Shaikh Salman Bin Isa Al Khalifa, the chief executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, met with Grand-Am Road Racing founder and NASCAR vice chairman and executive vice president Jim France during a tour of Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday.
Shaikh Salman, right, shares a moment with NASCAR vice chairman Jim France at the Speedway.
Shaikh Salman was in Florida to attend the Performance Racing Industry trade show in Orlando. The PRI show opens Thursday. Shaikh Salman participated in an industry day trip to Daytona for PRI delegates arranged by Grand-Am, Daytona International Speedway and the Motorsports Industry Association.
“I am honored to be here and this is a great opportunity,” said Shaikh Salman, who is hoping to return for the 2013 Rolex 24 scheduled Jan. 26-27. “After seeing photos of the original track, I was very impressed with how smooth it is after the repaving.”
The 2.5-mile tri-oval and pit road were repaved in 2010 after crumbling asphalt caused the 2010 Daytona 500 to be stopped twice for repairs.
“The infield is fantastic – it’s challenging and very quick. I really enjoy hearing about all of the history here,” Shaikh Salman said. “It’s incredible how they came from racing on the beach to build this facility, creating such a legacy.”
Shaikh Salman has been involved with the Bahrain circuit since its creation, and worked behind the scenes in an advisory role for governmental issues, community involvement and public interest prior to the first Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004.
He then took his first official role at the circuit as head of government affairs and public relations, and was promoted to the circuit’s chief operating officer in 2008.
Photo: Daytona Interntional Speedway