Hossler Eagerly Anticipating Magical Return To Qatar

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It doesn’t take much prodding to find out Alex Hossler’s feelings on racing in the Arabian Drag Racing League in Qatar.In fact, the colorful American Drag Racing League (ADRL) Pro Extreme standout is more than willing to share his very fond feelings of competing at the Qatar Racing Club.“I don’t really know how to explain other than to say it’s magical,” Hossler said. “It’s a beautiful place, the people are friendly and it really is the way to race in my opinion.”Hossler didn’t stop there, either.“The facility is beautiful. The track is as good as it gets anywhere on the planet and you’re treated like royalty no matter who you are,” he added. “They take good care of you and it really spoils you so much you can’t wait to go back.” Hossler was one who couldn’t wait, which is why he jumped at the chance to return for a second stint in Qatar.He will once again race in Pro Extreme, with the eight-race schedule at Qatar Race Club starting on Dec. 2-3.Of course, finishing as the runner-up in Pro Extreme last year likely helped the decision, but Hossler remains fascinated by the racing environment in Qatar.He’s also just as impressed with the reception he received by the growing number of racing fans.“They are the friendliest, most welcoming people you could imagine,” Hossler said. “It’s a magical place that is just beautiful. What a great opportunity to go to a wonderful place to do your favorite hobby.”Hossler will return to Qatar with a different look in many respects.The easiest to spot - at least those who saw Hossler finish second in the ADRL points race and win the Hardee’s Gateway Drags III in 2010 - will be a new wrap that was just recently completed on Hossler’s Camaro.The colorful new design replaces the all-black look and Hossler joked his car now “looks like a real race car.”Behind the scenes, the changes are numerous as well.Hossler has parted ways with former crew chief Chris Duncan, and Hossler has turned to Rob Flynn to fill the position.Flynn has been crew chief for the likes of NHRA standouts Kenny and Brandon Bernstein, and Flynn will bring assistants Mike and Rob Guger into the mix as well.Hossler said the split between he and Duncan was amicable, and he’s simply looking forward to what the future holds with Flynn.“To make a long story short, Chris and I were both presented opportunities for the betterment of each of us, we shook hands and decided to pursue them,” Hossler said.“Rob has 30 years of experience tuning cars. He’s very professional and I’m very excited to go down the track in something he’s tuned.”Everything will have to be on point if Hossler has any chance of repeating his runner-up finish or even moving up a spot to claim the championship in Qatar.Featuring the likes of Joshua Hernandez and Frankie Taylor for the first time, the PX field in Qatar will be extremely loaded.Other drivers include Todd Tutterow, KH Al-Thani, Von Smith, Mike Stawicki and Ellis Vial, meaning nothing will come easy for Hossler, or anyone for that matter.“When I heard the list of who was going, I expect to have eight events of the ‘Battle For The Belts.’ Every guy who is going is top-notch. Every round is going to be like a finals round,” Hossler said.“Nobody is going to be a slouch there. It’s going to be a star-studded cast and I’m honored to be part of it.”That part still hasn’t gotten old for Hossler and he doubts it ever will.He considers it a privilege to be racing in the ADRL and Arabian Drag Racing League, where he’s made a name for himself competing against his racing idols.Minus a forgettable first-round exit at the Speedtech “Battle For The Belts” in October, Hossler had a phenomenal 2010, winning twice in the ADRL and finishing second in the points.Still, from time to time, Hossler is still amazed he has more than held his own against the top drivers in the world.“Really, it’s an honor. Lining up next to Frankie or Josh or any of the guys, it wasn’t that long ago I was reading about them and thinking how cool they were,” Hossler said. “To be able to line up next to them and sometimes have a shot at winning, it’s like a dream come true.”(Photos by ADRL/Richards)

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