LIBYA-CAR STUNTS Libyans show off car stunt skills

Record ID: 146172

  • Title: LIBYA-CAR STUNTS Libyans show off car stunt skills
  • Date: 27th July 2015
  • Summary: TRIPOLI, LIBYA (JULY 23, 2015) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF STUNT MEN IN THE RACE ARENA BANNER (Arabic) READING: "Festival of safety and security for car driving, under the auspicious of Central Security Directorate of Abou Slim. Thursday 23.07. 2015" (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) A POLICEMAN INVOLVED IN ORGANIZING THE EVENT, NIZAR, SAYING: "We tried to eliminate this phenomenon from the s
  • Embargoed: 11th August 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Libya
  • Country: Libya
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA2XTON5UF2762TMSHHALX6KE2X
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Tires screeched on the tarmac as the smell of burned rubber filled the air in Libya's capital Tripoli, as dozens of young men showed off their motor stunt skills to a captivated crowd.
    Usually these young dare devils would take to the city's streets showing off their donuts and wheelies, at times endangering themselves and those around them. But this recent event was organized and supervised by the city's police.
    "We tried to eliminate this phenomenon from the streets and public spaces by confining it to a designated venue under the watchful eye and control of the state," said organizer and policeman Nizar.
    "At least this way we can provide protection, security, and safety. This also fills up the spare time of young Libyans who have suffered from the ongoing war," he added.
    According to police officials and organisers, Thursday's (July 23) event was only the beginning of what will become a monthly feature in Tripoli. They said a new motor sports club that caters for these kinds of skills is due to be established.
    In a country divided by war, political instability, a crumbling economy, and the increasing spread of Islamic militant groups, organisers and participants say performing these stunts act as a distraction for the country's young men.
    "This is a great idea. They should have done this a long time ago. Before there wasn't a place for us to do this and God willing it will always be like this," said participant Walid Quraish.
    To ensure the drivers' and spectators' safety, Tripoli's public security forces provided the venue, paid for the lighting, and ensured the presence of police officers, fire department officials, fire trucks, and ambulances.
    The event proved popular, attracting hundreds of visitors who witnessed at least one car's tire explode into flames.
    "This event is amazing. Hopefully we will always have such events. It brings joy to our young men and brings them together and provides a change of atmosphere for them, and hopefully it continues," said spectator Mohammed al Sheibani.
    With future events now expected to take place on a more regular basis, it's given many thrill-seeking Libyans a glimmer of hope that they can continue to enjoy life in the fast lane.
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