ABU DHABI // Spectators at the first staging of the Yas Marina Drag Racing Festival saw the fastest time set outside of America as the Top Fuel Dragster cars proved to be a hit with the UAE crowds.
The new drag racing facility at Yas, which was opened earlier this month, was buzzing with young and old, men and women, and they thoroughly enjoyed the six Top Fuel Dragster duels that pitted Rod Fuller against Tommy Johnson Jr as the festival came to a close last night.
Fuller, after being overshadowed on Friday's first day, sizzled last night with the fastest drive on four wheels outside the United States.
He clocked 3.898secs in the first race to set a fresh mark for the 402metre track and reached a new high speed of 499.97kph (310mph).
"I was the first one to break four seconds," he said. "That's pretty huge.
"To be the first one to do that, the first one to break four seconds outside the United States, that's awesome."
After disappointing attendances for the GP2 and the V8 Supercars, the first events at the track since the Formula One in November, fans packed the stand at the new facility for the two-day Drag Racing Festival, which saw more than 120 participants race in eight different categories.
The Top Fuel Dragsters, capable of reaching speeds of 500kmph in less than four seconds, were the biggest draw and Fuller - one of the two drivers at the wheels of those monsters - is not surprised by enthusiastic reception the sport has received.
"I knew they would love it," said the American, who has enjoyed success stateside on the drag racing circuit.
"I have been here for three weeks and everybody I've talked to loves drag racing, they know drag racing," he said. "What's great is that it's not just young individuals, it's everybody, it is families.
"This sport really caters to the family atmosphere. You can bring your fellows out here."
Fuller adds that he thinks the openness of the sport, unlike the closed paddocks of Formula One, will attract even more interest in the future. "The fans have not caught on yet that they can come out, hang out and talk to the drivers, get autographs because it is such a normal thing," he said.
"In Formula One, you would never get close to the drivers, but in this sport you can just walk with them."
Johnson Jr added: "I am thrilled that the fans are so excited about it. It's my passion, it's what I have done my entire life, drive drag cars in drag racing. To see another part of the world get so excited about it thrills me."
In the support races, the UAE's Ali al Kaabi hogged the limelight in the Pro Modified category with the best ET (6.10901) and speed (375kph).
"It was a fantastic experience," said the Sharjah resident.
"With this facility here now, I believe this sport will get really big.
"As you can see, there is a lot of enthusiasm for drag racing in the country and now we have a place to hone our skills."
arizvi@thenational.ae
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
2020 Oscars winners: in numbers
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Norwich City 1 (Cantwell 75') Manchester United 2 (Aghalo 51' 118') After extra time.
Man of the match Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 2 (Heaton (og) 42', Lindelof 64')
Aston Villa 2 (Grealish 11', Mings 66')
Super Bowl LIII schedule
What Super Bowl LIII
Who is playing New England Patriots v Los Angeles Rams
Where Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, United States
When Sunday (start time is 3.30am on Monday UAE time)
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
Console: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
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Director: M Night Shyamalan
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Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV
Power: 360bhp
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh282,870
On sale: now
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Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
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Second leg: Tuesday, August 28, 11pm (UAE)
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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● Company: Bidzi
● Started: 2024
● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid
● Based: Dubai, UAE
● Industry: M&A
● Funding size: Bootstrapped
● No of employees: Nine
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