From left: Vector co-organiser Daniel Ng, funatiko Pte Ltd chief executive officer and AXCR global promoter Remus Xin Hao Hua, Karamjit, ISC International director Jannie White, Saladin, Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei, Chin and ISC chief executive officer, co-founder and event organiser Austin Zecha.
KUALA LUMPUR: Asia's oldest and largest cross-country event – the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) – is returning to Malaysia for the 2024 season after a 20-year hiatus and it will be co-hosted alongside Thailand and featuring some of Malaysia's best drivers.Taking part in the rally will be Karamjit Singh (The Flying Sikh), motorsports athlete Leona Chin, local rally driver Saladin Mazlan and homegrown racing driver Tommy Lee.
Karamjit, Chin and Saladin will be taking part in the 4X4 category while Lee will manage the motorcycle division and is currently vetting through the list of riders to determine the best rider for each category which will be announced soon.
The 2024 season will flag off from Thailand on Aug 11 and ends on Aug 17 in Kuala Lumpur.
"I am exceptionally proud to have this opportunity to represent Malaysia on the global stage that is AXCR and showcase what an all-female team (female driver and co-driver) can do in this exciting cross-cultural adventure," said Chin at the unveiling of Team Malaysia here last week.
Chin added she was thrilled to be part of Team Malaysia for AXCR (2024) and is eager to embrace the upcoming challenges and learn from rally legends.
Meanwhile, Lee explained that a collective drive for excellence is what sets Team Malaysia apart before ensuring that not only will the motorcycle division be competitive but also excel in every aspect of the rally.
"We are not just here to participate but also make a statement because this rally is more than just a competition for us, it is a celebration of Malaysia's talent in terms of determination and unity," said Lee.
Currently, Team Malaysia is open to working with sponsors for the prestigious FIA-sanctioned AXCR event which began in 1996 when Malaysia played host until 2000 and again in 2003.
The rally typically fields factory and independent/private teams as well as private corporations and extreme 4X4 enthusiasts on both four and two-wheel vehicles.
With ISC International as the event manager and Vector International Sdn Bhd as the co-organiser, the event will bring contestants through an endurance race of more than 1,500km by crossing through no less than two countries.
Furthermore, contesting vehicles must still be in production and street-legal – in compliance with the International Convention of Road Traffic and Safety specifications, outlined by the FIA.
For more information, log on to https://asiacrosscountryrally.com/ and enquiries can be sent to drive@iscintl.com.
