Porsche 997 GT3R racer Ahmad Al Harthy couldnt contain his excitement following his first ever night-time qualifying experience at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium yesterday, Thursday, 25th July, during the build-up to the weekends Total 24 Hours of Spa endurance race.Marking yet another first for the ARC Bratislava-NBO Racing Team driver, the event providing his maiden run at the world-famous track as well as his competitive debut in a twice round the clock 24 Hour Race, the night-time qualifying run was the personal highlight of his first days running.Partnering regular Blancpain Endurance Series team-mate Miro Konpka, for the purposes of the lengthy 24 Hour encounter the driver line-up has expanded to four competitors with Germanys Marco Schelp and Slovakias Jan Raska joining the squad.Posting the eighth fastest time in the GTR Class during yesterday evenings opening qualifying run, thanks to Ahmads best lap of 2m27.220 seconds, the NBO Racing Team ended the day ninth in GTR on combined times following the night session.What an amazing experience qualifying was, said Ahmad, It was my first time ever in a racing car in the dark at night, plus its my first time at Spa too and my first ever 24 Hour race this weekend. To be able to drive this circuit is incredible and the highlight is definitely Eau RougeIve never done anything like that before, its an unbelievable part of the circuit!Everything has gone to plan so far, due to four of us running in the car this weekend there is very little track time during practice and qualifying but we kept improving. We definitely could have been quicker but, for us, we felt it was a good session. There was so much traffic out there and in the dark, with all of the headlights blazing, it makes things incredibly exciting.Enjoying a well-deserved rest today ahead of the big race itself which begins at 15.30 (local time) on Saturday, 27th July, the 31-year-old is happy with the preparations made so far and cannot wait to be back behind the wheel.I felt pretty comfortable on my first time driving the Porsche at night and I just cant wait for the race, he added, If we can finish the full 24 hours, which is the main aim, and have a good, solid result, well all be very happy as its such a huge learning curve.Digital satellite and cable channel Motors TV will be carrying live coverage of the Total 24 Hours of Spa at regular intervals throughout the weekendcheck local listings for more details.Provisional 2013 Blancpain Endurance Series GTR Class Driver Standings (after Rd3):4th Ahmad Al Harthy/ Miro Konpka, 29pts

Provisional 2013 Blancpain Endurance Series GTR Class Team Standings (after Rd3):4th ARC Bratislava-NBO Racing Team, 35pts