Amidst a massive crowd who flocked in as of 5pm, Emirati Ahmed Al Amiri won the UAE Qualifier of the Red Bull Car Park Drift 2011, clinching the local title of King of Drift.
The event which was supported by the Abu Dhabi Police and sponsored by Chevrolet, was organized on a custom-made track at the Abu Dhabi Corniche. It witnessed a rat race between the top 5 contestants who made it to the final stage out of 25 candidates who started the competition. Drivers showcased their skills and to offer spectators outstanding performances and impress the judges.
The jury panel consisted of Red Bull athlete Abdo Feghali; First Lieutenant Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief of Media Studies and Security Coordination at the Abu Dhabi Police, Ahmed Al Sharif, Manager of the Emirates Motorsport Federation, and Rod Fuller, Chief Drag Race Instructor.
Following his win, Al Amiri expressed his happiness and hoped “to offer an even better performance and get to the podium at the Red Bull Car Park Drift Finale in Beirut next July.” The champion also insisted on saluting his fellow drivers Stu Leichman who came second and Mohammed Habib who clinched the third place.”[singlepic id=505 w=320 h=240 float=right]
The jury assessed the candidates according to four factors; the first and main factor was the art of drift with 70% of the overall grade; the remaining percentage was distributed evenly as such: 10% for engine roaring and tire smoke, 10% for crowd reaction, and 10% for car appearance. The track “was designed in such a way to push the contestants to give their best”, explained Feghali. Red Bull rally driver offered spectators a breathtaking show aboard his special drifting car.
Commenting on the success of the competition, Alberto Chahoud Regional Communications Manager for Red Bull said, “We are glad to have offered Abu Dhabi’s citizens such an exciting event; special recognition goes to the Abu Dhabi Police who supported the event in line with the awareness campaign “Formula Thrills… Speeding Kills. I also thank Chevrolet for their great partnership which made the event even more thrilling.”
Ahmed Al Amiri will soon start preparing for the Championship’s Finale bound to take place on July 22nd in the Lebanese Capital Beirut, whereby he expects a tough competition from some 13 other contestants who will represent various Middle Eastern countries.
Red Bull Middle East Website:
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