Khaled Juma’ eyes National Rally Championship title

AMMAN — The fourth round of the National Rally Championship “La Storia Museum Rally” kicks-off on Friday with the participation of nine drivers.

Winner of last year’s Jordan Rally Championship Khaled Juma’ is currently leading the standings with 87.5 points followed by Salameh Qamaz with 54 points and Ihab Shurafa in third place with 34.5 points.

Juma’, who won the first and third rounds and came fifth in Jordan Rally, the third round of the Middle East Rally Championship, will have a challenging time from Qamaz and Shurafa, who will be pressuring Juma’ to gain more points.

Juma’ clocked 55m54s in the third round, while Salameh Qamaz and co-driver Ahmed Zaidan came second clocking 56m54s, while Ahmed Shaban and co-driver Shadi Shaban came third with 1h02m04s.

Juma’ told The Jordan Times that it all ends here.

“The fourth round will be a very challenging for all the drivers as some are taking part on asphalt roads for the first time and asphalt roads are abrasive and if temperatures are hot, drivers must manage tyre wear carefully,” he said.

“My aim is to end it on higher note and win the title again. The most important thing is safety and I hope that everyone will be having fun,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Qamaz said that he is ready for the asphalt roads.

“I have modified my car to fit the asphalt roads of the rally which I am taking part for the first time on asphalt track. I am currently in the second place and first place among Group S which is fine,” he said. 

Drivers will have to go through Bahra (9.76km), Kroum (5.46km) and Ghernata (6.03kms) three times each with a total distance of 184.57km including 63.9km of special stages.

Othman Naseef, Jordan Motorsport CEO said that all preparations for an exciting event have been concluded.

“Safety issues are our main concern and we have taken the right measurements to make sure drivers and fans are safe and at the same time enjoy the event,” he said.

“The rally takes its name from the famous La Storia Museum Complex in Madaba which is a combination of folk, history and a handicrafts centre,” he added.