A step towards global recognition: Erbil hosts the first “Off-Road” championship with wide participation
A step towards global recognition: Erbil hosts the first “Off-Road” championship with wide participation
2025-12-26 05:01
Shafaq News – Erbil
On Friday, Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, witnessed the launch of the first official championship of its kind in Iraq for four-wheel drive off-road racing , with wide participation from racers and enthusiasts, in a step aimed at putting Iraq on the map of international championships.
Mariwan, one of the participants and organizers of the championship, told Shafaq News Agency, “This event is the first of its kind to be held on this scale at the national level, with the participation of 48 sports cars that were modified locally within the Kurdistan Region.”
He added: “This tournament is the cornerstone for organizing future events in more professional ways. Our goal is to include Kurdistan and Iraq on the list of countries participating in international events, and to enable our players to compete in world championships abroad.”
For his part, competitor Azad explained that “today’s competitions focused on the (Extreme) category, which is the most difficult category that includes climbing very rough hills.”
He explained to Shafaq News Agency that “the nature of the field was a great challenge, and it is very good as a first start, and despite the difficulty of the route, only three cars have managed so far to reach the top without mechanical failures.”
The competitor, Kuyar, who comes from Sulaymaniyah Governorate, described the championship as “unique and beautiful,” noting that his passion for four-wheel drive vehicles began in his childhood.
Regarding the costs of modifying these cars, Kuyar explained to Shafaq News Agency that “modifying cars requires sums of money that may be expensive for some due to the large number of requirements and special parts, but for the person who has the experience and works on his car himself, the cost becomes acceptable and enjoyable as it is part of the hobby.”
This championship comes at a time when motorsports is witnessing increasing interest from young people in the Kurdistan Region and throughout Iraq, amid hopes that it will receive greater official support to develop circuits and fields in accordance with international standards.
shafaq.com
