Raak, Awwal excel as Ondo reaffirms support for Motorsports development

[FILES] Members of Motorsports promoting group, Work and Play, Adeoye Ojuoko (left), Antonio Sandouk (Race Driver) and Olumide Omolade at the festival in Ilara-Mokin.

Estonian, Argo Raak and Abuja-based Captain Awwal, were outstanding at the Sixth Ondo Auto Rally held at the off-road race tracks of Smokin Hills Golf Course, Ilara Mokin, at the weekend.

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.

Awwal led the drifting challenge with an amazing craft off his enhanced BMW to pocket the N300, 000 prize money.

The event attracted over 2, 000 racers, motorsports enthusiasts and sports fans to Ondo State during the Easter weekend, recording its highest attendance statics since its inception.

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 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. I commend everyone those that has been 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