BIC set for thrills under lights

TDT | Manama    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) takes the ontrack excitement up a notch this weekend with back-to-back nights of high-octane action under lights. Hitting the tarmac tonight is the second round of National Race Day, featuring a pair of thrilling championships both on two wheels and four.

Then, the fun times continue to roll tomorrow with Open Track Night for a motoring experience like no other. The two events at “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East” are part of BIC’s packed programme during the holy month of Ramadan.

Tonight’s National Race Day is set to be held from 8pm to 12midnight and lighting up the track will be the Bahrain Motorcycle Championship and Cars Time Attack. These highly competitive series are being organised and run by BIC in cooperation with the Bahrain Motor Federation, the Circuit Racing Club, the Bahrain Motorcycle Commission, and the Bahrain Autocross Commission.

All are welcome to attend. Entrance is BD2 for adults and BD1 for children. Tickets can be purchased at the gate as well as on the circuit’s official website bahraingp.com. National Race Day brings together the Kingdom’s leading local championships in one event, making for non-stop racing entertainment along BIC’s 2.55-kilometre Inner Circuit.

The Bahrain Motorcycle Championship features many of the Kingdom’s leading motorbike racers. They will be going wheel-to-wheel in two different competition classes, including the 1,000cc and 600cc. Cars Time Attack will feature competition in different categories.

Drivers will be aiming to clock their fastest lap time to get their best classification amongst the field at the end of the evening. The podium ceremonies for both the Bahrain Motorcycle Championship and Cars Time Attack events follow all the action.

Enthusiasts

Meanwhile, Open Track Night tomorrow will be offering speed enthusiasts the incredible chance to drive BIC’s Inner Circuit in the unique and spectacular setting under the state-of-the-art floodlights. Open Track is one of the circuit’s most popular activities, as participants are able to bring their very own road cars or motorbikes and take them out for a spin at a world-class grand prix racing facility.

Action will be taking place from 9pm to 12midnight. The cost to take part, when booked in advance, is BD99 for the full night, BD71.500 for half the night, and BD33 for a single session. Prices when booking on the day itself are BD115.500 for the full night, BD82.500 for half the night, and BD44 for a single session.

Instructor sessions are also available at an extra cost, while additional drivers and passengers can also participate for a fee. Open Track is one of the most highly attended offerings at BIC, with race lovers being able to satisfy their need for an adrenaline-pumping thrill.

All this, while having the peace of mind to push their vehicle to its limit within a safe and controlled environment. Driver etiquette is of ultimate importance in every Open Track activity, so there is no close or aggressive overtaking permitted. Overtaking is by invitation between corners and driving is monitored, with poor or dangerous driving being dealt with swiftly by officials.