Yas Marina Circuit opens Drag Racing Centre

Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-Chairman of Etihad Airways, yesterday officially opened Yas Marina's Circuit's world-class Drag Racing Centre when he activated the timing system for the first time as two Abu Dhabi Police cars accelerated down the Drag Strip.

Staff Major-General Obaid Al Kitbi, Deputy Commander of the Abu Dhabi Police, was also present at the event, which involved a display of various drag cars owned by local UAE racing teams.

The permanent home for some of the fastest vehicles on the planet, throughout the year the Yas Drag Racing Centre will host local and international drag racing events as well as provide drag racing training and qualifications. The first event – the Yas Drag Racing Festival – will take place on March 19-20. Tickets go on sale from today.

Richard Cregan, CEO Yas Marina Circuit, said: "His Highness' presence here today signifies just how important this facility is to the sport of drag racing in the region. This new world class sporting facility will provide the motorsports enthusiasts in the UAE and the region – especially young people – with an opportunity to exert their passion for drag racing within a safe and controlled environment."

"We are delighted that the Abu Dhabi Police are part of this inaugural event. They have been supportive in our quest to promote fun, yet safe driving experiences within the boundaries of our best-in-class facilities."

The NHRA, the governing body for drag racing in the US, has recognised the Yas Drag Racing Centre as the first track outside the US as an NHRA worldwide racing network.

 

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