Manama, Feb. 5 (BNA)– Racing is set to intensify as the BIC 2,000cc Challenge heads into the latter half of its 2013/2014 season this weekend. The fifth of eight rounds takes place Friday (February 7) at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, in Sakhir.
The meeting has been organised by the Circuit Racing Club in cooperation with BIC, Bahrain Motor Federation and Motorsport Marshalls Club. The cream of the crop of Bahrain’s leading gentleman race car drivers are once again set to take to the track and battle it out for pride and supremacy.
Heading into the round, Hussain Karimi (Honda CRX) holds a sizeable lead over the rest of the competition. Having claimed a double in the previous meeting to bring his victory tally to four so far this campaign, Karimi has established a stronghold on first place as he boasts 154 points on the championship standings. But he is not taking anything for granted entering the second half of the season as he hopes to continue from where he left off: on the top step of the podium.
“I’m really happy to be where I am right now,” Karimi said. “I’m very pleased to have taken both wins in the last round; hopefully I can maintain that form.”
“There’s still a long way to go over the rest of the season and anything can happen.”
“For this round, I believe I’m well-prepared. My team and I have made sure that the car is ready and I’m looking forward to enjoying these next two races against what will hopefully be a full grid.”
Talented racer Salah Salahuddin (Honda CIVIC) follows in second place on the season standings with 91 points, while ageless veteran Abdulrahman Ghuloom (CIVIC) is in third on 65 points.
Commented Salahuddin: “Last round I had a lot of problems with my car; we tried to fix them, but they’d keep on coming back.
“Now, though, we’ve solved everything. I’m fully ready and I hope to translate that to some wins.”
Added Ghuloom: “I’ve changed my car’s engine for this weekend and I’m now ready to race.”
“Things just keep getting tougher each event, but I hope to keep my position among the leaders as we fight for the championship.”
“A big thanks to the organisers once again for the wonderful job they are doing this season in the 2,000cc.”
The always determined Abdulaziz Ashkanani (Honda S2,000) ranks fourth in the championship race with 62 points, while former champion Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (CIVIC) is in fifth with 52.
Tim Birkin (Honda Integra) and Alex Longden (BMW 3 Series/F20C) are tied sixth with 40 points each, whereas the series’ first-ever winner Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa (Integra) follows in eighth place with 35 points.
Last year’s titlist Raed Himmo (CRX) on 25 points and another former champion Stephen Kellogg (CIVIC) on 17 points round out the standings.
The action on Friday gets underway on track at 11.30am with a free practice. Qualifying follows at 12.30pm.
The first 15-lap race flags off at 2.11pm. Race two is scheduled for a 4.11pm start.
The day’s events will culminate with the podium ceremony following the second sprint.
All are welcome to attend the season’s fifth round. Tickets cost BD2 for adults and BD1 for children. They can be purchased at the gate.
Following round five, the sixth meeting of the season is scheduled to take place March 28. April 18 will be the penultimate event, while the season-closing round will be held May 2.
For more information on the BIC 2,000cc Challenge or other events at BIC, “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, call the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000.
A O Q
BNA 1650 GMT 2014/02/05