AXCR 2024: Safety concerns force organizers to change rally route

The Asia Cross Country Rally is in its 29th running this August. In recent years, the regional event is being used by manufacturers as a way of testing and developing their vehicles through motorsports.

Most notably, AXCR served as the event for Mitsubishi Ralliart’s return to racing after a long hiatus, winning the 2022 edition with the previous generation Triton. This year, we’re looking forward to seeing Mitsubishi Ralliart compete against Toyota Gazoo Racing and the new Hilux GR-S.

However, before the action even starts, organizers have been forced to cancel the Malaysian leg of this year’s event due to safety concerns. In a report by Paultan.org, here’s what the organizers of AXCR had to say:

“With recent developments at the border, the Thai authorities have identified safety of the convoy would be at risk. Ensuring the safety and security of all participants, attendees, staff, and supporting authorities involved in AXCR is of the organizer’s utmost priority. After careful consideration and consultation, we have concluded that the prudent course of action is to cancel the Malaysia leg event”.

Originally scheduled to take place across Thailand and Malaysia, AXCR 2024 was supposed to start at Surat Thani in Thailand on August 11 then cross into Malaysia on the 15th before finishing on the 17th at Kuala Lumpur. But now, the rally will only be taking place in Thailand with the finish line moved to Kanchanaburi.