MINI Challenge race series to make its Middle East debut in Saudi Arabia

BMW Group nominated the exclusive rights to organize and run the 2010 MINI Challenge KSA to ProRace under the leadership of Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal. The new race series is expected to start in the first quarter of 2010.

Bringing a new motorsport category to the region, MINI Challenge delivers an exciting blend of thrilling racing for both drivers and fans alike. International series have featured both experienced drivers as well as budding enthusiasts keen to make their mark in motorsport. In some markets, celebrity guest drivers have also joined the fray.

The ever popular series was introduced in 2000 in the UK and now has a presence in Germany, Australia, New Zealand and Spain. Its red hot hertiage can be traced back to the 1960s when the MINI Cooper dominated racing and rallying, winning many championships and consecutive Monte Carlo Rallies.

The MINI John Cooper Works Challenge is the official MINI Challenge car, which Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors will make available to participating teams and private customers..

The decision to support the launch of the MINI Challenge race series in the Kingdom was a natural progression for Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors. The importer recently supported the launch of the 'Bison MINI Cup', the first professional Motor Racing competition for MINI in the Middle East. This exciting contest involved ten teams taking part in a cup challange spread over six dates.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal, Chairman of ProRace, said:

'This is another crucial milestone in the young history of Saudi Motorsport. We are proud and honored to be nominated by BMW Group as exclusive organizer for a professional MINI Challenge series in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This will be the first MINI Challenge event to be held in the Middle East so it's shows the great potential in the Kingdom for professional racing and we hope to encourage talented motorsport enthusiasts to achieve their potential in a safe and controlled environment with this exciting series.'

Anees Jamjoom, Managing Director of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors added, 'The MINI Challenge will bring an affordable, competitive and very exciting series to a wide audience. It is a fantastic opportunity for MINI enthusiasts, budding racers, spectators, sponsors and for motorsport in general.'

Offering something for everyone, MINI Challenge is sure to find a strong and loyal following among participants as well as spectators.