Abu Dhabi: Yas Marina Circuit echoed to the sound of street racers over the weekend, as the first round of the Yas Super Street Challenge got the series underway.
More than 90 drivers from the UAE lined up in their own cars to battle for the title of ‘King of the Street’ across five categories — 4x4 Super Street SUV, Index 11.5, Index 10.5, Super Street and Super Street Open — on the circuit’s purpose-built drag racing strip.
The two-day first round programme of qualifying and races produced some thrilling action.
After a day of tight competition, the Super Street Open category was won by Ali Al Suwaidi, who walked off with the top prize of Dh15,000. He pipped Mohammad Al Gafli into second place and the Dh10,000 purse, with Waleed Saleh claiming third place and Dh5,000.
The category of Super Street was also closely contested, but Waleed Al Hosani clinched first place, with second and third going to Khaled Al Thani and Ala’a Al Hammou respectively.
The precision challenge demanded by the Index 10.5 class saw Salah Al Amoudi edge ahead of Fadi Tamour to win, with Saeed Mubarak following closely in third. The Index 11.5 category top prize was awarded to Marei Al Katheeri, with Khalifa Al Mouhairbi and Ahmad Hussain second and third.
The final category was the 4x4 Super Street SUVs. Saif Al Ka’abi beat allcomers to finish first, as Salim Mubarak and Salah Al Amoudi’s run timings placed them in second and third.
Saud Al Qaydi, Motorsport Manager at Yas Marina Circuit, said: “This was a fantastic addition to our racing calendar and an excellent way to kick off the first round of this exciting new series.
“Street racing is extremely popular among the UAE’s youth and we are delighted to be able to facilitate such a grassroots and fun event. During the next three rounds of the competition, the action won’t stop as our drivers compete for the overall series title of ‘King of the Street’.”
