(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) The five-round Gulf Challenge Rallying Series, which was scheduled to start with the opening leg in Muscat on September 7-8, has been postponed until 2018.
The decision was announced by Abdullah Bakhashab, the former FIA Middle East rally champion and promoter of the Gulf Challenge, after consultation with the respective automobile federations and motor sport clubs in the Gulf region.
Bakhashab cited unfavourable economic conditions, which had prompted many companies interested in supporting the series to change their stances in recent weeks. The pullout of support affected the preparations for the new rally series.
In a press statement, Bakhashab said, 'I regret to announce the postponement of the Gulf Challenge, which was scheduled to start next month, to the 2018-2019 season.
'There is a positive side to this decision in that it gives us more time to organise, promote and prepare in the way that we want to and it will also help those eager to participate to better prepare themselves, so that we can attract as many competitors as possible next season.'
The Gulf Challenge is the brainchild of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the former multiple FIA Middle East rally champion and president of the Automobile and Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates.
The inaugural edition featured rallies in Oman, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The event was expected to feature separate championships for cars, motorcycles and quad classes in the series.
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