Al-Qassim clinches NGK Racing Series crown

RIYADH — Yas Marina Circuit hosted the final round of the UAE NGK Racing Series this past Thursday and Friday. Saudi driver Al-Qassim Hamidaddin, entered the final round 19 points behind Greek driver Alex Annivas, and needed to win both races to have a shot at the title. A fierce contest ensued and Al-Qassim did what he needed to do to claim his first title with victories in both the races to become the first Saudi to win the UAE National racing series. He was crowned NGK Racing Series Class 2 Champion for the 2015 and 2016 season. Al-Qassim had led the championship until the previous round, at the Dubai Autodrome, where he suffered gearbox failure and had to withdraw from both the races losing valuable points. He said: “Thank God, this was a great way to win the season. I needed to win both races and that’s what happened and I managed to get the title by one point. I blew a transmission before this race weekend and thank God for my new sponsor Alitco who helped me make it to the grid, otherwise I would not have won this championship. “I would also like to thank my partners Saudi Auto and UTURN for their continued support, and the Dubai Autodrome for organizing this great championship. I look forward to registering in the upcoming Qatar Touring Car Championship that starts next month, and hope to accomplish similar results.” Abdullah Abdulmohsen Aldrees, the CEO of M/S. Aldrees Industrial & Trading Co. said: “The company is proud of sponsoring Saudi champion Al-Qassim Hamidaddin, who came to add important dimensions to capabilities of Saudi youths and their distinction in different fields of sport.” Alitco is considered one of the leading companies working in multiple fields including tools and equipment sector where it offers a distinguished bundle of services including construction and preparation of vehicle service centers along with other related activities. — SG