August 17, 2025, 3:30 PM
United Daily News / Reporter Chao Chun-Hung / Comprehensive Report

Passion and glory belong to every driver who fought with all their strength! The 30th Asia Cross Country Rally concluded on the 16th at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya, Thailand. As 74 rally cars crossed the finish arch one after another, the applause from the crowd was the highest tribute to these fearless competitors. Starting from Pattaya, the rally challenged 84 vehicles across the rugged terrains of northeastern Thailand. In the end, 10 cars were forced to withdraw due to the grueling conditions. Every driver who persevered and successfully completed the race is truly a winner in this event.

 

This year’s Asia Rally was recognized as one of the toughest in recent years, facing not only tense situations along the Thailand-Cambodia border but also days of heavy rain that turned the tracks into treacherous mud, forcing organizers to cancel two stages. Despite these challenges, Taiwan’s driver Chen He-Huang competed in a domestically produced electric vehicle. This two-wheel-drive car braved sections so muddy that even four-wheel-drive vehicles struggled, all while managing constant concerns about charging. In the end, he successfully completed the rally, earning admiration from many rivals.

 

In this fiercely competitive event, the i Taiwan Racing Team not only completed the rally successfully but also delivered an outstanding performance. Waving the Republic of China (Taiwan) flag, the team achieved double honors by claiming the T1E category championship and securing second place in the women’s division. In addition to the impressive performance of car No. 127, female driver Chen Yi-Wen and Taichung City firefighter Shen Wen-Wen teamed up for the first time. Despite facing strong competitors from Indonesia and Japan, they ultimately captured the runner-up title—a truly remarkable display of determination and achievement.

 

At the awards banquet, trophies filled the tables, symbolizing the hard work and achievements of every driver. The biggest winner of this year’s rally was undoubtedly the Mitsubishi Ralliart team. After three challenging years, they finally claimed the overall championship and first place in the T1D category, erasing past disappointments.

Despite fierce competition, the true tradition of the Asia Rally is not just about winning championships, but about a community of passionate drivers gathering each year. They are both rivals and supportive partners, traversing wilderness and facing challenges together. For thirty years, many drivers—whether or not they ever claim a title—have returned like migratory birds from Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan to the Indochinese Peninsula, drawn by the deep bonds they have forged with fellow competitors.

“Last year you helped me on the stage; this year, it’s my turn to help you.” This spirit of mutual support sustains the rally. Race Director Sasa Tadayuki noted that the Asia Rally has celebrated thirty years and hopes that, moving forward, everyone will continue working together to carry this passion and spirit into the next thirty years.

 

Asia Rally Official Facebook Page：https://www.facebook.com/AsiaCrossCountryRally/