9 AUG (Fri.) Cloudy with partially Sunny PATTAYA

BEFORE RACE

Several quasi-official events took place ahead of the official Rally schedule which will start on the next day

About a quarter of a century since the first event in 1996, the 24th Asia Cross Country Rally this year, starts from Thailand's beach resort Pattaya.

The official schedule of the Rally started on August 10th, when the “vehicle inspection” is held, but prior to this, a head quarter led by the rally was set at GRAND PALAZZO HOTEL PATTAYA, and the reception of stakeholders begun.

GRAND PALAZZO HOTEL PATTAYA in recent years, is familiar for being used as an official hotel since the beginning of Pattaya. Various participating machines gathered in the parking lot and a pit tents were being set up, creating a mysterious feeling as if "returning" to the rally.

Greetings of “Hi”, “How Are you!” celebrating the reunion can be heard everywhere. Everyone is happily chatting about what happened in one year’s time. Same as the etymology of "Rally", it seems that all participants enjoyed "gathering again".

Pre-briefing for Japanese

Meanwhile, several events were held. The first is a briefing in Japanese which is a customary event in recent years. This informal briefing session is conducted by Event Director, the organizer, for Japanese participants who have been increasing in recent years. Participation is voluntary, but most Japanese entrants participated, as this is the only session where all explanations were in Japanese, not the official language of the Rally -English.

This year will be the first time in 19 years since the Year 2000 Rally to cross the border of Myanmar. However, there were few participants with the Year 2000 Rally experience, and many people's interests were concentrated in the Myanmar route with least information.

At the briefing, Mr. Sasa reported, “The route in Myanmar domestically became a little shorter as a result of the final recce, and a part of it is expected to be further shortened in the future.”

However, “The continuous rain caused deep waters at river crossing points. exceeding the height of people’s back” or “When it rains, only skillful players that can run villainous roads may succeed, there are possibilities that others failed and cannot come back” were being explained, and participants showed faces that they were being convinced.

Anyway, the organizer briefed, "This time, the team that overcomes in the long and severe SS configurated in the Thailand area for the first three days will win the superiority, and the second half of the battle depends on Myanmar’s weather conditions". Participants nodded uniformly as if they expected the situation and listened to each LEG's explanation with a serious expression.

In addition, the organizer alerted that “This rally is not 100% closed within the course like WRC, etc. Therefore, motorcycles may accidentally run in some routes and villages passed by. Although we are working to manage by cooperating with police and some troops, but please be very careful."

In addition, there is a section where speed limit is set when passing through the village this year as well, and the organizer conveyed that it is important to adhere the rules preventing speed violation and prohibiting overtaking, as there are penalties and participants may be disqualified in the worst case. "Please race with respect to the villages and everyone living there."

Party held by Sun Chlorella Corporation

Mr. Futoshi Nakayama, President and CEO of Sun Chlorella Corporation gave a speech and a toast

From 18:30, a welcome party was held by the major sponsor “Sun Chlorella” at the poolside of Sabai Resort Pataya Hotel near the official hotel.

This eve party is also becoming an annual event in recent years, and it has grown into a very popular event among entrants as a place to get to know each other.
There is no borders of nationality or role in this event. This is an open party as a place where all stakeholders of this rally enjoy eating and have fun.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Futoshi Nakayama, President and CEO of Sun Chlorella Corporation gave a speech and a toast. Participants answered with big applause. Everyone sent their heartfelt support in appreciation that the event took place this year and that they were able to participate.

The party was carried on by beautiful race queens wearing Sun Chlorella uniforms, introducing not only star players and star teams, but almost all teams and their self-introductions.

Everyone expressed their gratitude and talked about the purpose and goals of the race this time. It was interesting looking at the contents and expressions. Once again, the friendships between the participants of this rally were well represented, as if a symbolic event which condensed the “Asian Cross Country” spirit.

 
Furukawa Battery Team
Indonesia Team
DIRTSPORTS RT with Team JAPAN
Garage MONCHI JAPIND
Team JAOS
Roslyn Rally Sports Team
Media

The official schedule starts tomorrow. It was time for “Car Inspection” and “Ceremonial Start”. Everyone gathered in the same place at first, then started the race and fight to the goal. so. The “Asia Cross Country Rally” is about to start again this year.

Sun Chlorella CORP. cts