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MORE than 7,000 motor racing enthusiasts cheered on the kingdom's drift experts as they put on a thrilling performance at the Bahrain Mall parking lot, skidding and burning rubber to secure a spot in a regional championship event in Lebanon next month.
The Red Bull Bahrain qualifying drift event held on Friday, was conducted with the collaboration of Bahrain International Circuit and the support of Zayani Motors.
After many donuts and tight turns, it was Bahraini Salman Mahmood who stole the show and the title of Red Bull Car Park Bahrain champion. Salman outdrifted 22 of the kingdom's top racers including Salah Salahuddin and Shaikh Jaber bin Ali Al Khalifa who took second place. Hussein Saeed rounded up the podium in third place.
Salman said: "I truly enjoyed the competition as there were many great drifters taking part, especially my inspiration Shaikh Jaber. I learned a lot from him. In fact I usually compete in his team but decided to go at it alone for this event.
"I was surprised when I heard my name as I expected Shaikh Jaber or Salah to win it. I am very excited though and can't wait to make my mark in Lebanon!"
Drifting for four years and known to his racing peers as the drift king, Salman and his Nissan Silvia will be flying out to Beirut to compete against other Arab winners in the drink company's regional finals that will take place on July 15 and 16.
He added: "I will surely be using this time to practice and prepare myself for the finals. I want to win it! To compete with the best in the region...that's a dream. Mind you this won't be my first competition as I have won a number of events in the UAE and Kuwait.
"My family and friends are really happy for me and are already cheering me on for the trip to Lebanon."
Not only is drifting Salman's hobby but also his profession. He said: "I love drifting and the feel of it. While I have participated in autocross and drag racing, this is my favourite kind of motor sport. It's exciting and really teaches you how to control your car. I also love free-styling and tend to use my other Nissan for that.
"For anyone that wants to get into drifting I advise that you start-up with your own car, with some souping-up, of course!
"While drifting is safe, if not done correctly you can hurt yourself and others around you so please don't try it just anywhere.
"My family is very proud of me and while my mother gets worried every time I get into my car she is always happy when I win."
Lebanese Rally champion and Red Bull driver, Abdo Feghali, arbitrated at the event. He said: "Drifting is all about control. Safety comes first for us and we wanted to portray that at this event - safety and fun. I think Salman was the best drifter and deserves to participate at the regional finals. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can deliver."
