New Season Set to Kick Off at Qatar Racing Club
With high anticipation and under the generous patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Racing Club, the 2025–26 sports season is officially set to launch on Thursday. The season begins with the first round of the Qatar Drift Championship, a staple event known for attracting top-level drivers from Qatar, the Gulf, and the broader region.
In advance of the opening round, the club will open its drift track this evening for a testing day, offering racers the opportunity to fine-tune their high-performance vehicles. This comes on the heels of a similar test session held last Thursday.
The club’s newly-approved event calendar outlines five major championships across various racing disciplines, including drift, drag racing, sand drag racing, and freestyle stunt shows. Additionally, the season will incorporate over 25 testing days throughout the next seven months, plus roll race competitions and dedicated motocross racing days.
Quote from His Excellency Sheikh Jabor bin Khalid Al Thani, General Manager of the Qatar Racing Club:
“We were keen to approve the sports calendar for the 2025/2026 season early on to give racers enough time to prepare for the competitions. We are looking forward to an exceptional season by all standards—marked by a diverse range of championships, fierce competition, and strong audience engagement. This aligns with the vision of our club president, His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani, who always strives to steer motorsports in Qatar in the right direction—technically, organizationally, and athletically.”
He added:
“Based on this principle, the new season’s calendar has received special and exceptional attention, aiming to propel the club forward, advance motorsports, diversify our events, and attract the largest number of competitors. Our goal is to build an informed and educated community, and establish a strong youth base capable of steering Qatar toward more sporting achievements.”
He also highlighted the significance of safety, asserting the club’s commitment to providing a secure environment for both participants and fans. The Qatar Racing Club continues to be a well-respected regional and international hub, as it welcomes Gulf, Arab, and international teams under optimal competitive conditions.
In terms of global draw, the Arabian Drag Racing League, an international-tier event, will see racers from around the world compete in six rounds, beginning January 8–9, 2026, and concluding in mid-February.
The Qatar Drag Racing Championship, a regional competition of equally high caliber, will host five rounds, starting in late November and ending in early March 2026. Both championships continue to serve as benchmarks for competitive drag racing in the Middle East.
The Qatar Drift Championship, which kicks off tomorrow, continues to attract participants from Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Jordan, and parts of Europe. This season, it will feature five rounds—three in 2025, and the final two in March and April 2026.
Another highlight event is the Sand Drag Racing Competition, which will take place at the Sealine Sand Track. Its five-round format begins with back-to-back events in early November, followed by three rounds in late March and early April 2026.
Fans of high-adrenaline stunts can look forward to the Freestyle Drift Championship, returning this year with four rounds, mirroring last season’s excitement.
Additional activities include Roll Racing events, Motocross test days, and a wide range of motorsport exhibitions aimed at engaging diverse communities.
Quote from His Excellency Sheikh Jabor bin Khalid Al Thani:
“Beyond races, the club has always been committed to organizing community events and exhibitions related to cars and bikes. We focus on supporting young talent and encouraging those passionate about creativity and innovation.
“The goal is to ensure the club remains a platform that brings together car and motorcycle enthusiasts with companies and sponsors in one space.
“Leading these community events is the Qatar Custom Show, which we will host for the 13th time this season, scheduled for January 13–17, 2026.
“In addition, we’re keen to host gatherings of car owners, motorcycle clubs, and other community-centered events throughout the season.”
As the engines roar into life this Thursday, the Qatar Racing Club stands fully prepared to offer one of its most dynamic sports seasons ever—pushing the limits of motorsport while strengthening community engagement and global participation.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
