Jordan Motorsport announces new strategy to develop sector

AMMAN — Jordan Motorsport, the sporting authority for all motorsport events in the Kingdom, is adopting new and comprehensive strategies to develop auto sports, its CEO, Othman Naseef, said Monday.

“We look at Jordan Motorsport as a national initiative that needs the efforts of everyone to succeed. Drivers, officials, local companies, media and fans are all involved in the development of this exciting sport,” Naseef said at a media briefing.

“We have been working for almost eight months trying to develop all aspects of this sport based on the vision and directions of HRH Prince Feisal, chairman of Jordan Motorsport, and we have already made extra improvements,” he added.

Naseef addressed the decreasing number of local rally drivers, attributing it to the high cost of this sport.

“We are currently working on a strategy that allows drivers to cut the cost of buying an expensive rally car by working with auto agents in the Kingdom and creating a new class with the approval of FIA; this way we involve carmakers and allow drivers to participate with less cost,” he said.

The strategy will also involve female participation, according to Naseef, who added that Jordan Motorsport will also work to make kart racing more affordable and challenging to young people. 

“Last week, we witnessed the conclusion of the karting championship and we are happy to announce that Hesham Najjar who won first place will represent Jordan in the World Championship, which will take place in Valencia and this is an achievement,” he said.

Speed tests and drifting, which were introduced officially this year, are also covered in the strategy, with speed tests to be held at the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan racetrack and drifting at SOFEX racetrack.

The qualifying round of drifting will be held on September 26 and winners will take part in the Redbull Car Park Drift Challenge to be held on October 3.

Meanwhile, for rallying Jordan Motorsport is looking into suggestions to return to tarmac.

“We received several requests to move the rallies from gravel to tarmac, and… we are seriously looking into it, as we believe it might attract more drivers, especially from Lebanon,” Naseef noted. 

“In other words we are listening to our drivers and we believe that there is a big future for this sport in the Kingdom.”