The opening round of the 2026 Arabian Drag Racing League (ADRL) concluded at the Qatar Racing Club (QRC) in Doha, Qatar, attracting over 160 racers from across the Gulf region, the wider Middle East, and the United States. The three-day event showcased intense competition across 11 racing categories, culminating in single-elimination finals. Sheikh Jabor bin Khalid Al Thani, QRC Director General, presented awards to the winners, marking a successful start to the championship season.
The event, held under the patronage of QRC Chairman H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani, saw racers vying for top honors in both index and professional classes. Qualifying runs determined the starting grid for the elimination rounds, setting the stage for thrilling head-to-head matchups. The large turnout underscores the growing popularity of drag racing in the region and Qatar’s position as a key motorsport hub.
Dominating Performances in Index Racing
The quarter-mile Index classes proved to be highly competitive, drawing the largest field of racers with fifty participants. The INDEX 9.0 category was particularly well-attended, ultimately seeing Sulwaiman Al-Sanaousi claim victory after a strong qualifying performance, defeating Mohammed Khawari in the final round.
Abdulrahman Kafoud secured his first title of the season in the INDEX 8.50 category, triumphing over Rakan Ali Al-Ajmi in their final race showdown.
Shifting to the eighth-mile Index classes, the INDEX 4.0 category emerged as the strongest contested. Reigning champion Badr Khorshid faced qualifier Rashid Al-Balushi in the final, with Al-Balushi taking the win.
Mubarak Al-Awad added his name to the winners’ list in the INDEX 4.50 category, defeating Saeed Al-Balushi. Al-Balushi quickly rebounded, winning the INDEX 4.80 category against Nawaf Al-Khaldi, demonstrating consistent performance throughout the round.
Pro Mod and Professional Class Highlights
This year’s championship marked the return of competition in the premier, high-horsepower categories, notably the Pro Mod class. The qualifying session saw American J.R. Gray, the 2025 NHRA Pro Mod champion, lead the field with a time of 3.717 seconds. Mike Stavrinos and Mike Castellana, also from the US, secured the second and third qualifying positions, respectively.
The Pro Mod semifinals featured a highly anticipated battle between Gray and Castellana, with Castellana advancing to the final. However, it was Stavrinos who ultimately prevailed, claiming the opening round title, leaving Castellana in second and Gray in third. This result highlights the depth of talent within the drag racing competition.
In other professional categories, Yousef Al-Ali, the defending champion in Super Street Pro, started his title defense strong with a victory over Jaber Al-Maghribi. Mustafa Atat won in Super Street Outlaw, besting top qualifier Turki Al-Dhafiri. Bradley McCoy secured the Pro Bike title, defeating Ahmed Al-Nakhailan, while Mishari Al-Turki won in Super Street Bike, overcoming Mohammed Bourashed.
The Street Bike category also saw a new champion crowned, with Mohammed Al-Salem taking the win against Dawood Al-Sharshani. These victories demonstrate the diverse range of skill and competition present within the motorsport event.
The successful completion of the first round sets the stage for continued excitement in the 2026 Arabian Drag Racing season. The second round of the championship is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, promising further intense competition and thrilling races. Organizers will be monitoring weather conditions and track preparations to ensure a safe and competitive environment for all participants. The performance of returning champions and the emergence of new contenders will be key storylines to watch as the season progresses.
