Sun. Cloudy with partially Sunny
The 23rd Sun Chlorella Asia Cross Country Rally are welcomed from the middle of Thailand, high end luxury resort hotel in Pattaya. Race starts from 8/12 with total 7days of race days, including 3days through Cambodia and finish at Phunom Penh.
First half of the race starts by heading North East of Thailand, to Kabinbui, Buriram, and through small boarder pass Chong Chom, going to historic sites such as Ankarwat, Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham and finish goal at Phunon Penh.
This years course total distance of 1,900km, with road sections on public roads cover 1,000km, and 800km of special stage with time limits.
Today starts of vehicle inspection, at the GRAND PALAZZO HOTEL PATATAYA where the headquarters are also base. Today packed with full schedule for all, from 7:00 all vehicle inspection, 15:00 briefing, to 18:00 at front of hotel assembly. Where everyone is excited to move as a convoy to the Pattaya famous walking streets, for the ceremonial start.
This year race entry with 27 motorcycles, 2 sidecars, and 27 cars. Total 56 race vehicle, plus service & media add close to 100 vehicle convoy moving thwords Phunon Penh.
Motorcycle Entry; Australia KTM with 11 bikes counts as the majority, second is Japanese Yamaha with 6 bikes, than is Swedens Husqvarna with 5 bikes, 3 Honda bike and 1 Suzuki Husbaberg. Last years single sidecar Ural, this year with 2 entry.
4 wheels entry; 9 Isuzu D-Max showing in force to back the Thailand domestic popularity. Next is 5 Toyota Hilux with direct factory TRD backing. 3 Suzuki Jimmy returned from last year to add in the race mix. This year add in 1 Nissan Pickup Vnavara and Korean Ssang Yong Korando sports add in the excitement of this international rally race!
Ceremony start from 20:00 at Pattaya walking street, surrounded by large groups of both tourists and locals alike, nothing like the mix sounds of racing engines, with high temple Thai style dance music, add of police sirrance, that perfectly sums up the ceremony starts of the Asian Cross Rally Race.
Race starts tomorrow at 6:30, with the motorcycle follow by 4 wheels from GRAND PALAZZO HOTEL PATATAYA. Stay tune for move exciting race report tomorrow!