Fast times in Southwest Asia

Published Feb. 17, 2011
By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The sound of engines flooded out the cheers coming from the crowd as sports cars reached about 200 miles per hour in seconds on what spectators say is one of the best tracks in the world.

This could be the atmosphere at the Daytona International Speedway or the racetracks of Talladega, but actually these cheers belong to coalition force members and host nation spectators at the Arabian Drag Races in Southwest Asia.

On Jan. 14, military members from this desert air base gathered in Southwest Asia with members of the host nation to watch the Arabian Drag Races downtown while enjoying top-notch service and indulging in traditional food and beverages.

This was one of 16 racing days scheduled here between December and February. HH Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad al-Thani, ADRL driver and team owner invited base members to the raceway for free admission, food, VIP seating and access to the race pits, track and starting line.

"I think it's an honor that Sheikh Khalid considers us fans of the sport," said Lt. Col. Bruce Bartholomew, Host Nation Coordination Cell deputy. "What he is looking to do is build up the sport here and in the Arabian Peninsula."Colonel Bartholomew has attended multiple drag races here and said he has really enjoyed them. He especially appreciates how fan-friendly they are.

"In my opinion, this is one of the top tracks in the world," said Steve Wisniewski, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Inspector General. "It's one of the best laid-out tracks I've seen."Mr. Wisniewski has been a spectator of the sport for decades and has been involved in the races himself. He has been both a driver and an owner, and has visited tracks throughout the U.S. The eighth of a mile track has been in official use for three years. It supports twelve categories that compete at the races; nine vehicle and three motorcycle categories. While teams represent a variety of nations, 17 of them were U.S. teams invited by Sheikh Khalid.

Drag racing is becoming increasingly popular in Southwest Asia and is continuing to grow as a sport.

"I think it's good to help build a sport in this country and help build relations between the U.S. and host nation," said Tech. Sgt. William Jackson, 379th Communications Squadron. "I think it's a great facility and just as good if not better than some of the facilities in the U.S."

"We felt like royalty," said Mr. Wisniewski. "We greatly appreciated graciousness that the Sheikh Khalid showed by inviting us to attend. It made us feel like family."