It was the moment Haitham al Hadidi waited for four years. After winning the 2016 Regional Finals in Oman, Al Hadidi could not make it to the top podium with several near misses. The drifting youth icon of the Sultanate was in dream form at the Red Bull Car Park Drift 2020 Oman and deservedly edged out top-class performer Tariq al Shaihani to clinch the lone spot for Oman in the World Series Final in Cairo on November 6. Sami al Shaibani, who impressed at the Oman International Drift 2020, continued the fine outing at the Car Park Drift at the Oman Automobile Association’s (OAA) Drift Arena on Friday night and finished third ahead of 2017 Series winner Rafaat al Yahyai.

“This was a long-awaited triumph for me. After my win in 2016, I couldn’t really make any significant achievement. It was a tale of near misses,” Haitham, who was crowned King of Drift Oman 2020, told Observer. “Finally, I am able to corner the glory in Oman after overcoming some of finest drifters like Tariq, Sami and Rafaat. Now, my full focus is to bring the World Series trophy back to the Sultanate,” the youngster added. Among the 22 drivers who registered for the event, 18 turned up on the day. After the opening round, the top eight qualified to the quarterfinals. After the last eight round, Haitham (393 points), Tariq (392), Rafaat (360) and Sami (339) made it to the semifinals.