Following the success of the 2009 championship, the organizers are very optimistic about the two-day first round of Toyota Autocross Championship 2010 which will be held for the first time during the Abha Festival Sunday. Giving details of the event, its organizer Abdullah Bakhashab said that the event would feature a strong mix of amateur and experienced drivers. “They will drive ordinary cars of their own and then compete with the Toyota Camry, the official car of the championship, to determine the Saudi champion for this round,” he said, adding that the competition is sponsored by Toyota and supported by Mobil 1. Autocross is a branch of motorsport that involves driving a car anti-clock wise on a loose surface circuit. The competition will take place on a temporary circuit. A competitor will get a three-lap practice session and four timed runs of four laps. To take part in the event all you will need is a crash helmet and an overall fireproof kit which comply with the FIA regulations, and of course a car. There are different classes for standard cars with very limited modifications, right through to purpose-built specials. A group of special engineers has designed the track, which has made the contest all the more challenging with a slew of curves and hairpin turns. The circuit length exceeds 1,300 meters and is punctuated with turns and obstacles. A special digital timing system is being used. The 35 amateur drivers selected for the round 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: Super stock (SS) for ultra high performance sport cars, A Stock (AS) for high performance sport cars, PA – sport cars and GT's, C Stock (CS) for small size compact cars, D Stock (DS) for intermediate size sedans 6, F Stock (FS) for sedans and coupes, and BS for medium size coupes. “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 away from endangering people and their own lives by racing cars in the city streets and high ways” Bakhashab said. The top three drivers will win cash awards worth SR6,000, SR4,000 and SR2,000, respectively. __
