TheCable

Ondo state governor Rotimi Akeredolu has commended the Motorsports community for staging the 2nd Ondo Rally in Akure, saying the government is impressed at the resources and passion the event brought to the state.

“It is pleasing to the see what young and independent minded indigenes of the state are doing to support the tourism and sports initiative of the state with this event,” the governor said in the state capital.

“We are proud of this sport and look forward to it getting bigger and becoming a platform for deeper engagement with the youth,” he added.

The event, organised by Work and Play, debuted last year alongside a golf event with an off road event at Ilara-Mokin, a town on the outskirts of the Ondo State capital. The latest edition which held from November 16 to 18 was an expanded version of the inaugural edition.

Coordinator of the race, Olumide Omolade, said that the plan aimed strategic positioning of the event as a tool to boost internal tourism and local economy in the ancient city.

According to Omolade, “We intend to keep raising the bar annually in terms of value delivery and hope to get more enthusiasts to visit Akureand ultimately establishing Ondo State as a major hub for Motorsport in Nigeria.

“The potential is very huge for all parties and we hope to help the state harness them, especially as the character of the sports fits perfectly to what our youth possess; speed, energy and fun which they could relate with it.”

Omolade also said the organisers projected to run the event with 100 percent local content while raising a number of local racers in subsequent races.

Governor Akeredolu was also participated in an exhibition race with Chief Michael Adeojo, one of the Nigeria’s biggest car dealers.

In the Super Car category, Argo Raak emerged new champion, dethroning Antonio Sandouk who raced with one of the signature cars of the event named ‘Tiger’. Raak placed third behind Clement Falayi. In the 1.8 Engine category that debuted this year, Robson Omasheye crossed the finish line ahead of Fatimeh Taiwo and Peter Makris.

In the Off Road race that flagged off the two-day event, Muyiwa Akintola retained his crown as the winner, returning a smashing 12.01 minutes on a 13.5km, while Peter Makris picked the runner-up spot, arriving in a time of 13.15 minutes.