Before the Race

Thursday 7 August, Pattaya.

On the 30th anniversary of the race, the rally will be run in only one country. With the alternative being that the race could have been cancelled altogether we were happy the event was still able to go ahead.

Under a blanket of white cumulonimbus clouds, the marine blue sea spread out all around. If you look closely, you can see last year's starting point, Surat Thani, on the other side of the river. This is Pattaya. Located on the west coast of Chonburi Province, about 160 km southeast of Bangkok, the city is known as one of the best beach resorts in Asia. This year, Pattaya became the starting point for the memorable 30th Asian Cross Country Rally (AXCR).

Since its inception in Malaysia in 1996, the AXCR has been held in a number of Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Myanmar and Singapore. During the course of the event, it was cancelled between 2020 and 2021 due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, but was reinstated in November 2022. Today, the event is recognised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) as Asia's largest cross-country rally and is popular with many fans.

This year, to mark the 30th anniversary, the event has been extended by two days and the distance covered is in excess of 3,000 km. The event was originally intended to be held along an extensive route starting in Pattaya, Thailand, passing Angkor Wat in Cambodia and ending in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Unfortunately, an unstable regional situation did not allow this.

In late May, a gunfight broke out in the border region between Thailand and Cambodia. The dispute escalated in the blink of an eye, and automatic weapons became bazookas, missiles started flying and even F-16 fighter jets were sent out. The border between the two countries was thus closed, forcing the organisers to make a painful decision and change the route altogether. The event was hastily switched to being held solely in Thailand.

As an unfortunate result of this, the four Cambodian and Vietnamese teams who had been eager to participate in the event for the second time, were unable to cross the border and had to cancel their participation. A very disappointing situation for them to be in. However, with the full cooperation of the Cambodian Government, a hotel for 700 people was set up in the capital Phnom Penh, and plans for a grand final day befitting the anniversary of the event will be held. The organisers were adamant that they would definitely like to make a comeback one day.

This year, the rally's headquarters (HQ) was set up at the Asia Pattaya Hotel, which has a private beach. On this day, preliminary vehicle inspections were held early in the morning on the grounds in front of the hotel, where inspectors checked the calibre of each four-wheeled re-structured vehicle one by one.

Meanwhile, set against the backdrop of ocean views, the competition vehicles, both two-wheel and four-wheel, were undergoing their final servicing. Compared to last year, the sea breeze was pleasant, but the heat during the day was still stiffling. The mechanics, lying on their seats, were working under the heat and their foreheads were covered with large drops of sweat. We cannot forget the work of the people behind the scenes supporting this competition behind the beautiful machines.

Chaiyo!
The welcome party started with three cheers.

In the evening, AXCR's annual 'Welcome Party' was held from 6.30pm at RUEN THAI RESTAURANT near Kaigan Dori. The venue was a stately wooden building with a local atmosphere. Almost all team staff, including competitors and mechanics, gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary and enjoy music, food and drinks.

A toast was given by Kenji Ishida, Chairman of the Asian Rally Friendship Association. 'This year marks the 30th anniversary of the rally. 45 four-wheelers are participating, and 38 two-wheelers and two sidecars will also be competing. The course prepared by the organisers is tough, and it will be a very tough battle for the participants. But I hope you all make it to the finish line on the final day, and come out victorious!" He then urged everyone to stand up with their glasses and said, "Chaiyo! Chaiyo! He then led the crowd in a chant of "Chaiyo! Chaiyo! Chaiyo! Chaiyo!" and when they all recited it three times in unison, the audience erupted in applause.

Tomorrow, the official programme will finally get underway. Official vehicle inspections and the riders' briefing. The LEG 1 route book will also be distributed on the first day of competition. And finally, at 20:00 after sunset, the 'ceremonial start' will begin.

Look forward to the next report!

(Text: Dai Kawamura, Photo: Manabu Takahashi)