HUB: Demonstrating fine driving skills and brilliant control, the experienced Asad Khoro won the “A” Prepared Class event of Hub Rally Cross at the newly launched Max Dirt Arena here late Sunday evening.

Driving a 4000CC Toyota Vigo, Asad outclassed top title contender Nadir Magsi with a dazzling performance on a difficult, sandy track in the competitive event that also marked the opening of the newly-developed Max Dirt Arena.

Asad clocked four minutes 53.02 seconds in covering the distance of 5km.

Nadir, a fantastic driver who is also the winner of Jhal Magsi, Hub Rally and Cholistan Rally, bagged the second positon while driving his Toyota Vigo 4000CC. He took five minutes and four seconds to cover the 5km distance.

Emerging driver Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad Ali also displayed controlled driving to finish third by clocking five minutes and nine seconds.

In the Stock “A” category contest, Major (Rtd) Usman driving his Mitsubishi won the event by clocking just three minutes and 37 seconds. Sarfraz Dhanchi finished runner-up while Naveed Wasti ended up third.

Meanwhile, Nadir’s brother Aamir Magsi secured top spot in the “B” Prepared race. He clocked four minutes and 54 seconds to cover the distance. Ameer Ali bagged the second position while Kashif Khan finished third.

Ali Magsi won the “B” Stock contest in three minutes and five seconds. Naveed Wasti got second position while Mian Shakeel was third.

“C” Prepared Class winner was Talha Raees Khan with a fine timing of six minutes and three seconds. Zaheer Ali Shah finished second.

In the ladies event, Tushna Patel won driving her Vigo while Mama Sheraz finished runner-up.

Former Pakistan Captain Younis Khan also graced the occasion and also took a test drive with chief organizer Shujaat Sherwani.

Pakistan’s top motorsport driver Ronnie Patel, speaking at the presentation ceremony, lauded Shujaat’s contribution as a diehard promoter and supporter of motorsport in the country. He appreciated the role of media for coming all the way here to cover the rally and for highlighting the achievements of the participants and supporting the organizers.

Ronnie also hailed the launch of Max Dirt Arena as a milestone for the motorsport participants in the country.

Later, Shujaat felicitated the winners and applauded drivers for taking part in the tough but exciting event. Overall 33 participants including several newcomers featured in the races.

Hundreds of peoples from around the area turned out to watch some of country’s top race and rally drivers in action during the rally.

Pakistan ace Test batsmanYounis Khan also complimented the organizers for conducting the exciting Hub Rally Cross at the newly developed Max Dirt Arena which is about 40km outside Karachi.

“Its an exciting and thrilling motorsport activity and the organizers deserved high praise for their effort,” Younis told reporters. “I enjoyed the ride and it was a good experience. I see a lot of potential and talent in motorsport in Pakistan,” he remarked.

Published in Dawn, March 14th, 2017