Abdullah Al Qasimi wins UAB 24 Hrs Desert Challenge Rally

Sharjah: Shaikh Abdullah Al Qasimi finished on top in the UAB 24 Hrs Desert Challenge Rally, the first round of the UAE Rally Championship, which concluded last week. Nooh Buhomaid of the UAE was runner-up and Ebrahim Al Mohana of Saudi Arabia third.

The event, conducted on January 30-31, saw a total number of 17 vehicles from different GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and hosts the UAE in action. Seven cars managed to finish the rally, which was revived by the Emirates Motor Sports Club (EMSC) last year.

Ali Matar Al Katbi surprised many with his performance. He ended the first day with a lead of a minute on his rivals, though he had to retire on the second day due to mechanical failure on SS8. Ali Al Shawi would also have had a promising finish if it wasn’t for a puncture that made him lose 20 precious minutes in SS1 that saw him drop to eighth position on the first day but he managed to get back into the contest on the second day and finished the rally in fourth position.

In the end, just seven minutes separated Al Shawi and Saudi Arabia’s Ebrahim Al Mohana, who maintained a constant rhythm and safe driving pattern from start to finish to take third place.

Mohammad Bin Sulayem, FIA vice-president, flagged off the participants from Sharjah corniche and crowned the winners at the finish line along with representatives of United Arab Bank, sponsors of the first round of the 2015 UAE National Rally Championship.