Jamaica’s Cleve Ottey to compete at Red Bull Drift final in Oman

Cleve Ottey of Jamaica is set to compete against 27 elite drifters from 16 nations in the Red Bull Car Park Drift (CPD) World Final at the Muscat Drift Arena in the Sultanate of Oman on Friday.

Ottey, crowned Jamaica’s 'Drift King' in July 2023, becomes the second Jamaican ever to compete on the global stage. At the 2023 local Red Bull Car Park Drift event, he triumphed over 28 contenders, navigating a challenging nine-obstacle course designed by Lebanese motorsport champion and Guinness World Record holder Abdo Feghali. The obstacles included box runs, pendulums, and spirals, with penalties applied for spinning, hitting barriers, or drifting incorrectly.

Ottey clinched the title with scores of 269, 278, and 270 out of a possible 300 points in three rounds.

Reflecting on his achievement, Ottey expressed his excitement to represent Jamaica internationally. “Last year's win was a huge moment for me, but it was just the beginning. The journey to the world stage has been intense, and I'm so excited to finally represent Jamaica on a global platform. I'm determined to bring the same energy and skill that earned me the Drift King title to Oman. I’m ready to give it my all, make my country proud, and put Jamaica on the map for our drifting talent,” he said.

The competition promises high stakes and fierce rivalries, with top drivers such as Ahmad Daham (UAE), Ali Makseed (Kuwait), and defending champion Hisham Al Khatib (Egypt) vying for the title. Host nation Oman boasts a strong legacy in the event, with local drifters dominating the podium in 2016.

Abdo Feghali, a pivotal figure in CPD’s global success, will oversee the event and lead as a mentor. Speaking ahead of the final, Feghali noted the significance of Oman’s motorsport heritage. “This is the time of year when some of the world’s best drifters come together in one place, and this year is particularly special given the Sultanate of Oman’s passion for the sport. We’re thrilled to be back with the highest number of participants ever,” he said.

“The Sultanate of Oman holds a special place in CPD’s legacy, with Omani drifters dominating the podium back in 2016, taking first, second, and third place. The competitors know they’ll be up against fierce local talent this year, and I’m confident the fans, media, and everyone attending will witness an electrifying event. I can’t wait to see who will be crowned the CPD World Champion in Oman very soon,” Feghali added.

The event will be live-streamed on Friday at 8:45 am (Jamaican time) on the Red Bull Motorsports YouTube channel, Facebook livestream, and Red Bull TV.