‘Expect fireworks in Ondo Easter auto rally’

Nigeria’s top Motorsport group, ‘Work and Play,’ has promised exciting times for motorsport lovers at the sixth Ondo Auto Race, which began yesterday at the purpose-built off-road tracks in Smokin-Hills Golf Course, Ilara Mokin.

President of the group, Adeoye Ojuoko, said the event has grown bigger with every edition, adding that this year’s rally has drawn interest from usual and unusual places because of the growing popularity and experience that Ondo Auto Rally offers.

“Naturally, we know that the usual clusters of motorsports communities, enthusiasts and fans across the country signs-up for our event yearly, but this year, a lot of other interests have joined in. We now have tourism groups, entertainment and surprisingly, the food and beverage industries aligning with us. It is all a sign that we are making progress,” he said.

Ojuoko added that the event impacts the haulage and hospitality industry, saying that most of the racing cars will have to be hauled from Lagos, Kebbi, Abuja, Enugu, Nasarawa and Rivers states, among others.

“Ilara Mokin is the melting point and the host community is fast becoming the centre of gravity for motorsports in Nigeria. Just like in other editions, we would be having surprises and dignitaries joining-in in the drag race and perhaps in the drifting show,” he added.

This year’s Ondo Auto Rally is expected to pull in over a 1,000 racers and enthusiasts, the group added.

Events at the rally will include an on-road race on Saturday morning, which has recorded a high number of entries, including Mercedes and BMW Club members in Nigeria, apart from independent entries. The off-road race will be held later in the afternoon on the racetracks by the Smokin Hills Golf Course.

“We have some musicians, Mizz Kizz and Testimony Jaga, lighting-up the event as well,” Ojuoko said.

Ojuoko added that there would be a convoy of participants moving from Lagos on Friday, April 7 to Ilara Mokin, just as he disclosed that Nibanola Golf Resort in Ondo Town would host golfers across the country on Friday ahead of the event.

The event ends today.