Muscat: Ahmed al Ameri claimed first place in the Mena Drift Cup, which concluded in the Muscat Drift Arena at the Oman Automobile Association headquarters last week. The association organised the championship in collaboration with Muscat Municipality as part of the Muscat Nights, and witnessed extensive participation from 32 professional drivers representing Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, India, Belarus and El Salvador.
The championship’s closing ceremony was held under the auspices of Faisal al Rawas, OCCI Chairman, in the presence of Ahmed al Hamidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, and the head of the main organising committee for the 2024 Muscat Nights.
During the finals held on Saturday, 16 drivers advanced after intense competition in the first stage. The final results saw Omani driver Ahmed bin Salim al Ameri crowned champion, while Nasser al Harbali from El Salvador secured second place, and Omani driver Tariq bin Ali al Shihani finished in third.
On the local level, competitor Ahmed al Ameri claimed first place, while Tariq al Shihani secured second place, and Ali al Shihani finished in third place.
Mohammed al Raisi, a marketing official at the Oman Automobile Association, emphasised that the Mena Drift Cup is the first event of its kind within the Muscat Nights activities. He noted that over 30 participants from 10 countries competed alongside nine prominent Omani drivers.
Al Raisi added, “The qualifiers took place on Friday, while the finals on Saturday featured four Omani drivers in challenging technical tracks, creating an electrifying atmosphere for the audience.” He highlighted the association’s commitment to organising events like freestyle championships, drifting, burnout, and black fire competitions, contributing to Oman’s growing recognition on the international motorsport stage.
Al Raisi revealed that, for the first time, the association organised events outside Muscat, holding an earlier event in Dhahirah Governorate, specifically in the Wilayat of Ibri. Future activities are planned for the Wilayat of Suhar in Al Batinah North, reaffirming, “Wherever you go in Oman, you’ll find motorsport enthusiasts.”
He noted that the audience for these events is no longer limited to youth but now includes all societal segments, including women, children, and families, reflecting the sport’s growth in Oman. He thanked Muscat Municipality for their significant efforts in ensuring the success of these events.
Motorsport enthusiast Mohsin Ambusaidi shared his positive impressions after attending a motorsport competition in Oman for the first time, saying, “It was an exceptional experience for me, and I hope to see more of these events organised regularly in the future.” Ambusaidi highlighted the large fanbase for motorsports in Oman, evident from the significant turnout and enthusiasm among both citizens and residents. He added, “What stood out to me was the packed family area, reflecting the widespread appeal of these events.” Regarding the organisation, Ambusaidi praised the outstanding level of management, describing it as “putting Oman on the map for global motorsport events.” He expressed his eagerness to attend similar events in the future to enjoy the thrilling atmosphere and unique experience.
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