Dhofar Auto sponsors ‘Sand Challenge’ in Nakhal
MUSCAT: Dhofar Automotive recently sponsored the fifth edition of the ‘Sand Challenge’ organised by the Oman Jeep Owners team in collaboration with the Oman Automobile Association.
This sponsorship is in keeping with the tagline of Dhofar Automotive’s ongoing Jeep offer – ‘Adventure Days’. The event took place recently, in Khabat Al Gaadan in the Wilayat of Nakhal, and saw the participation of 44 Jeep owner from Oman and some Golf Gulf countries.
This exciting event has brought together Jeep enthusiasts and adventure lovers who competed in three different categories including Jeep Wrangler 3.6 JK, 6-cylinder SUVs, and an open category for modified vehicles. Each of the participants showcased impressive levels of skill when tackling the dunes.
Speaking on the event, Rhett Maxwell, the GM of Dhofar Automotive noted, “The Jeep brand is one that has always been linked to adventure, and supporting events organised by Jeep enthusiasts, that showcase the vehicle’s performance, has always been one of our top priorities. This is why we are delighted to have sponsored an event such as this; one that offers a perfect platform for a Jeep to showcase its limitless capabilities and its owners’ offroad skills. Furthermore, it did so while providing an environment that ensured the safety of both the participants and spectators; something we value greatly when deciding which events to support. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate each of the winners, as well as wish each of the participants the best of luck in future contests.”
After a day of challenge and excitement in the heart of the desert, the results of the contest saw the Jeep Wrangler 3.6 JK category won by Abdullah Al Mamari, who scored a time of 4.058 seconds. In second place came Sadiq Al Fairouz, scoring a time of 4.233 seconds, while the third place went to Abdaredha Al Ajmi with a time of 4.324 seconds.
In the ‘6-cylinder’ category, Mohammed Al Manei took first place with a time of 3.474 seconds. Ahmed bin Mubark Al Hajri came in second with a time of 3.609 seconds, while Said Al Hajri took third place with a time of 3.655 seconds.
The open category saw Khalid Al Rafaei from the UAE take first place with a time of 3.201 seconds. Hamed bin Said Al Hajri came in second place with a time of 3.617 seconds, and Zahir bin Yahya Al Bahri came in third place with a time of 3,860 seconds.
“The fifth edition was a great success, one that was highlighted by the enthusiasm and strong performances put forward by the participants. The spectators were also a great source of encouragement to both the organisers and the contestants throughout the contest,” said Harib Al Balushi, an administrative member of the Oman Jeep Owners team. He further added, “I would like to thank Dhofar Automotive for supporting our events, and we look forward working with them again in future events.”
The ‘Sand Challenge’ has continued to attract a large number of attendees. The event this year was organised by the Oman Jeep Owners team in collaboration with the Oman Automobile As- sociation – the official authority for motorsport in the Sultanate, and co-sponsored by Dhofar Automotive. Over the course of the event, the organisers and sponsors focused heavily on the safety of all contestants and spectators, highlighting the importance of safe driving practices. In order to ensure that the vehicles were qualified to enter the challenge, a specialised team who ensured the presence of a fire extinguisher and other safety preparations for each car checked safety standards for each car. Vehicle drivers were also asked to confirm that their cars are ready and well prepared to participate in the event. Participants were also required to follow some safety rules and wear specific safety gear.
In addition to being constantly supportive of adventure sports, Dhofar Automotive has always been committed to taking part in and supporting events that boost drivers’ sense of responsibility when driving off-road.
Nevertheless, while supporting events such as these, Dhofar Automotive seeks to highlight the importance of both driver’s and passengers’ safety, as well as to emphasise the importance of keeping the environment clean by driving properly off-road.
Dhofar Automotive also has an ongoing offer, ending on March 28, on select Jeep Wrangler models titled ‘Adventure Days’, with special discounts and extended warranty.