Sakhir:Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), known as "The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East," is set to host the opening round of the 2026/2027 National Race Day season this Friday, October 30, in Sakhir. The event will feature the Bahrain Touring Car Challenge (BTCC) and Bahrain Time Attack, promising a full day of circuit racing on BIC's 2.55-kilometre Inner Track.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the BTCC is a long-standing national racing championship in the region, continuing its legacy in its current format after previously being known as the BIC 2,000cc Challenge. Bahrain Time Attack will offer a race against the clock, with rankings based on the times participants record while navigating the track.
The event, organized by BIC in collaboration with the Bahrain Motor Federation, the Circuit Racing Commission, and the Auto X and Drift Commission, will commence at 9.25 am and conclude around 6 pm, followed by podium ceremonies. Tickets are available for BD2 for adults and BD1 for children, with fans able to watch from BIC's Beyon Grandstand.
Defending champion Ali Almansoori, returning in his Honda Civic, will lead the BTCC field, which includes a 10-car lineup featuring competitors such as Ahmed Bajnaid, Hamad Khamis, Isa Ebrahim, and Moaaz Elzahrawi in Honda Civics, among others in BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, and Acura cars. BTCC practice starts at 11.05 am, with qualifying at 12.25 pm, and two races scheduled for 2.39 pm and 5.21 pm.
In the Bahrain Time Attack, participants will compete in six classes based on car specifications. The program begins with practice at 9.25 am, followed by heats throughout the day, concluding at 3.40 pm.
BIC's 2026/2027 racing calendar includes seven National Race Day rounds, with the second round on November 13 and the third on November 28. The season will resume in 2027, with subsequent rounds leading to the finale on April 16.
For more details on National Race Day or other BIC events, visit bahraingp.com or contact the BIC Hotline.