USA, Weds Apr 20th 2016 – In a wild and fearless departure from his usual precision GT3 circuit racing, Khaled Al Mudhaf joined the thrilling Stadium Super Truck series at the famous Long Beach Grand Prix in Los Angeles as part of the IndyCar and IMSA race weekend in Southern California.
Making his debut in front of crowds of 70,000 screaming fans, it was a first for Khaled to race these purpose built trucks, with roaring V8 600hp engine and off-road tyres at speeds of upto 200kmph, it was also a first for Khaled to race on a tight street circuit like Long Beach.
Khaled Al Mudhaf debuts in Stadium Super Trucks at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach, California on April 17, 2016
The drivers race hard and fast over several high speed jumps on the 11 turn 1.968-mile course, propelling the trucks 20ft into the air. Heavy contact between trucks is inevitable as they appear to be racing mostly on two wheels through the corners, in close door to door action.
The races have two caution flags during the 10lap race, which brings all the trucks back into line, giving all the drivers a fighting chance. Everyone has the same spec truck with just a few changes to suspension set up allowed.
“It’s the most outrageous form of racing I have ever done; it’s totally wild, and not at all what I’m used to. The trucks are very well built and there’s a lot of protection for the drivers so it looks worse than it is. It’s a mix of drifting, rally and motocross all rolled into one, the jumps and landings are pretty hard on the body though and I feel that I have been beaten up,” commented Khaled after race one.
Khaled with series owner Robbie Gordon
“Khaled did an amazing job, having only a short test before and a steep learning curve here at Long Beach street circuit, but we are really pleased he has taken to it so well and did a great job, we would be glad to have him back” said series owner Robbie Gordon.
“I didn’t know what to expect when I joined this series, but I like to give myself challenges. I managed to score 2 top ten finishes and some points, so I’m happy I managed to complete the two races without too many problems, but after hitting the wall twice, I decided to just enjoy myself without trying to overdo it.”
“I’ll definitely be back for another round, I really enjoyed the weekend and made some great new friends at Long Beach, I want to thank Robbie Gordon and the whole crew for making me and my team feel so welcome.”