Oman's first international motor racing star, Ahmad A Harthy, achieved speeds of 300km/h this weekend as he took his Oman Air-sponsored Porsche Carrera Cup car to the iconic Le Mans racing circuit in France.
He achieved the speeds during qualifying for the 24 Hours of Le Mans support race, where he posted the sixth-fastest time out of 36 drivers. Ahmad’s outstanding performance was achieved during his first-ever visit to the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans.
“Driving at Le Mans was undoubtedly the highlight of my racing career so far – a dream come true,” said Ahmad.
“The track is out of this world and to be on the pace there against so many drivers from around Europe was unbelievable. Touching a top speed of 300km/h was an incredible experience - we were as quick as some of the GT cars from the actual 24 Hour race.”
Twenty-eight year old Ahmad Al Harthy’s drive at Le Mans came to a dramatic early close, however, when his car made contact with a concrete retaining wall during the final sector of qualifying. Whilst he was unhurt, the Porsche sustained significant damage and could not be repaired in time for the following day’s racing.
Ahmad Al Harthy continued:
“I am hugely disappointed that the experience ended this way, as I was looking forward to the race so much. It has been an honour to drive the Le Mans circuit and we can take so many positives away with us. We’ll be back in the future, that’s for sure!”
Philippe Georgiou, Chief Officer Corporate Affairs for Oman Air, said:
“Ahmad’s skill and determination are an inspiration and Oman Air is proud to sponsor him. He achieved some remarkable times at the Le Mans circuit and has, yet again, proved himself as a world class driver. Whilst it is disappointing that Ahmad was unable to continue the event, we are grateful that he came away from his experience unscathed and are sure that he will return to achieve great things.”
Ahmad has now returned to the UK to prepare for the next two rounds of his regular championship, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, which will take place next weekend, 19th/20th June, at the Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire.
The mid-point of the championship sees Oman’s number one racing driver in fourth place overall in the Pro-Am 1 Class driver standings, with three podium finishes to his credit.
