Huge crowd turns up as sixth Ondo auto rally ends in style

The sixth edition of the multi-event auto racing spectacle took place in Ilara-Imokin, Ondo from April 9 to 10.

The Ondo auto rally was flagged off on Sunday by Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state acting governor, at the off-road racing tracks of Smoking Hills Golf Course, Ilara Mokin.

Speaking at the event which came to an end on Monday, Aiyedatiwa said motorsports has become an inevitable ingredient in the state’s youth engagement plan.

“It is gladdening to see what the Motorsports community has done in the state through this event and I commend everyone that has been dedicated to making this what it is over the years,” he added.

The race, which attracted over 2000 competitors, enthusiasts and sports fans to Ondo, had the highest attendance statics in the motorsports history in Nigeria.

Estonian-born Argo Raak won the drag race, extending his record victory to fourth, having achieved similar feat in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

Lateef Salami finished in second place behind Raak while Abuja-based captain Awwal led the drifting challenge with an amazing craft off his enhanced BMW and won N300,000 for his efforts.

Adeoye Ojuoko, president of ‘Work and Play’, organisers of the race, said the just-ended event was the best in the series.

“Unlike in the past, this year’s race pulled the biggest crowd and the event ran its full course on the improved and extended tracks. We will continue to seek ways to raise the bar every year,” Ojuoko said.

According to the ‘Work and Play’ president, employment and the commerce generated by the host community during the race represent a major highlight of the annual event.

Different motorsports communities and bikers from Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, Abuja, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Kano, Benin and Enugu states were represented at the race.

Ondo auto rally’s maiden edition was held in 2017. It has since become one of the leading motosports events in Nigeria.