Motorkhana

Nguyễn Ngọc Trung (centre) wins trophy of the first Việt Nam Motorkhana Championship which was held on Saturday in Hà Nội. VNA/VNS Photo Minh QUyết

HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Ngọc Trung won the first Việt Nam Motorkhana Championship which was held on Saturday in Hà Nội.

Driving against 13 other rivals at the Hà Nội Circuit around the Mỹ Đình Stadium, Trung topped the podium with a time of 2min 23.36 sec. He walked away with a prize of VNĐ50 million (US$2,200).

Phạm Quốc Huy came second with 2:30.75 while title favourite Trương Nam finished third, on 2:75.85.

These drivers competed in the first category for those who have been granted a sports car racing licence by the Vietnamese Motorsport Association Limited Liability Company (VMA LLC).

Later, Nguyễn Đăng Quang overcame Nguyễn Ngọc Quang Anh and Nguyễn Văn Khanh to take the title of the second division tournament for 11 drivers who are from VMA LLC member clubs across the country.

Athletes compete in the first-class category of the first Việt Nam Motorkhana Championship on Saturday in Hà Nội. VNA/VNS Photo Minh Quyết

At the Saturday tournament, two cars raced at a time on an 800m track, that was designed to imitate the shape of Việt Nam. Athletes had to drive across the 'country', passing three milestones of Hà Nội's Flag Tower, Huế's Thiên Mụ Pagoda and HCM City's Bến Thành Market, along with other markers and stakes.

Hitting markers and stakes or going the wrong way incurred time penalties which were added to the total time. 

Vehicles used in racing are sedans, hatchbacks, CUV and SUV types which are normal means of daily transportation.

After the first successful edition, the championship which follows FIA standards is expected to be organised annually. The best drivers will represent Việt Nam at the FIA World Motorsport Games in Europe in October.

Organisers also hoped that they made a strong push for the speed racing competitions in Việt Nam. Through events, they can hunt talented athletes while luring more attention and organising international tournaments in the country.

A driver drifts during his competition at the first Việt Nam Motorkhana Championship which closed on Saturday in Hà Nội. Photo courtesy of VMA LLC

VMA LLC has confirmed to host a stage of the Asia AutoGymkhana Championship in Hà Nội later this year. Việt Nam will have three representatives to compete.

Motorkhanas are motorsport events designed to test the acceleration, braking, and handling of cars and the skill and judgment of drivers.

Motorkhana is popular in Australia and New Zealand, but similar events are known as Autotest in the UK, Autocross or Solo in the US, and also known as Autokhana or Gymkhana elsewhere. VNS

Athletes attend the flag ceremony prior to the Việt Nam Motorkhana Championship which closed on Saturday in Hà Nội. Photos courtesy of VMA LLC

Racers discuss the racing track before taking part in the tournament.

The championship sees competitive race by 25 athletes in two categories.

Athletes have to race on a 800m track in a designated area, passing three big cities'  famous constructions, markers and stakes

A racer at the finish line.