Photos courtesy Al-Anabi Racing

According to a press release issued today, the Qatar Racing Club has ended funding for all North American motorsports activities in North America, which includes the two-car Al-Anabi Racing Team operated by Alan Johnson Racing.  The team members, including Khalid Albalooshi and Shawn Langdon, were notified this morning.

Team owner Alan Johnson has expressed surprise and disappointment at Qatar Racing Club’s choice. “Our plans for the 2015 NHRA season were nearing completion starting with pre-season testing next week in (West Palm Beach) Florida and the first race of the 2015 NHRA season a month from today in (Pomona) California. Many things are uncertain, and our situation is obviously still evolving.  We are currently exploring our options, and we hope to have more news in the near future,” said Johnson.

The Al-Anabi team has won 42 races over the past six seasons, and and won the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Top Fuel championships in 2010, ’11, and ’12.  As of this morning, drivers were unable to grant interview requests.

Al-Anabi Racing Team and Alan Johnson Racing are looking at other options and potential sponsorships and will be providing updates as it happens.  We hope that they are able to figure something out prior to the start of the Winternationals in Pomona, starting on February 5, 2015.