The Sixth Ondo Auto Rally organized by the Motorsports group ‘Work and Play’ was held at the off-road race tracks of Smokin Hills Golf Course, Ilara Mokin, at the weekend attracted over 2, 000 racers, motorsports enthusiasts, and sports fans to Ondo State during Easter weekend, recording its highest attendance statics since its inception.
The event was supported by Toyota Nigeria Limited, SMT, Airtel Nigeria, JAC Motors, and DINKKIIA.
Estonia-born Argo Raak and Awwal an Abuja-based Captain were outstanding at the event as Raak won the drag race at the event to extend his record win to four, following victories in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Lateef Orisunmibare finished in second place behind Raak.
Among the participants were different motorsports communities and bikers from Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, Abuja, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Kano, Benin, and Enugu states.
Excited by the turnout at the event, Ondo State’s Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said that motorsports have 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. I commend everyone that dedicated to making this event what it is over the years,” he said.
Also speaking on the event, the president of ‘Work and Play,’ Nigeria’s frontline promoter of motorsports, Adeoye Ojuoko, described this year’s event as the best in the series.
“Unlike the past, this year’s event pulled the biggest crowd and the event ran its full course on the improved and extended race tracks.
“While we will continue to seek ways to raise the bar every year, we are glad to see the smooth running of this year’s edition,” Ojuoko said.
He said that the employment and the commerce generated by the host community have been his major takeaway.
