Kicks Off the 2025–26 Season
The roar of engines. The smell of burning rubber. The flash of lights as two cars launch side by side into the night. The wait is over—the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship (BDRC) is back, and the 2025–2026 season begins spectacularly with Round 1 on November 28, 2025, at the world-renowned Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir.
For motorsport enthusiasts across the Gulf and beyond, this is not just the start of another racing season—it’s the return of one of the most adrenaline-charged competitions in the Middle East. As the desert night sky lights up with the thunder of horsepower, the countdown to Bahrain’s biggest drag racing showdown has begun.
Event Overview: The Heartbeat of Gulf Motorsport
The Bahrain Drag Racing Championship has established itself as a cornerstone of the regional motorsport calendar. Organized by the Bahrain Drag Racing Club (BDRC) and sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), it represents the highest standard of drag racing outside North America.
Taking place at the Bahrain International Circuit, the event attracts top competitors from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and even Europe and the U.S., each vying for supremacy on the quarter-mile strip.
The BIC’s purpose-built drag strip, one of the few NHRA-certified facilities worldwide, provides a professional and high-grip surface that’s tailor-made for record-breaking runs. With world-class lighting, safety systems, and a grandstand capacity for thousands of roaring fans, it’s the perfect venue to launch a new season of speed and spectacle.
This year’s Round 1 marks the opening salvo in what promises to be a fiercely contested championship season, where milliseconds can define destiny and every run carries championship implications.
Competition Details: A Symphony of Power and Precision
The Bahrain Drag Racing Championship follows a knockout format, where racers compete head-to-head over a quarter-mile (402 meters) in a test of raw acceleration and control. Each race begins with the iconic “Christmas Tree” lights, flashing from amber to green—signaling drivers to unleash every ounce of horsepower in pursuit of victory.
The competition features several categories to accommodate a range of vehicles and skill levels:
- Pro Mod– The premier class featuring custom-built, turbocharged, and supercharged monsters that can exceed 3,000 horsepower.
- Outlaw 10.5– Known for their incredible tire grip and mind-bending speed, these cars often clock sub-6-second runs.
- Super Street– Street-legal cars that still pack serious power and offer relatable excitement for fans.
- Super Street Bike– Two-wheeled rockets that regularly hit over 320 km/h in under seven seconds.
- Index Classes– Competitive racing based on preset time limits, emphasizing consistency and reaction time over raw power.
Each class brings its own brand of intensity, skill, and unpredictability, making the championship a feast for fans of all forms of speed.
Organizers expect more than 150 competitors across all divisions, including elite teams such as Toyota Bahrain Racing, Team Kuwait Dragsters, and Lamborghini Iron Lynx Bahrain, alongside independent racers who have earned loyal followings.
Among the key drivers to watch this season are Ahmed Al Saffar, the reigning Pro Mod champion, Mohammed Al Blooshi from the UAE, and Bahrain’s very own Fatima Al Fardan, who continues to make waves in the Super Street Bike category.
Historical Context: A Legacy Forged in Speed
Drag racing has deep roots in Bahrain, dating back to the early 2000s when the sport began gaining traction among local enthusiasts. The establishment of the Bahrain International Circuit in 2004 was a turning point—it provided a world-class home for competitive drag racing. It helped nurture a generation of regional racing talent.
Over the years, the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship has grown into one of the Middle East’s most prestigious motorsport series, drawing international attention and recognition. Record-breaking runs have become common, with Bahraini racers regularly pushing the boundaries of what’s mechanically possible.
In recent years, the championship has also become a showcase for innovation. Teams are now integrating hybrid turbo systems, advanced traction control, and carbon-fiber body designs to shave crucial milliseconds off their times. The mix of tradition and cutting-edge technology has turned the BDRC into a symbol of progress for the region’s motorsport scene.
Expectations and Excitement: Anticipation Builds for Round 1
As Round 1 approaches, excitement across Bahrain’s motorsport community is palpable. Fans are eager to see who will set the tone for the season ahead—and whether new challengers can disrupt the dominance of established champions.
“This season feels different,” says veteran racer Ali Al Zayani, who competes in the Outlaw 10.5 class. “Everyone’s stepped up their game. The cars are faster, the teams are sharper, and no one’s playing it safe anymore.”
Social media buzz has also been building, with the official #BDRC2025 hashtag trending among local racing communities. Fan clubs from across the Gulf are organizing group trips to the circuit. At the same time, international drag racing enthusiasts have expressed interest in attending the event for its high level of competition and world-class facilities.
Adding to the excitement, this year’s opener will feature night racing under the floodlights, giving the event its signature visual drama—flames erupting from exhausts, engines roaring in unison, and the desert air thick with anticipation.
Practical Information: What Fans Need to Know
The Bahrain Drag Racing Championship – Round 1 takes place on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir.
- Gates Open:5:00 PM
- Qualifying Runs:6:00 PM
- Main Eliminations:8:30 PM onward
Tickets are available now at bahraingp.com and the BIC box office. General admission tickets grant access to the grandstands, while VIP passes include paddock access, pit tours, and premium seating near the start line for an up-close experience of the action.
Beyond the racing, fans can enjoy food trucks, live music, and family entertainment zones, making the event an exciting outing for all ages. The BIC’s Motorsport Village will also feature simulators, car displays, and merchandise booths, offering fans a full evening of immersive motorsport entertainment.
Call to Action: Join the Race Night Energy
The Bahrain Drag Racing Championship – Round 1 is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of speed, innovation, and community spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong motorsport fan or someone looking for an unforgettable night under the lights, this event promises the perfect mix of adrenaline and atmosphere.
Don’t miss your chance to witness the start of another thrilling season of Bahrain’s premier drag racing series.
Because when the lights turn green on November 28, and engines erupt in unison, Bahrain will once again prove why it stands at the heart of drag racing in the Middle East.