Doha, January 25 2012 – A crowd of thousands raced to the 2012 Qatar Motor Show on the first public day yesterday to admire the wheels on display and experience what many had already seen on their screens: machines on wheels doing unthinkable maneuvers.
The 2012 Qatar Motor Show got underway on January 23 with two days open to the international and local press and trade professionals, making the first day of the show a grand opening as far as the public – an estimated 20,000 of whom flocked to the Doha Exhibitions Center – was concerned.
The show’s capacity to draw such a large turnout was partly due to its nature of being an ultimate haven for motor buffs in Qatar, but also because of the stunning outdoor activities that featured FMX and freestyle motor biking to car drifting.
Hundreds had already amassed by the time the first drift car produced a screech on the specially-built outdoor asphalt track, an approximately 7,000 square meters surface that will undoubtedly be bruised beyond recognition by the time the 2012 Qatar Motor Show concludes on Saturday. The spectator’s area, boasting a capacity of 1,500 – an increase of a thousand over last year, quickly swelled with enthusiastic audience as more onlookers watched from the general viewing area.
The earsplitting sound of rubber melting on track sent the crowd into a pumped up state of bliss as they relived scenes straight out of Fast and Furious or Gone in 60 Seconds, thanks to three lean but sturdy freestyle motor-cross (FMXs), one lascivious freestyle motorbike and two scorching drift cars.
“It was amazing and full of adventure. It is the first time ever in my life that I saw a live dual drifting on a track. The 2012 Qatar Motor Show brought us a lot of things never before seen in Qatar from the Ferrari Demo on the Corniche to FMX stunts. I am already looking forward to the 2013 Qatar Motor Show,” said visitor Bilal Shafiq, a Doha-born expatriate of 31 years.
The outdoor activities also involve winners of the social media campaign that the organizers of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show ran in the lead up to the event on Twitter and Facebook.
“It’s exciting to see events like this in Doha! I’ve never seen drift racing before and I found it absolutely thrilling! And it shows that Qatar is able to compete on an international level,” said Megan O’Connor, a Qatar resident for six years.
Visitors also had the chance to test drive their favorite vehicles in an adjacent test-drive area.
Inside the exhibition hall, the motor show continued to serve as a crystal ball for all things cars, as visitors took the opportunity to closely look at the vehicles on display, inquire about their specifications, and engage in general chatter on motoring.
“I’m excited to be here. The place has a great vibe,” said first-time visitor, Maria, a Qatar resident for four years.
Beginning on January 23 (Monday), the six day event features latest car models, concept cars, super cars and futuristic cars from the most innovative style centers and car designs and serves as a launching pad for a number of never-before-previewed in the region vehicles that would be seen as series models on the roads soon.
Organized by Qatar Tourism Authority, in partnership with Q.media Events and GL Events, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is also hosting classic cars, motor bikes, and car service providers. The event runs from 4pm to 10pm today, while admissions on the weekend are from 1pm to 10pm.
The main sponsor of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is Qatar Holding LLC. The Diamond Sponsor is Qatar Shell, and the Official Hotel Partner is the W Doha Hotel & Residences. Alfardan Automobiles is offering BMW VIP transportation for the 2012 Qatar Motor Show being the official VIP transporter.
Read more about the Companies and Cars at the Doha Motor Show or better known internationally as the Qatar Motor Show
