Drag racing returns to BIC

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) hosts the long-awaited season-opening round of the 2019/2020 Bahrain Drag Racing Championship (BDRC) this week, starting with the first of two days of Test and Tune Tuesday (Editor’s note: November 12) in Sakhir. The BDRC is the region’s biggest and most competitive drag racing series and it attracts drivers and their vehicles from all over the world, including many from across the Gulf and the US.

BIC’s quarter-mile drag strip will host all of the action once again this season. BIC is a member of the prestigious National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Worldwide Network, allowing the Bahrain championship to run under the prestigious NHRA banner. Test and Tune continues until Wednesday, after which Qualifying takes place on Thursday. That sets the stage for Race Day on Friday. The tests are from 6pm to 11pm both nights, and then Qualifying will be from 4pm to 11pm. Race Day’s head-to-head battles begin from 4pm Friday.

Participants are set to compete in 16 competition categories for both cars and motorbikes. They will all be vying for the season’s titles as well as a highly sought-after “Wally” trophy. The classes this season include 12 for cars and four for motorbikes. The cars categories consist of Street 4 and 6, Outlaw FWD, Super Street 6-Cyl, Outlaw 6-Cyl, Street V8, Super Street V8, Competition 4.5, Outlaw 10.5, Pro Mod, Index 10.5, Index 9.5, Index 8.5. For motorcycles, the classes include Street Fight Bikes, Street Bikes, Super Street Bikes and Pro Bikes. All are welcome to attend the season-opening round.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate. Tickets to the Test and Tune cost BD2 apiece for each night. For Qualifying and Race Day, tickets are BD5 for both days at the Start Line Grandstand, while tickets are BD3 for both days at the Batelco Grandstand. Children aged from three to 12 years old can attend for half the price.

The 2019/2020 season is composed of five rounds, to be held until February of next year. Round Two is set from December 17 to 20, followed by Round Three from January 14 to 17. Round Four will be from February 4 to 7, and then the championship finale will be held from February 25 to 28.