All is set for the first round of the two-day 2011 Toyota Autocross Championship at the Al-Iskan Garden in Al-Khobar Wednesday. Following the success of the 2010 championship, the organizers are looking forward to another successful event which is sponsored by Abdul Latif Jameel Company Ltd. The participation of professional drivers such as Ahmad Al-Eisa, Abdul-Hadi Al-Qahtani and Ahmed Al-Khuytr raises the interest among the autocross fans. Autocross is a branch of motorsport that involves driving a car anti-clockwise on a loose surface circuit. The ones with the fastest times in each class will win awards, while those with the fastest time of the day will take home special awards. The competition will take place on a temporary circuit. A competitor will get a three-lap practice session and three or four timed runs of three or four laps. Those interested in the sport can register with the Motor Sports Association affiliated motor club, which will send you regular updates regarding events. To take part in the event all one needs is a helmet and fireproof kit which comply with the FIA regulations, and of course a car. The competitor should be 16 years old or above. There are different classes for standard cars with very limited modifications, right through to purpose-built specials. So far 25 amateur drivers have confirmed participation. The main aim behind organizing such an event is to assess and develop driving talents and skills. The drivers will be divided into seven groups with members of each group competing among themselves. The drivers, with their cars, will be divided into 7 classes depending on the capacity and the power of the engine, car size and year of manufacture. The classes will be: 1. Super Stock (SS) for ultra-high performance sport cars; 2. A Stock (AS) for high performance sport cars; 3. PA for sport cars and GT's; 4. C Stock (CS) for small size compact cars; 5. D Stock (DS) for intermediate size sedans; 6. F Stock (FS) for sedans and coupes; and 7. BS for medium size coupes. Stressing the importance of organizing autocross championship in Saudi Arabia, Abudllah Bakhashab, the organizer of the event, said: “Our aim is to help Saudi youth attest their driving talents and skills in the right places and specialized areas.”
