Nagar. Autocross is a branch of motorsport that involves driving a car anti-clock wise on a loose surface circuit. The ones with the fastest times in each class will win awards, while those with the fastest time of the day will take home special awards. The competition will take place on a temporary circuit. A competitor will get a three-lap practice session and three or four timed runs of three or four laps. Those interested in the sport can register with the Motor Sports Association affiliated motor club, which will send you regular updates regarding events. To take part in the event all you will need is a crash helmet and fireproof overall which comply with the FIA regulations, and of course a car. You can compete in autocross from the age of 16. There are different classes for standard cars with very limited modifications, right through to purpose-built specials. Around 25 amateur drivers will take part in the event. The main aim behind organizing such an event is to assess and develop driving talents and skills. The drivers will be divided into seven groups with each group members competing among themselves as well. The drivers, with their cars, will be divided into 7 classes depending on the capacity and the power of the 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 for 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; and 7. BS for medium size coupes. A judge and 12 marshals around the track will control the track. If any body hits the barrier, the marshals flag him and the driver will lose one point. Stressing the importance of organizing autocross championship in Saudi Arabia, Abudllah Bakhashab, the organizer of the event, said: “Our studies have found that a high percentage of youngsters wish to see sports event and activities organized locally in Saudi Arabia. “Our aim is to help Saudi youth attest their driving talents and skills in the right places and specialized areas,” he added. The final round will be held in Riyadh. The top three drivers will win cash awards worth SR10,000, SR6,000 and SR3,000, respectively. __
