Construction delays have pushed back the inauguration of Oman Automobile Association, (OAA)'s drag strip and drift track projects. Speaking to Muscat Daily, an OAA official, said, "Construction delays happen everywhere in the world, and the OAA is doing everything it can to expedite the work, while making sure the facilities are built according to international standards."
He added, "The association is expecting delivery of 24 new go-karts, our drag strip is 90 per cent complete, and work should commence on our drift track in the near future," he added.
The OAA official also urged enthusiasts to stop racing on roads, as the results can be disastrous. "Hopefully, our upgraded facilities will curb the street racing craze in the sultanate."
One thousand and fifty one people died as a result of road accidents in 2011, yet street racing remains popular in spite of these alarming statistics.
AD, an avid motor sports fan, and a former street racer spoke to Muscat Daily on the condition of anonymity.
AD witnessed a fatal accident in 2007, as he was watching a race between two heavily modified vehicles.
The vehicles were neck-and-neck, and the driver on the inside of a left-hand bend lost control, slamming into his competitor's vehicle, which hit the safety barrier and flipped. "My friend was thrown out of his vehicle, and it was already too late when the paramedics arrived," he said. "That horrific crash put an end to my racing days."
AD said that illegal street racing is still popular in the sultanate. He also thinks street racing has gotten more dangerous of late. "Back when I used to race, most of us worked on our own cars, and we knew our vehicle's limitations as well as our own."
He added that aftermarket parts are easier to obtain now, making the cars more powerful than ever, and harder to control. AD is appreciative of OAA's efforts, even though he quit racing. "Motor sports fans will have a place to compete under strict safety regulations, and away from road users, so I think only the most unruly enthusiasts will still race on roads."
© Muscat Daily 2012
