New Year energy fuels thrilling start at Tal Moreeb
The Car Hill Climb Championship roared into action at Tal Moreeb with a powerful opening day that set the tone for an unforgettable motorsport showcase. Held as part of the Liwa International Festival, the championship welcomed the New Year with intense competition, vibrant crowds, and standout performances across electric and hybrid vehicle categories. From the first run to the final climb, the atmosphere blended sporting drama with celebration, creating a compelling spectacle in the heart of the desert.
Tal Moreeb delivers a demanding stage for innovation
Set within the sweeping dunes of Tal Moreeb, the opening day reaffirmed why the venue remains one of the most challenging hill climb stages in the region. Known for its steep gradient and shifting sand, the slope tests every aspect of a vehicle’s engineering and a driver’s precision. Competitors faced a course that demanded instant torque, flawless traction, and unwavering focus, especially as hybrid and electric technologies were pushed to their limits.
The terrain rewarded those who combined smart vehicle setup with confident driving. Each attempt up the slope carried visible tension, as seconds could be gained or lost in moments. The result was a series of runs that kept spectators engaged and competitors locked in fierce rivalry from the outset.
Hybrid category sets the competitive benchmark
The hybrid vehicle category quickly emerged as a highlight of the opening day, showcasing how performance and sustainability can coexist on a demanding motorsport stage. Omani driver Mohsin bin Hani bin Abdulaziz delivered a commanding run, posting a time of 8.403 seconds to take the top spot in the category. His performance reflected a careful balance of power delivery and control, allowing him to conquer the slope with confidence.
Close behind, Ahmed Khalfan Al Mansouri secured second place with a time of 13.105 seconds, underlining the depth of competition among hybrid entrants. The narrow margins and contrasting driving styles added to the drama, emphasizing that success at Tal Moreeb is determined not only by raw power but also by strategic execution and composure under pressure.
Electric vehicles steal the spotlight
Electric vehicles delivered some of the most exciting moments of the day, capturing attention with their instant acceleration and near-silent climbs. Majed Salem Mubarak Salem Al Mansouri led the electric category with an impressive time of 7.343 seconds, demonstrating the growing competitiveness of electric powertrains in high-performance motorsport.
His run stood out not just for speed, but for the smoothness with which the vehicle handled the steep ascent. The performance reinforced a clear message from the opening day: electric vehicles are no longer experimental participants, but serious contenders capable of challenging traditional benchmarks in demanding environments.
A festive crowd and growing public interest
Beyond the competition itself, the championship benefited from strong public turnout, as spectators gathered to witness the action amid New Year celebrations. Families, motorsport enthusiasts, and festival visitors lined the viewing areas, creating a lively backdrop that elevated the experience for competitors and fans alike.
The fusion of sport and celebration added a unique character to the opening day. Cheers echoed across the dunes with each successful climb, while moments of suspense unfolded when vehicles struggled against the slope. This shared experience between drivers and spectators strengthened the sense of community that has become synonymous with the festival.
Sustainable mobility takes center stage
The prominence of electric and hybrid categories on the opening day reflected a broader shift within motorsport toward sustainable mobility. By placing these categories at the forefront, the Car Hill Climb Championship highlighted how innovation is reshaping competitive racing without compromising excitement or performance.
Drivers and teams embraced the challenge of showcasing advanced technologies in one of the region’s toughest environments. The results demonstrated that sustainability and spectacle are not mutually exclusive, and that motorsport can play a meaningful role in shaping perceptions of future mobility.
Precision, power, and preparation define success
What became clear throughout the day was that Tal Moreeb rewards preparation as much as bravery. Teams that fine-tuned their vehicles for the unique conditions of sand and incline gained a decisive edge. Drivers who balanced aggression with restraint were able to extract maximum performance without sacrificing control.
This combination of technical insight and driving skill created a series of compelling narratives across categories. Each run told a story of strategy, adaptation, and determination, reinforcing the championship’s reputation as a true test of motorsport excellence.
Al Dhafra’s enduring motorsport legacy
Located in the Al Dhafra region, Tal Moreeb continues to serve as a symbol of the area’s deep connection to desert motorsport. The venue’s inclusion in the Liwa International Festival program underscores its importance as a stage where tradition meets modern competition.
Year after year, the hill climb draws participants from across the region and beyond, contributing to Al Dhafra’s growing profile as a destination for high-adrenaline sporting events. The opening day of the championship reinforced this legacy, showcasing both the challenge of the terrain and the passion it inspires.
Strong opening signals an exciting championship ahead
Organizers have expressed confidence that the strong participation and competitive performances seen on the first day will carry through the remainder of the championship. With multiple categories still to unfold and rivalries already taking shape, anticipation is building for the coming days.
As the Car Hill Climb Championship continues, the blend of innovation, skill, and spectacle promises to deliver further memorable moments. The opening day did more than launch a competition; it set a high standard that competitors will be eager to meet and surpass.
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