XPRESS visits a monthly drifting competition in Um Al Quwain. Driving enthusiasts in the UAE come together to compete for 1st place. See more at: http://gulfnews.com/gntv
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00:00The sound of screeching tires pound across your eardrums as the smell of burnt rubber
00:19wafts across the air at the Emirates Metroplex monthly drifting competition in Umm al-Qawain.
00:25The smoke caused by the burning rubber is blinding, but get past that and you begin
00:29to appreciate the passion that these young drivers bring to the arena.
00:33Each championship runs for four rounds and is observed by a panel of judges.
00:38We use a simple point system to indicate the winners in the four-wheel Nissan category,
00:42the four-wheel Toyota category, and the Salon category.
00:46The more the engines roar and the tires screech and burn, the louder the cheering.
00:51It seems that the spectators know each driver by name, which indicates that this isn't simply
00:55a hobby, but there's a sense of community as well.
00:59What seems to set these enthusiasts apart is that they're not in it for the money.
01:03Some drivers spend as much as 53,000 dirhams to build their engines, and yet have no qualms
01:08about setting said engines on fire if it means qualifying for the finale.
01:12Knowing full well that the award for fourth place is mere 5,000 dirhams, while the second
01:16is 3,000 dirhams and the third place offers only 2,000 dirhams, which is mere change considering
01:21the cost of replacing tires or an engine for that matter.
01:25Nevertheless, these petrolheads remain eager to keep driving, fueled by the roars of an
01:30eager crowd and the glory of a first-place finish.
01:32Have you let Hammad Razi's express?