This annual rally is organised by R1 Asia, a group of companies formerly known as ORTEV International.[2]
The Asia Cross Country Rally route is designed to cover many types of terrain like jungles, swamps river-crossings and also desert... and over the past years, has included almost every kind of challenge that nature has to offer in these parts of the world.
Designed as a test of driving and navigation skill, endurance and teamwork, as well as the preparation, durability and toughness of the 4 wheel drive vehicles, the Asia Cross Country Rally has gained a loyal following among 4 wheel enthusiasts throughout many parts of Asia.
Each year, the Asia Cross Country Rally provides participants with a variety of terrain challenges spread over 6 to 9 days and covering from 2,000 km to 4,200 km over as many places as possible. In addition to this, it also provides the opportunity for the young people to meet and make friends with others from different countries in the region.
History
Year
Date
Distance
Routing
1996
Aug 25–31
2,000 km
Malaysia Kuala Lumpur ... Penang ... Kota Bharu ... Kuantan ... Kuala Rompin ... Singapore ... Malaysia Malacca ... Kuala Lumpur
1997
Aug 9–16
3,000 km
Malaysia Kuala Lumpur ... Ipoh ... Kuala Terengganu ... Alor Setar ... Thailand ... Phuket ... Prachuap Khirikhan ... Phetchaburi ... Kanchanaburi ... Bangkok
1998
Aug 8–15
3,200 km
Malaysia Kuala Lumpur ... Cameron Highlands ... Penang ... Thailand ... Surat Thani ... Hua Hin ... Ayutthaya ... Sukhothai ... Mae Hong Son ... Chiang Mai
1999
Aug 7–14
3,500 km
Malaysia Kuala Lumpur ... Bukit Kayu Hitam ... Thailand ... Krabi ... Chumphon ... Kanchanaburi ... Bangkok ... Phetchabun ... Nongkhai ... Laos Viangchan
2000
Aug 5–13
4,200 km
Malaysia Kuala Lumpur ... Sungai Petani ... Thailand ... Surat Thani ... Cha Am ... Ayutthaya ... Phrae ... Chiang Rai ... Myanmar Kyaing Tong ... China Jing Hong
2001
Aug 11–17
3,000 km
Thailand Bangkok ... Pattaya ... Chanthaburi ... Pak Chong ... Khon Kaen ... Sakon Nakon ... Savannakhet ... Vietnam Hue
2002
Aug 3–9
3,000 km
Thailand Bangkok ... Kanchanaburi ... Nakhon Sawan ... Khon Kaen ... Khorat ... Sa Kaeo ... Cambodia Angkor Wat
2003
Aug 8–14
3,000 km
Thailand Bangkok ... Kanchanaburi ... Cha Am ... Chumphon ... Surat Thani ... Hat Yai ... Malaysia Sungai Petani ... Kuala Lumpur