International drifting round 2 concludes on Jan 19
Another thrilling show was executed by drifters in the second round of the Oman International Drift Championship on January 19.
A total of 46 drivers competed in the qualifiers with a selection and 32 of them qualified into the finals the next day at the Muscat Drift Arena. Tough decisions were taken by the judges on the panel, taking in every minuscule detail into consideration. The winners for Round 2 were:
National Category
1st place: Ahmed al Amri
2nd place: Ali al Balushi
3rd place: Haitham al Hadidi MENA (Middle East/north African) Category
1st place: Ali Makhseed (Kuwait)
2nd place: Ahmed al Amri (Oman)
3rd place: Ahmed Daham (Jordan)
International Category
1st place: Benediktas Cirba (Lithuania) 2nd place: Ali Makhseed (Kuwait)
3rd place: Alan Hynes
(Ireland)
Lithuanian driver Benediktas Cirba said, “It was just incredible. This year, the competition is higher than ever and I feel honoured to be given first place for this round. I can’t wait for what’s in store for the next one.”
Cirba’s race with Ali
Makhseed from Kuwait was a close call, with both of them putting up an incredible fight until the end.
Runner up for the International Category and first place winner for the MENA category, Ali Makhseed said, “It’s a bittersweet moment to lose in the final because of a mechanical issue but I’m lucky today to get to the final, and thank God for that. It’s been a long weekend, and big thanks goes to OAA for organising such a great event and I look forward to seeing everyone in the next round.”
The local drivers in the National category gave a tremendous performance with a great display of skill on the track.
Ahmed al Amri, champion of the local category, said, “I’m so happy to have earned first place in the National category. It’s been such a great season so far with all these great drifters and I thank OAA for all the work they have put into organising this tournament.”
In continuation with Round 3 on February 9 and 10, the Oman Automobile Association wishes the contestants of this season the best of luck and success in the upcoming drift battles.