THE Hummer Driving Academy in Bahrain is the second one in the world as well as being the region’s first off road driving school and first such academy outside the United States. The only other Hummer Academy is based in Indiana, USA.
“The course here is based on the course model in the US but also incorporates modules related to the Middle Eastern environment ie we have included desert survival as part of the course,” said Ahmed Soudodi, Hummer Marketing Manager at General Motors Middle East.
The off road course at the Bahrain International Circuit is sponsored by Hummer, which always proves to be very popular during events held here.
The Academy was launched to the media in February this year, and the first course is due to run this month, in mid May.
“The plan is to run 1 H2 course per month and 1 H3 course per month. The maximum capacity for each course is 12 passengers - this is to ensure that each guest gets the most out of the training,” said Soudodi.
”The Academy is to be marketed throughout the GCC, and there has been quite a lot of interest from the UAE,” he said.
Terry Johnsson, president for GM Middle East Operations, said that the Hummer brand was growing all over the world and especially in the Middle East. The company had also launched a Hummer Arabia quarterly magazine and Hummer Hum, an owners club. “We believe the academy will play an important role in the further development of the regional and international reputation of BIC and, indeed, Bahrain as a destination.”
The driving academy is open to both Hummer owners and off-road enthusiasts alike. It features a mix of classroom based driving theory, hands on know how and practical driving experience gained on the unique off-road track, which is home to challenges only a vehicle like this can tackle. These include the now legendary Hummer Hill and the aptly named Hummer Steps challenges.
In all, the track comprises over thirty challenging obstacles with 85 per cent inclines and descents, 50 per cent lean over angles, deep water obstacles and precision driving challenges.
The academy’s qualified instructors have all spent time at the home of the Hummer Driving Academy in South Bend, Indiana. They will use H2s and H3s models to develop safe and confident drivers on any off-road terrain.