DOHA, Qatar -- When testing got underway for Round 2 of the Arabian Drag Racing League’s 2009-10 schedule, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani wasted no time in serving notice he’s ready to do battle over the eighth mile at the Qatar Race Club.

Under the watchful eye of crew chief Frank “Ace” Manzo, Sheikh Khalid piloted his Al-Anabi Racing, Tim McAmis-built ’68 Camaro to an outstanding 3.74-seconds pass at more than 204 miles per hour. Both numbers are not far off the official series records held by Tennessee racer Von Smith, the defending Arabian Drag Racing League Pro Extreme champion and winner of Round 1 at the same track two weeks ago.

“It couldn’t have gone any better, straight as an arrow all the way to the finish line,” stated Kenny Nowling, president and CEO of both the Arabian and O’Fallon, Missouri-based American Drag Racing Leagues, who is in Qatar with several U.S.-based race officials to help run the event. “Sheikh Khalid is a natural-born driver and with a true champion like ‘Ace’ turning the wrenches, they’ve already become a formidable force in Pro Extreme over here.”

Testing will resume from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. local time Dec. 2, with qualifying and eliminations for Round 2 to follow Dec. 3-4, at the Qatar Race Club. For additional news, results and photos, visit www.ADRL.us.