Khalid Al Mulla recalls how his once "silly" dream became a reality with his car club, Group 63.
"The initial idea was to find 63 members who had any [Mercedes-Benz AMG] 63 Series," says the 21-year-old student and public service worker. "It was hard to find them, and I used to print out flyers at home to distribute in Al Mamzar and Jumeirah areas, because that is where I could find such cars. After finding the 63 [members], we saw interest in people and, with time, it was increasing.
"We used to get one or two members per month, and now more than 10 a week wish to become members."
"I am loyal to Mercedes, and having an E63 was a dream that is now reachable," adds Al Mulla.
Founded at the end of 2010, Group 63 is now one of the most well-known car clubs in the UAE, having more than 450 members who are mostly from the UAE, but many are from Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Yemen and Saudi Arabia as well. To become a member, one must have a 63 Series car, yet for regular participation in activities, anyone can join. Most activities are held in Dubai, as the majority of the members are there.
The drag race that happens once a year - this year's edition was held on Saturday - is the highlight for the group, and many of the members take the time and energy to tune their engines as they await for the day in excitement.
"I try to have it once a year only, for several reasons. One, because I want people to be ready for it. It also take a lot of preparation," Al Mulla says.
He needs to find a spot that can occupy many cars as well as people, and the Dubai Autodrome is the perfect place. He also needs to know who might be coming, including VIPs of the Royal family, and he needs to sort out the photographers and press.
"Every year, I set a limit. In 2011, I started with 20 participants only, and last year I had 40," he says. "This year I have 60 participants, with more than 50 on the waiting list, in case the participants can't make it."
Al Mulla himself didn't participate in the race; his car is a Brabus-version, 700hp B63. "There will be no point of the race for the others, they won't be as competitive," he jokes.
Despite the occasional rain, Saturday's event was a success, with 150 people watching and, by 9pm, a winner was declared, a driver (who wished to remain anonymous) driving a Brabus CLS 63. Despite there being only one winner, the field is full of smiles from these Mercedes enthusiasts.
"As you can see, we do all the work ourselves," says Al Mulla. He and his friend, Ahmad Al Qassimi, 18, maintain communication between the members and their activities, usually via BlackBerry. "Ahmad is second in command," says Al Mulla. The two are also helped out by Sultan Al Rahoumi, 23, who deals with other clubs, companies, meetings and agencies including Gargash Enterprises, which sponsored the race.
Apart from this annual drag race, the group also plans massive outings in the winter and summer "for fun", where all the cars parade around Dubai. Again, coordinating so many cars and people takes plenty of work, but Al Mulla loves it.
"After the group grew, I got bigger dreams and I know if I give it my all I will achieve my goals. As a person who in little time managed to reach my dream, I am of course proud. Day by day, event by event I am motivated by the young men."
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