Motoring enthusiasts flocked to the opening of the third Bahrain International Motor Show on Thursday which featured live track demonstrations, stunts and exhibits.

The event got underway with over 40 local companies setting up stalls around the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) pits and paddock.

Members of the public were also granted the opportunity to test out the F1 circuit with their own vehicles during an open track session.

The action kicked into gear later in the afternoon when Supreme Council for Youth and Sport president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa officially opened the event, attended by BIC officials, organisers and guests.

Following the ceremony, top British stunt driver Terry Grant performed his impressive Ultimate Car Control routine, to the delight of the crowd.

Next on the agenda was a stunt bike show by a group of Bahrain-based bikers, before the first appearance in the Middle East of the Slingshot monster truck.

Among the companies exhibiting at the show are Behbehani Brothers, Al Ghassan Motors and Porsche Centre Bahrain.

Euro Motors also took the opportunity to launch the new BMW 6 Series Coupe and Convertible, the BMW M3 Coupe and the Mini Countryman, while YK Almoayyed Group launched the new Infiniti G25.

Apart from the live track demonstrations and exhibits, the opening ceremony also featured a range of entertainment for all the family, including the performance of American Blues singer Rudy Relic.

There was also a display of classic and super cars, including the Shelby GT500 used in the Hollywood blockbuster Gone In Sixty Seconds.

The show has been organised by local motor-trade specialists Auto Collection, which launched the event back in 2007. It was originally due to take place in March, but was postponed as a result of the unrest.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Auto Collection chief executive officer Wassim Sami Farhoud said: 'It's great to finally get to this point and see what all the hard work over the last few months has done and I am glad that we have delivered on what we promised.

'We're very happy with how it went today but the big day is tomorrow (Friday). People are off work, so we're expecting a crowd of about 10,000 through the day.'

Farhoud conveyed special thanks to all the exhibitors, sponsors and the BIC for their support.

The show will continue today and tomorrow from 12.30pm to 3.30pm and 5pm to 9pm. Admission costs BD5 and is free for children under 12.

Tickets are available at McDonalds, Zayt Zaytoon, Gloria Jeans Coffee, Nonoo Exchange, Al Jazira Supermarket and Euphoria outlets.-TradeArabia News Service