CHINA - ASEAN TOURING ASSEMBLY

How it all began
One month ago, I was informed by SMSA of a group 4x4 enthusiasts attempting a convoy drive of 24 cars starting on 6th Oct.06 from QuanXi Nan Ning City, China to Singapore and return- estimating 11000 km, traversing through north Vietnam, into Vientiane, Laos, down to Bangkok, south towards Malaysia and finally to SIN on 13th Oct.
On the return leg, on the 14th Oct., they invited All ASEAN countries to sent 5 representatives to accompany their convoy, passing thro Malaysia (Ipoh), Thailand (Hatyai & BKK), Cambodia (Angkor Wat & Phnom Penh), Vietnam( Ho Chi Min City, Nah Trang, Hue city, Ha Long Bay) and finally crossing the Chinese border to Nan Ning City on the 24th Oct. A total of 5000km for the return leg
All participants are invited to the ASEAN Summit Dinner to be held in Nan Ning on the 26th Oct.2006

I was invited to be part of Team Singapore, driving a Hyundai Terracan 4X4, belonging to Mr Tan Teng Lip, for the trip. This is made possible through the generosity of Teng Lip, the President of SMSA, who unfortunately, had to be in Brazil for official meeting during this period. My co driver is Harold Netto, a well known figure in the Rally world during the 60's and 70's, partnering the late John Soh in their trusty VW Beetle.
The only other entry is to be driven by Leslie Chang, a well known rally driver, in his Subaru Forester 2.0 Turbo. Leslie will be assisted by Ernest Chua, a professional photographer, also an experienced navigator After the event, the two cars will be shipped back to SIN.

With the planning of the trip, we solicited commercial sponsors as the total expenses is estimated to be around $10000 to $12000
We are grateful to our following sponsors who have supported us in cash and equipment for this Drive:
- Stamford Tyres International for supplying new FALKEN tyres and SSW Stamford Sports Wheels
- Aztech
- Komoco for their technical assistance in the preparation

More sponsors to be announced

Preparation
Sat. 7th
Visited Stamford Tyres at Jurong, selected the SSW Stamford's latest sports rims and fitted FALKEN 255/55x18 tyres plus 2 spares, Checked the wheel alignment, found the TOE IN was too excessive and had it corrected. The guys over at Stamford were ever so helpful. Ah Wei even assisted to improvise a heat insulator to protect the spare tyre from the exhaust muffler's heat. Good. Wheels and tyres done

Mon 9th Oct
The Terracan was sent to KOMOCO for the prep work. I have compile a check list for the mechanical work to be performed, and Komoco's service manager William Chua was enthusiastic enough to carry out all the work requested. We had a fuel tank skid protector plate fabricated. A courtesy car was loan to Teng Lip for his convenience whilst the Terracan is in the workshop.

Tues 10th, Collected the car. As expected the car ran smoothly, checked out the 4X4 system,and 'learning' the owner's manual.

Wed 11th,
All the sponsors stickers are pasted on the car. Now it is wearing the proper dress code and looks the part too.
Collected the Carnet from AA Singapore. All documents are now complete. My only concern is 3rd party insurance cover for Cambodia. My several emails to the insurance companies in Cambodia failed to seek a response
Press conference was held in Teng Lip's office in the evening, followed by a talk given by Mr Eddie Keng, sharing his experiences in Indo-China, during his many reccee trips.

Thursday, 12 October 2006
Today, we had the Terracan fitted with a exhaust snorkel system which we improvised using flexi hose connected to the tail pipe.This will be useful when crossing flooded area. Finally the Hyundai Terracan is ready.
We are now mentally prepared as well. Comms fitted, on-board F&B purchased,and packed in the car including half dozen toilet rolls!

William Lyou
http://5in10.blogspot.com