MUSCAT: Oman’s racing champion Ahmad Al Harthy requires no introduction, nevertheless, when addressed as the ‘first and only circuit racer in the country, he categorically stated: “I am, generally, introduced as Oman’s first and only circuit racer, but I am not the only one. I am proud to say that today we have so many young circuit drivers.”

However, reaching this stage of success and popularity hasn’t been easy, he contends, more so as it is a sport that didn’t exist in Oman prior to his blazing presence. “It was always going to be a challenge…we were doing something new and to progress in the right manner was going to be a challenge,” he noted.

Tracing his 16-year long journey in the sporting arena, he said the first challenge was to convince his parents, reiterating that family support is of utmost importance to make it big in any field. The other challenge was trying to balance his job as an accountant with his passion for racing. “I had to tell myself I need to stop that side and start racing,” he recalled.

But the bigger challenge was convincing businesses to support him, especially in the initial days when he was starting out. “It took time, but it happened,” he stated.
And today, what makes him the most proud is hearing Oman’s national anthem when he takes the podium. “That’s what drives me…keeps me going,” he said.