Back in December word made it’s way from abroad that Sheikh Khalid Al-Thani had turned over the driving duties of his own Pro Extreme 1968 Camaro to two-wheeled veteran and former NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Matt Smith. The second-generation racer wasted little time getting up to speed with his new four-wheeled environs, earning his license with the quickest and fastest licensing pass in Pro Modified history. But many were left wondering why Al-Thani, the man behind the formidable Al-Anabi Racing, had suddenly relinquished his driving role following an Arabian championship in 2009 and a successful American campaign in 2010. Rumors swirled that he stepped away to focus on business, that his family had forced him out of the seat, that a recent crash by a fellow competitor had left him with some anxiety, and other unsubstantiated inuendo.
It’s doubtful that anyone outside of Al-Thani’s immediate circle will ever know the reasoning for the leave of absence, but during this weekend’s Round 7 of the Arabian Drag Racing League at the Qatar Racing Club in Doha, Al-Thani was seen shaking down a brand new ’68 Camaro to the surprise of many here stateside. His lone test hit down the eighth mile carded a 4.06 at 194 miles per hour.
Nothing concerning Al-Thani’s immediate future as a driver has been confirmed, but the addition of a brand new and stunning race car bearing his name could signal a return to full-time competition as the ADRL shifts backs to American soil next month. Al-Thani captured two victories in the cut throat Pro Extreme category in his rookie season in 2010 and earned a place in the lucrative Battle for the Belts, where he fell in the semifinals.
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