Qatar Superstock, Touring Car c’ships open this weekend

Opening round of the Qatar Superstock 600 Championship (QSTK 600) and Qatar Touring Car Championship (QTCC) will kick off this weekend — January 20-21 — at Losail International Circuit.
Qatar Superstock 600 consists of 12 races over 6 rounds and all the riders will compete using a one-make bike that will be used for the rest of the season. The entry fee to take part in the championship includes the use of the bike during the championship and the professional assistance to keep the bikes ready for racing conditions.
Talking at a press conference at the Losail circuit yesterday, Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) president Abdulrahman al-Mannai said, “I would like to thanks everybody involved in these championships — media, sponsors and in principle all the participants in both the championships that play a big role in making this happen and delivering on these championships.”
He added: “Thanks to the media, who send out our message here in Qatar and also abroad, to engage more participants to join us and thanks to Al Kass Channel for their positive response to agree to broadcast this championship.
“We are very proud of these championships designed by the Losail Circuit Sports Club and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, and we are sure to recruit the best numbers we can. Whether it is with technical support or financial support, we try to do both and attract as many as riders as possible.
Also present at the press conference were Losail Circuit Sports Club general manager Khalid al-Remaihi, QSTK 600 riders Saeed al-Sulaiti, Mashel al-Naimi and Nasser al-Malki, and QTCC drivers Mansour al-Hajri and Abdulla al-Khelaifi.
“Mansour and Abdulla, QTCC drivers, they took it upon themselves to study the regulations, promote it among other drivers, get people involved, so it becomes something that will suit all their needs. We really thank them for that,” al-Remaihi said.
“All the talented Qatari motorbike racers, they do a fantastic job. In the official tests that we did a few weeks ago, it was so exciting, we cannot wait for the races. All the bikes, the equipment, the support is going to be same for all. So there will be excitement in the competition and we are so happy to be able to deliver on something like that.
“We wish you (the participants) all the best, and hopefully with continued media coverage, they will find their places to shine in Qatar sport. That is very important for them, for the people who work to deliver on these programmes and championships, and at the end of the day for our sponsors, who give us all their support required to deliver for the Qatari youth.”
Free practice sessions for QSTK and QTCC are scheduled to run tomorrow, between 10am and 4:25pm.
On Saturday, there will be two races for each championship, with QSTK race 1 at 11:30 and race 2 at 2:10pm, while QTCC race 1 will be at 12:45pm and race 2 at 3:45pm.
For all the fans and spectators, the grandstand will be free and also the Paddock will be open both the days.