The roar of engines returned to the Qatar Racing Club (QRC) this week as the opening round of the 2024/2025 Qatar Drag Racing Championship concluded. Competitors from across the Gulf region battled for supremacy across eight categories, showcasing high-octane action and fierce rivalry. The event, held in Doha, marks the beginning of a five-round series under the patronage of QRC Chairman Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani.
The championship attracted a large field of drag racing enthusiasts from Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain. Drivers and riders competed in both quarter-mile and eighth-mile races, divided into six car categories and two motorcycle classes. The competition highlighted both established champions and emerging talent within the regional drag racing scene.
Intense Competition at the Qatar Drag Racing Championship
The index categories, run over the quarter-mile distance, saw particularly close racing. In the INDEX 10.00 class, Ahmed Hassan emerged victorious, defeating Ahmed Matar in the final. Ahmed Al-Emadi secured third place in a tightly contested field. These index classes emphasize consistent performance and precise reaction times, demanding skill from both driver and machine.
INDEX Class Results
Mohammed Al-Ansari claimed the title in the INDEX 9.00 class, winning against Mohammed Al-Khawari, while Mohammed Idris finished third. Mustafa Atat took the win in the INDEX 8.50 class, besting Fawaz Al-Awadhi, with Salem Al-Yemani rounding out the podium.
The eighth-mile car categories proved equally exciting, with the Super Street class taking center stage. Rashid Al-Baloushi secured the championship title after a hard-fought victory over qualifying leader Yousef Al-Zeyani, with Badr Al-Sharshani taking third. The Super Street class is known for its high speeds and close finishes, attracting some of the most powerful cars in the region.
The Al-Baloushi family demonstrated their dominance in the eighth-mile events. Saeed Al-Baloushi won the INDEX 4.50 class, defeating Hassan Ashkanani, with Basil Abbas in third. Zayed Al-Baloushi then triumphed over his brother, Saeed, in the INDEX 4.80 class final, with Sayed Hussein Salman securing third place. This family rivalry added another layer of excitement to the event.
Motorcycle racing at the QRC also delivered thrilling competition. Abdullah Al-Ansari showcased his skill by winning the INDEX 8.50 motorcycle class, defeating Shehab Bourabaa, with Hassan Al-Mazdi finishing third. Al-Ansari continued his strong performance, reaching the final of the Street Bike class, but ultimately lost to Ahmed Karam, who claimed his first championship title. Khalid Al-Falasi completed the Street Bike podium.
The event saw a significant turnout of spectators, highlighting the growing popularity of motorsport in Qatar. According to organizers, the championship aims to promote safe and competitive drag racing while fostering a community of enthusiasts. The QRC provides a state-of-the-art facility for racers to test their skills and compete at the highest level.
The second round of the 2024/2025 Qatar Drag Racing Championship is scheduled to take place from Wednesday to Friday. Organizers will likely focus on refining event logistics and ensuring a smooth experience for both competitors and spectators. The performance of returning champions and the emergence of new contenders will be key storylines to watch in the upcoming rounds.
