Arabian Drag Racing League Kicks Off 2026 Season in Doha

The 2026 Arabian Drag Racing League has officially commenced, marking the start of a thrilling season at the Qatar Racing Club’s (QRC) dedicated drag racing venue in Doha. Featuring a mix of speed, adrenaline, and fierce competition, the league showcases some of the world’s most accomplished racers and is set to run over six rounds, culminating on February 13, 2026.

This prestigious championship is held under the auspices of QRC Chairman H E Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani, who has shown unwavering support for the event. The season kicked off with testing sessions yesterday, followed by qualifying today and tomorrow. The excitement will build through tandem races on Friday.

Elite Drivers and Enhanced Competition

The Arabian Drag Racing League, renowned as one of the most competitive drag racing series globally, enters this season with a promise of exhilarating races. With a legacy of setting numerous records on the QRC track, the organizers are well-prepared to meet the high expectations of fans and participants alike.

Sheikh Jabor bin Khalid Al Thani, Director General of QRC, expressed the club’s commitment to enhancing the competition. “To date, we have held three rounds of both the Qatar Drift Championship and the Qatar Drag Racing Championship,” he stated. “We are now at the most significant milestone of our annual events calendar: the 2026 Arabian Drag Racing League.”

This year, the league sees the return of the Pro Mod category, attracting top-tier drivers such as J.R. Gray, the 2025 NHRA Championship titleholder, and veteran champion Mike Castellana. Both drivers, representing Qatar’s Al-Anabi Team, bring years of experience from the U.S. championship circuit.

In response to competitors’ feedback, the Street Bike category has been added, increasing the motorcycle categories to two with the potential to expand further. Sheikh Jabor noted the readiness to introduce the Pro Bike category, the most powerful class in motorcycle drag racing, should competitor numbers meet the required threshold.

Exciting Events and Substantial Prize Money

Sheikh Jabor emphasized the league’s significance in the club’s agenda, stating it is the largest and most competitive event of the season. “Our focus is on mobilizing all efforts for the championship’s success and ensuring it provides an engaging experience for fans,” he explained. To this end, entertainment areas for children and family-friendly spaces have been established at the venue.

Alongside the drag racing, the QRC will also host the Qatar Custom Show in its 13th edition, coinciding with the championship’s second round, further enriching the experience for motorsport enthusiasts.

The championship is set to award approximately QR3.5 million in total prize money. Each round will allocate about QR485,000, with the Pro Mod category offering the largest individual prizes: QR50,000 for the winner, QR25,000 for the runner-up, and QR12,500 for third place. Should the Pro Bike category be introduced, the total prize money per round will rise to approximately QR530,000.

As excitement builds for the season ahead, more than 150 companies specializing in automobiles and related industries are set to participate in the Qatar Custom Show, promising a vibrant atmosphere for both competitors and fans alike.