Ahmed Al Harthy Wins Second Place In Texas World Endurance Race

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

Omani international racer Ahmed Al Harthy achieved a remarkable second-place finish in the “America” race held in Texas. This race was part of the sixth round of the World Endurance Championship in the GT3 category.

The event is known as one of the most challenging races in the championship. Achieving second place in such a competitive and difficult race is a significant milestone for Al Harthy and his team.

Team And Car Details

Ahmed Al Harthy competed alongside two renowned teammates: Italian Valentino Rossi and South African Kelvin van der Linde. The team drove the BMW M4 car number 46.

Together, the trio faced a demanding six-hour race with changing and unpredictable weather conditions. The race alternated between heavy rain and dry periods, testing both the drivers’ skills and the car’s performance.

Challenging Weather Conditions

The race in Texas was affected by torrential rainfall, which forced the organizers to suspend the event for 35 minutes. This break allowed the track to be cleared and conditions to stabilize for safety reasons.

Despite these challenges, Al Harthy and his teammates remained focused, showing determination and teamwork to navigate the wet and dry track conditions.

Strong Comeback From 16th Position

The team started the race in 16th position, which meant they had a long way to climb to reach the podium. Through consistent performance, strategic driving, and effective teamwork, they advanced steadily through the ranks.

By the end of the race, the team had crossed the finish line in third place. Later, a penalty imposed on another competing team moved Al Harthy and his teammates up to second place officially, highlighting their perseverance and skill.

Points And Championship Standings

With this second-place finish, Al Harthy and his team earned 18 points in the GT3 category. This brought their total points in the championship to 40 points.

Their performance allowed them to advance temporarily from 13th place to 10th place in the overall standings. This improvement gives them a better position and momentum heading into the final two rounds of the championship.

Upcoming Championship Rounds

The final two rounds of the World Endurance Championship are scheduled in:

1. Fuji, Japan, in late September
2. Bahrain International Circuit, in November

Al Harthy and his teammates will compete in these races aiming to improve their standings further and achieve strong results in the championship’s concluding rounds.

Teamwork And Coordination

The success in Texas was the result of strong teamwork and coordination. Al Harthy, Rossi, and van der Linde had to work closely to manage tire changes, driver swaps, and strategy under rapidly changing weather.

This teamwork was crucial to maintain consistent lap times, avoid accidents on the wet track, and navigate challenging racing conditions.

Strategic Driving And Skills

The team’s ability to recover from a low starting position demonstrates strategic driving and racing skills. They carefully managed overtakes, timing, and pace, showing both experience and composure.

Al Harthy’s experience as an international racer helped the team make critical decisions during the race, especially during the periods of heavy rain when visibility and grip were reduced.

Importance Of This Achievement

Finishing second in such a competitive race is a major achievement for Al Harthy and Omani motorsport. It not only showcases his talent on an international stage but also highlights Oman’s presence in the world of endurance racing.

The result contributes positively to his career, bringing recognition and opening opportunities for sponsorships and collaborations with international teams.

BMW M4 Performance

The BMW M4 car number 46 played a key role in this accomplishment. Its performance under mixed weather conditions, reliability during the six-hour race, and the ability to maintain speed while being safe were critical factors in the team’s success.

The combination of a skilled team and a high-performing car demonstrates the importance of technology, preparation, and coordination in endurance racing.

Overcoming Challenges And Adversity

The Texas race was particularly challenging due to the intermittent heavy rain, which made the track slippery and unpredictable. Drivers had to adapt constantly, changing strategies to suit the weather.

Al Harthy and his team showed resilience and focus throughout, turning adversity into an opportunity to advance positions and secure a podium finish.

Building Momentum For Future Races

This strong result in Texas gives Al Harthy and his team momentum heading into the final rounds of the championship. A good performance in Japan and Bahrain could further improve their overall ranking and end the season on a high note.

The experience gained in Texas, especially under difficult weather conditions, will help the team make better strategic choices in upcoming races.

Ahmed Al Harthy’s second-place finish in the Texas World Endurance Championship GT3 race is a significant milestone in his racing career.

The achievement highlights the importance of teamwork, strategy, skill, and determination in international motorsport. It also emphasizes Oman’s growing presence in global racing events.

With two final rounds remaining in Japan and Bahrain, Al Harthy and his team aim to build on this success, improve their standings, and continue representing Oman on the international motorsport stage with pride.

Ahmed Al Harthy, World Endurance Championship, GT3 Texas race