24 teams confirm participation for Oman International Rally
Date
10/28/2014 1:39:40 AM
(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) The Oman International Rally has received a shot in the arm with 24 teams from the region confirming their participation for the three-day event which is bidding to enter the prestigious Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) calendar next year onwards.
The number of entries is remarkable considering the fact that the recent Abu Dhabi Rally another MERC candidate event attracted just 15 teams. UAE forms the biggest foreign contingent with six teams while Qatar will enter three teams in the rally to be held at the tracks of the Oman Automobile Association (OAA) from October 30-November 1.
They are expected to face a tough fight from the 15 Omani teams aiming for glory on their home turf. For Oman the focus will be on defending Oman Rally champion Khalid al Manji and seasoned campaigners Khalid Zoomar al Zadjali and Faisal al Rashdi. Manji said 'The Oman International Rally gives a big boost to rally drivers who are eager for the big rally experience in their home country. I hope it will become a permanent fixture on the MERC's schedule.' Zadjali felt the sizeable local representation will ensure success of the event.
'The presence of talented Omani drivers in the competition will ensure the success of the rally. All of them have been waiting for this event for the last seven years. Now everybody is dreaming to make it to the podium at home'' he said. Meanwhile H E Rashad al Hinai the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Sports Affairs will be the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony on October 30.
Dr Abdul Munim bin Mansour al Hasani the Minister of Information will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony on November 1.
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