Next time you find yourself in Riyadh, take a trip out of the city to the Khubayb Al Reem dunes. This sandy patch of desert, 80 kilometres west of the Kingdom’s capital, may be rich in wildlife but if you succeed in gaining access to the ultra-exclusive RACE facilities you will undoubtedly come across riches of another sort.
Paganis, Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Bugattis regularly line up to enjoy the track day thrills of this Grade 3 FIA approved circuit. As the name suggests, the Reem Auto Club Experience is far from a simple track. Named after the indigenous gazelle, Reem taps into the car enthusiasm of Saudi youth in providing a multi-purpose facility that will eventually promote a grassroots motorsport movement through offering opportunities for children as young as nine-years-old to get involved in motor racing.
It is the first academy of its kind in the Middle East, one in which racers are introduced to regional and international motor sport arenas by renowned trainers. Many would agree that this was a good move, seeing that Saudi Arabia has the region’s highest rate of car accidents per annum. But have no doubt, RACE’s circuit is no less thrilling than taking to the streets. It is in fact, much better. Considered to be one of the region’s most technical, the course is fully customisable with a 3.8 kilometre long track that ranges from 12 to 18 metres in width. There are several possible configurations including a 1.2 kilometre karting track, a 1.4 kilometre drag strip and an off-road course.
With grandstand seating for your fans, high-tech telemetry, track side officials and emergency rescue helicopters at the ready, there is professionalism and a level of attention to detail so rarely found in these parts of the world. For H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Bandar Al Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of Saudi Sabaq Company (the owners of RACE), the aim is to create a first of its kind luxury destination. Plans are currently underway to build both a dedicated private airport within the facility as well as serviced apartments and a hotel so that visitors from all over the region can come and enjoy this original project.
Raed bin Abdulaziz Abu Zenadh, the general manager of both RACE and the Saudi Sabaq Company, says that the number of membership applications have exceeded the current quota and as such there is a waiting list in order to join. Abu Zenadh was also happy to acknowledge the calibre of companies that the circuit has already attracted. Companies such as BMW, have moved their official Formula Racing School from Bahrain to RACE; Lamborghini has hosted a Superleggera race and Porsche even holds their club meetings at the grounds. Official sponsors of the tracks have grown to include Zain Telecom and Red Bull, as well as Castrol and Shell.
RACE’s major unveiling was this October, timed to coincide with the launch of its motorsport season and though the project will continue to grow as more and more facilities and services are added, one thing is for sure, becoming a member will only get harder.
Who RACE (Reem Auto Club Experience)
What An FIA approved racing circuit positioned as a private club that caters to your every need.
Where Riyadh, KSA
Why A luxury moto-tourism venue tailored to the elite of Gulf society that also encourages a grassroots motorsport movement.
HYPERLINK "http://www.reemracing.com" www.reemracing.com
