Sixteen drivers will take part in the two-day fifth and sixth rounds of the Toyota Karting Race 2009 at the Jeddah Raceway here on Wednesday and Thursday. The race is sponsored by Toyota and Mobile 1 in addition to IN 10 SO entertainment center. Abdullah Bakhashab Establishment is the organizer of this event under the supervision of the Saudi Motorsport Federation. “All the final touches have been given to the venue for the launch of the races,” ace rally driver Abdullah Bakhashab said. “This race is still acting as the first step toward attracting and spotting talent among youth for future participants of F1 competitions.”. He said that he as the organizer would make the karting race “completely similar to what happens in F1 races.” There will be qualifying rounds before the event at 8:30 P.M. on the opening day to determine the places of every driver. The race will then start an hour later. “The race will be conducted on the basis of CIK-FIA rules,” Bakhashab said, adding that the organizers will choose the best cars for the tournament. Bakhashab said that all participants would have to hold a license being issued by SATA locally on behalf of CIK. Also, all drivers will take part with their own cars. The participating racecars have all to be Italian made Fortex with 125cc, one cylinder, 29 horse power engine. Talking about the racetrack, he said the track had been specially prepared for the purpose with the most modern equipment and had been prepared on an international level. The track is 1.10-km long and competing drivers, who will be divided into groups, will have to complete 25 laps. This will have to be done within 20 minutes. Detailing safety measures taken at the venue, Bakhashab said the most modern safety equipment had been provided in the interest of competing drivers and spectators. The competition is expected to draw thousands of motor sport fans who will be accompanied by their families, especially children. The Toyota karting race 2009 rounds were successfully organized with large numbers of competitors from different teams. The overall winners of the last four rounds were: Housein Al-Sharief 67 points, Abdullah Al-Mutari 38, Hassan Sharbatly 37, Maher Moumenah 37, Yazan Hamadah 37. Explaining the rules of the game, Bakhashab said participants would be awarded points after each lap; 20 for the first, 15 for the second and 12 for the third. The first three winners will be awarded prize-money – SR10,000 for the first and SR6000 for the second and SR3000 for the third. __
