In the last race of the championship, the Sheikh faced defending series champion Von Smith and fellow American Alex Hossler as drivers with a mathematical shot at winning the championship. Al-Thani didn’t disappoint and ran top speed of the event at 207.27 miles per hour over the eighth-mile distance.
“We were well aware of the different possible outcomes of the points race,” Al-Thani said later. “But we knew the best approach to situations such as these is to rely only on our capabilities and not the actions of others. Winning the race would mean winning the championship, so that was our goal from the start of the event.”
Al-Thani’s crew chief, Frank “Ace” Manzo was named Crew Chief of the Year after tuning the ‘68 Camaro to world-record elapsed times and speeds.
“I couldn’t be happier for him,” Al-Thani said of Manzo. “It was great to see his big smile after we got back to the pits and see the excitement on everyone’s face. It was a big moment, and I believe it is only the beginning for this Al-Anabi Racing team.”
“This has been a tremendous season for the Arabian Drag Racing League, one that stands out for its record-setting performances and growth as a series,” Kenny Nowling, president and CEO for both the American and Arabian Drag Racing Leagues, said. “I congratulate all the race winners and champions and thank them for providing us with memories to last a lifetime.”
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