Phuket Events: Get revved up for the rally

PHUKET: Get those engines revving! The upcoming PVCPhuket.com Invitational Car Rally has automotive lovers and treasure hunt aficionados amped up and ready for action. The non-profit event on March 23 will see competitors exploring the paradise island in teams of two or more and finding sights even seasoned expats may have missed.

“It’s a real opportunity to visit places that, no matter how long you’ve lived here, you may not have discovered yet,” says event organizer Byron Jones whose company Media Business Services took over the rally this year.

“It’ll provide something new and challenging. Figuring out clues, photographing specific spots, and some last-minute surprise tests are all on tap.”

Clerk of the Course Jum Ali Khan brings years of experience to the helm and participants will expect nothing less then a fun-filled day of non-stop action. Khan has spent a lifetime in motorsports and has been involved in several famous off-road and cross-country rallies all around the globe including countries such as Portugal, Argentina and Jordan.

While the jam-packed course will provide some unique entertainment along the way, Jones is quick to point out that this is not a race and that speeding to the finish line is not allowed. “The objective here is to do something different for all ages and nationalities. At the end of the day you have married couples playfully arguing over wrong turns and kids yelling directions at dad. It’s not the Amazing Race yet!” he says with a laugh.

“There’s no digging up treasure or blindfolded swimming. It’s just good fun for everyone,” he adds. The fourth annual charity fundraiser will change things up this year by starting on the south end of the island at the Green Man Pub in Chalong and working its way north to Bliss Beach Club at Bangtao Beach. A sumptuous lunch at Dewa Phuket in Nai Yang and a celebratory buffet dinner at Bliss will keep drivers and their passengers energized.

Although it’ll be a day of adventuring for the whole family, Jones insists the underlying message has always been one of support for the local community.

“We are raising funds for Raunjai Rescue Foundation in Phuket so that they can buy a sturdier stretcher. It’s important that we continue to support local charities and foundations that identify specific equipment needs that we can raise money for. These items will then be bought and given to the nominated charity.”

Participation in the event costs 2,000 baht per vehicle and a maximum of 50 cars can sign up, so get in fast to secure your spot! Application forms can be downloaded at: phuketinvitational.com.

The entry cost includes lunch and dinner, along with t-shirts for both the driver and navigator. Additional passengers can buy tickets for 350 Baht or 100 Baht if they are under 12-years-old. The evening will wrap up with a trophy and medal presentation along with either a raffle or silent auction.

Bragging rights are free of charge!

For more information, contact the event’s media officer Natasha Horrelt on 090-168 0086 or visit the website at: phuketinvitational.com

— Phukette Gazette