Sports Desk
DUBAI: One of the most thrilling displays of four-wheeled motorsport returns to Dubai on April 12th. Red Bull Car Park Drift UAE Qualifiers is tire-smoking its way back to the emirate for the 12th year of the competition.
The adrenaline-filled spectacle which consistently promises the most exhilarating displays of drifting in the region, is set to take place at Dubai Marina Mall on the 12th April. The first time an event of this kind has been held on a car park roof top.
This year’s UAE qualifier has turned up the heat yet again as spectators can witness the UAE’s most experienced and talented drifters in an octane-fuelled showdown alongside Dubai’s iconic sky line as the race track is on top of the spectacular Dubai Marina Mall. Being one of the most technical courses in the championship’s twelve seasons history this event is one not to be missed.
With three rounds already down and one to go in Oman before heading to Dubai, the competition to determine the coveted title of ‘King of Drift’ is well underway, the series will conclude in the World Final in Turkey this September. The participants for the UAE qualifier hail from the UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman, Egypt and India and are all keen to earn their spot in the highly anticipated Final.
Legendary drifter Ahmad Daham said ‘The UAE qualifier is often unpredictable given the high quality of drifting capability in the region and this year’s event looks to be no different. Talented racers will be pushed to drifting limits on this highly unique track, testing skill sets and making this qualifier one of the most exciting yet’’
During the competition, drifters are required to negotiate a challenging course and will be judged according to a set of nine criteria totally 400 points. A maximum of 120 points is allocated to drifting skills during the first and second sections, while the car’s looks and design account for up to 40 points. Tire smoke, car sound, and performance in the ‘Box’, a tight enclosure the drifters need to do a ‘donut’ in, each contribute 20 points towards the total score.
Doors open at 2.30pm on the 12th April, with attendance open to public both on the Dubai Marina Mall roof top and in the spectator activation zone on the Promenade Terrace.
This year’s competition is held in partnership with Falken and Motul.
| Judging Criteria | Mark % |
| Drifting Skills Section 1 | 60 pts |
| Drifting Skills Section 2 | 60 pts |
| Car look and Design | 40 pts |
| Car Sound | 20 pts |
| Smoke | 20 pts |
| Box | 50 pts |
| Pendulum | 50 pts |
| Spiral | 20pts |
| Gate | 20pts |
| Flipper | 60pts |
