A number of car modification enthusiasts and garage owners have called on the authorities concerned to increase the number of competitions for such vehicles and hold them throughout the year to encourage young people to compete in a safe environment and stay away from street races.
They have also urged the authorities to increase the value of prizes for such competitions, especially because car modification is an expensive hobby, local Arabic daily ‘Arrayah’ reported recently. They said sponsorship is lacking for local champions to compete in international competitions in the modified bike category.
The enthusiasts called on Qatari companies to provide support for these individuals so that they can participate in global tournaments and represent Qatar. They also appealed to the authorities to hold modified sand bike competitions for youngsters and allocate the money required to sponsor them in international championships.
The enthusiasts and garage owners emphasised that they are preparing for the competition season and there is need to import large quantities of spare parts in order to cover the needs of the market. The preparation of cars in garages is carried out in accordance with the regulations stipulated by the General Directorate of Traffic, the owners said, foremost of which is to modify cars for races, by licence holders only.
They said the modification of cars for racing purposes costs between QR50,000 and QR150,000, while for sand bikes the cost ranges from QR30,000 to QR100,000. They called on young car enthusiasts to get the required licences for racing so that they can participate in local competitions.
These races are held at the Losail Circuit and the circuit in the Industrial Area, while the parades and sand races take place in Sealine and Khor Al Udeid. Speaking to the daily, Jassim al-Muraikhi advised young people to avoid dangerous street parades and instead make use of the safe areas provided by the State where they can practise their hobby in a secure environment.
Hamad al-Muftah, a contestant, said he is currently preparing his car for the racing season at the Industrial Area circuit.
He does not drive it on normal roads and transports the vehicle to and from the circuit on a truck. Prominent Qatari car racer Saif al-Naimi affirmed that the State has provided a number of safe circuits that encourage young people to compete, as they meet all safety requirements.
At the same time, those responsible for running these circuits and in charge of motorsports must attract young people by holding tournaments throughout the year, and not do so during the winter only. He felt that modified car competitions in Qatar offer inadequate prizes that do not cover the expenses incurred by a car owner, while also noting that the number of competitions is small compared to fanbase of this hobby.
Modification of cars under way at garages. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil
