The Middle East Gymkhana 1 Challenge gave drifters across the region one more shot at sideways action before summer hits at the Emirates Motorplex.
[Not a valid template]Petrolheads in Dubai this weekend had a difficult choice to make for their weekend fix. One option was to stay on Jumeirah Road, head to the Biker’s Café, and bear witness to the inaugural running of Jumeirah Cruisin’, set to become – with all fingers crossed – THE concourse d’elegance event of the region.
The other option involved heading to the Emirates Motorplex in Umm Al Quwain for the Middle East Gykhana 1 Challenge, which saw a host of the region’s most talented and ambitious drifters hit the track, and the stopwatches. If you’re struggling to picture that, think Ken Block’s now celebrated drift performances less the Ford Fiesta, the Monster energy drink sponsorship and the streets of San Francisco.
Much as proved the case at the recent Drift Festival in Jordan, BMW 3-Series saloons was the weapon of choice for competitors tackling the cones during their three-hour stint. Of course, thanks to showings from the 350Z, the 86 and the Evo, Nissan, Toyota and Mitsubishi were well represented. Even a MINI Cooper stepped up for some sideways action, as well as Drift UAE regular – and Red Bull Car Park Drift podium finisher Samer Khadra in the Nissan Skyline R34.
With so few motorsport events left in the 2012/2013 Middle East season, the Gymkhana may have been the last opportunity for some on-track practice before next year’s campaign kicks off. As was proven at the Biker’s Café in Dubai though, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of motoring talent in the Emirate waiting for its moment in the (very srong) sun.
– FULL GALLERY OF GYMKHANA SHOTS AVAILABLE HERE – CLICK – Shots courtesy of David Benson
