Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babtunde Fashola has become the latest addition to the increasingly high profile participants at the 2019 Ondo Car Race, which flags off on November 8 in Akure.
The state governor, Arakunrin Olurotimi Akeredolu, who engaged in a two-way Drag Race with motoring entrepreneur and industrialist, Chief Michael Ade Ojo at last year’s edition, has also confirmed his appearance at this year’s event. And Fashola would be joining them on the racetracks after commissioning a six-kilometer road network in Ilara Imokin.
President of Work and Play Group, organisers of the event, Adeoye Ojuoko said the event would definitely be an improvement on the previous editions.
“We are having more top dignitaries, car racers and racing groups have indicated interest in participating in this year’s event. And, of course, virtually all racers from previous editions have renewed their entry.
“This has a lot to do with the level of professionalism with which past editions have been handled and we are definitely stepping it up this year.”
The two-day event will be flagged off with drifting sessions by racers that are expected to assemble from different parts of the country.
“Kebbi, Kano, Abuja, Enugu, Gombe, Benin, Ibadan, and Lagos are the spread of the entries as at last count, but we still have pockets of racing clubs in other cities that we are fine-tuning logistics with before we confirm their attendance. Most of them are working out and weighing options open to them to move their racing cars and in some cases fans, family and friends to Akure for the event,” Ojuoko added.
He also hinted that there have been a couple of racers, who will be joining from the United Kingdom.
There is also a side challenge of Idanre Hills Climbing in the early hours of Friday before the drifting session sets off.
Olumide Omolade, who coordinates activities of the event, shares that the Idanre Hills Climbing was essential to afford the visitors to the state a taste of the beautiful heritage site.
According to him, “On an opening day, we will have light motorsports activities and socials in which a guided tour of Idanre Hills is the main activity. The second day will feature the on the road and off-road races.
“In all, we keep moving the needle on safety and quality sports entertainment and all lovers of Motorsport for this year’s race are in for the best in the series,” he said.
