Yes, you read the above title right, A group of die-hard Alfa Romeo owners are driving to China from Kuala Lumpur and in case you didn’t know, this is not the first time for this club. In 2011 there was a drive where even a 1983 iconic Alfa Romeo GTV 6 made the distance to Kunming and back with no issue.
So, the ole story about reliability and temperamental Italian machines have been quashed once before and it is about to be quashed again as these timeless Italian machines transport their passengers with vigour.
It is a drive to be remembered and documented as the delegation will drive approximately 6,130km crossing over 3 countries, about 15 major towns across more than 10 provinces along the way. This will be the furthest destination ever attempted by any motoring club in Malaysia!
The flag-off ceremony of Kuala Lumpur – Beijing Expedition was held by Alfa Romeo Owners Club Malaysia at one of renowned Hotel in the City. This is the third expedition by the club after the successful trips to Kunming and Lijiang in 2011 and 2016 respectively.
“As registered motoring club for 26 years in Malaysia, it’s time for us to explore China to demonstrate not only courage but highlighting members’ driving capability in long distance journey and end expertise in dealing with challenging driving conditions”, said Patron of the Club, Datuk Seri Noormustafa Kamal Yahya. Other than introducing the club, they will also popularise Malaysia throughout the expedition. They will showcase the technical capability of Alfa Romeo cars despites the age.
“Every car had under gone thorough scrutineering to ensure no major technical issues. Critical parts were prepared with the mechanical supports for the participants”, assured Rasyid Karyeo, the Technical Director of the expedition.
Six various models of Alfa Romeo (156 GTAs, GT, 166, Spider) and a Fiat Stilo will be driven by club members from Malaysia and Singapore led by Chief de Mission, Ir. Othman Zainal whom has vast experience in the long-distance journey also the Club President.
The journey will last for 15 days before they reached Beijing on 14th April 2019. Other participants include Dato’ Muhammad Saifullah Noor (Club Vice President), Jeffery Chiah, Mohd Norhafis, Ron Nathan, Ron Lim, Abd. Halim Hashim, Muhamad Ridzuan Hashim, Rasyid Karyeo, Lee Sea Yean, Yow Chong Weng dan Hubert Chin.
After flagged-off, the team travelled up north for their 1st pit stop at Sungai Petani. They will cross Malaysia/Thailand border the next day and drive 2,400km to Chiang Khong – Huay Xai at the Thailand/Laos border. The will stop at designated pit stops to avoid fatigue. They will then drive for another 230km crossing Laos at Boten-Mohan, Laos/China border.
The drive to Beijing will go through Kunming, Xichang, Chengdu, GuangYuan, Xi’an, Linfen dan Pingyao for another 3,500km. Upon arrival at destination, the team will drive around the city and visit various heritage sites like the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, Summer palace etc. before heading back to Kuala Lumpur.
“The next mission is probably Mongolia through the silk road before Milan, Italy in 2025 in conjunction of Alfa Romeo 110th Anniversary celebration”, said the Club President Ir. Othman Zainal. The next generation of Alfisti was urged to get themselves prepared for these.
We wish them best of luck, always be safe on the road and look forward in welcoming them back on 19th April 2019. Keep the flag high and be proud being AROC Malaysia Alfistis!
Alfa Romeo Owners Club Malaysia (AROC Malaysia) is registered motor sport club with Registrar of Society (RoS) and Sport Commissioner of Malaysia since 1993 and 2005 respectively. It was established to provide technical advisory and assistance in the upkeeping of members’ Alfa Romeos and organise various social events i.e. Annual Gran Turismo (GT), Treasure Hunt, Technical Clinics, Go-Kart competition, Sunday Drives, Charity Drives, Family Day, Annual Dinner etc. for the club members. To date approximately 500 owners registered as members.
Mission of the club is to be a preferred and exemplary motoring club in Malaysia that has the capacity and capability to provide road safety advisory and development of motor sport in the country with collaboration with relevant government agencies.
