By Libya Herald staff.
Tripoli, 20 November 2013:
A thousand kilometres of gruelling desert driving came to an end today when competitors in . . .[restrict]the second Hamada Rally hurtled, or in some cases, limped across the finishing line in Zintan.
The race had begun in the town on Saturday, despite security fears and the government’s decision to withdraw the two promised safety helicopters for the 40 cars and motorcycles, because of the killings at Gharghour.
Racing 200 kilometres a day, competitors and crews camped in desert locations, along with the hundreds of spectators, who followed the event in around 150 cars. The most southerly point of the course was at Al-Hamada. There were spills and crashes but only two vehicles in the race were so badly damaged that they could not continue. On the very last day, one of the race favourites had an engine blow up. Determined to have their car finish, the crew toiled for three hours to put in a new engine and get their team over the line.
Unfortunately, the final leg of the race had to be shortened because of a petrol shortage, since fuel bowsers got stuck in sand on their way the last overnight camp.
The planned awards ceremony this evening was postponed, organisers told the Libya Herald, because of concerns about security but the event been rescheduled for Saturday evening in Zintan.
With contributions from Seraj Essul. [/restrict]
