Shaibani impressive at Rumman Hill Climb
Oman's Nabeel al Shaibani came up with an impressive display to clinch victory in the Juniors Cup and finish overall sixth at the challenging Al Hussein Rumman Hill Climb, held near Amman, Jordan, on Friday.
It is only the second time that an Omani has taken part in the unique race, the previous being Nabeel's brother, Mazin al Shaibani, in 2015.
Jordan’s Katchik Shadian clinched the Rumman Hill Climb title for the third year in a row.
Shadian clocked one minute 49.75 seconds, followed by Ayman al Najar in second (1m:50.89s), and Hussam Salem was third (1m:51.79s). Despite the fast pace, Shadian could not beat the course record of 1m:48.76s set by Lebanon’s Roger Feghali in 2007.
A total of 19 drivers from Jordan, Palestine, UAE and Oman took part in this year's edition, organised by the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan.
Shaibani clocked 1m:59.05s to become one of the few drivers to break the two-minute barrier.
Speaking after returning from the event, Nabeel said, “I am very proud to have represented Oman at the event. It was a satisfying experience as I could go under two-minutes and also win the Juniors Cup.”
“The hill is not easy and is a unique competition,” said Nabeel, who did well to qualify as the best ten drivers for the final after two rounds.
The Hill Climb course near Rumman is exactly three kilome-
tres in length and three metres in width with an average rise of 8.5 per cent. There are a total of 27 bends and corners including four hairpin bends.
King Hussein of Jordan took part in the inaugural Rumman Hill Climb in 1956 and was a regular competitor in the race until 1996.