As I stood outside the port, waiting to receive my Hyundai Tucson, I recalled the special moments that I have spent with the car during the past 6 months. From the primary forest in Malaysia, through the highlands in Laos and into the city of Nanning, China, the car had just covered more than 6,000 kilometers of extreme road conditions before being transported back to Singapore via sea.
The car was one of the few units of the 2.7-litre version imported by Komoco Motors during 2005. I bought my car in May this year from the resale market, just in time to submit my entry for the 5th China Asean International Touring Assembly (CAITA). Proudly dubbed as the “largest, broadest and longest automobile assembly race in Asia”, the event was organised by the state government of Guangxi Province with support from General Administration of Sport of China and Federation of Automobile Sports, China. This was one of the main events leading to the annual China-ASEAN Summit that was held in Nanning City, China.
The primary objective of CAITA was to promote the overland connectivity between China and ASEAN countries. Participation for foreigners is strictly through invitation by the Organising Committee. This is usually extended to motorsports governing bodies in Asean countries. I had to confirm my entry 4 months before the flag-off of the event so that the Organising Committee had ample time to apply for Entry Permits into Vietnam. The country restricts right-hand drive vehicles and approvals are only granted on a special case basis.
Back to the car - it had 1 previous owner, registered as OPC, clocked 56,000 km and was sold to me for less than $28,000/-. An amount of $5,000/- was incurred on preparation works including suspension upgrade, timing belt replacement and engine tuning. In additional, I am grateful for the generous sponsorship and kind assistance rendered by the following companies:
Stamford Tyres (supply of tyres)
Espace Service (heavy duty under-carriage protection)
T3 Bicycle Gears (fine tuning of radio communication set)
The car was subsequently driven at high speed for its shake-down run along the North-South Highway in Malaysia. It even underwent this ultimate test in Taman Negara without encountering any problem.
On the route, the same cannot be said of this Mercedes ML350 where the inadequate angle of departure caused its rear bumper to give way.
After the mud ploughing exercise, the car was sent to Komoco Motors for a final check on the eve of her marathon drive to China.
My son Bingo and his bike gang were at the Singapore Flyer for the flag-off ceremony.
It was a very long and tiring day on 4th Oct 2011. We started driving from Penang (Malaysia), consumed much time at Sadao border crossing and finally arrived at Cha-am (Thailand) late at night. The journey of 950 km took almost 15 hours to complete. Looking back, we were rather fortunate to pass Bangkok just days ahead of the flood crisis.
I was given a pleasant surprise when I arrived in Siam Reap (Cambodia). News and a picture of me with my family were published in the main page of a local Chinese newspaper.
Away from the vast plains, the highlights of this year’s route were found in Laos. This land locked country has an interesting mix of roads.
Driving on gravel was a memorable experience, especially in rural areas. There is little traffic and folks look happy to live their life without creature comforts.
The principle of safe driving is to always stay alert and never attempt to stray off the beaten track. Otherwise, even a Hummer cannot redeem any act of fool hardiness.
I have taken part in all previous editions of CAITA. To leverage on my experience, the Organiser requested me to take on the duty of Vice-Commander. The role required me to carry out special tasks on demand such as answering distress calls from other competing cars or ‘shepherding’ cars that had strayed from its convoy. During the course of my job, I found my Tucson to be a highly competent vehicle. Its silky V6 engine provides useful torque while the handling (for an urban SUV) cannot be faulted. The car is seen here along a newly completed highway in Hanoi (Vietnam), waiting for instruction from the Rally Commander.
At the closing ceremony, I was invited to deliver a speech. I took the opportunity to highlight these 3 main reasons for my continuous participation in this event.
1. Rally Atmosphere -
The event is very well organised, keeps evolving and improves year after year. It is a fine example of “as much joy in getting there as reaching there”.
2. Learning Opportunities -
From the rallies, I have learnt to carry out various roles including lead car, sweeper, command duties and radio procedure during a rally. And I am pleased that these skills are essential safety factors of a rally.
3. Building Relationships –
Many leaders, officials and fellow participants of the rallies have become my close friends. In fact, plans are being arranged to invite members of Singapore Motor Sports Association to Nanning City for a driving event next year.
Meanwhile, my faithful Tucson is now back on Singapore roads. It appears a little weary and soiled; with each layer of dirt representing every country the car had travelled. The Tucson will be put into action again in 1 week’s time because I will be driving the same car to Phuket (Thailand). The 2-way journey will be approximately 3,000 km. Hence, for peace of mind, I have the car inspected thoroughly by the workshop. No surprise here - the job order is simply short and sweet i.e. change engine oil, remove stickers and a good wash! This is similar to the 2 earlier Hyundai cars which I had driven during previous rallies. The Tucson is amazingly versatile and, most importantly, trouble-free. Incidentally, Hyundai’s “New Thinking, New Possibilities” slogan lends me a unique way to promote my line of products.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Organising Committee of CAITA 2011 and Singapore Motors Sports Association for my participation. I am also thankful to Komoco Motors for the support provided, World Freight for the freight logistics arrangement and to all well wishes who had provided much encouragement and help towards my successful completion of CAITA 2011.
