Photos by Mohammed Ismail and Lance Cenar for Doha News

A competition designed to feed residents’ need for speed while staying safe at the same time saw turnout increase sharply since its inaugural event last year.

The second annual “Qatar Mile” speed race, in which drivers pay to zoom down Al Khor Airstrip at up to 300km/h, kicked off on Friday and runs through today.

Organized by the Qatar Racing Club, more than 100 local competitors, as well as a dozen or so from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, are expected to participate in the event, which goes from 9am to 5pm.

How it works

Yesterday, cars lined up in the morning before the starting line, and began taking turns driving down an 800-meter lane while trying to reach the maximum speed possible. A speedometer that flashes on a big screen near the audience registers how fast they’re going, and winners get prize money.

General admission to watch the racing is free, and VIP seats are QR100/person. At the event, there is also refreshments, a raffle, and shops selling shirts and car kits/accessories.

One new presence this year is representatives of the One Second campaign, which has been trying to improve road safety by raising awareness of the dangers of speeding, texting while driving and not buckling up.

Are you planning to check out the event? Thoughts?