Ralliart-prepped Triton pick-up to race in AXCR
Mitsubishi Motors wants to remind everyone that they are a force to be reckoned with in rallying. Back in the late 90s, they dominated the World Rally Championship with the Lancer Evolution. Meanwhile, in the grueling Dakar rally, the Pajero/Montero holds the record for most wins in the car category.
This year, the legendary Ralliart name is back to take on the challenge of the Asia Cross Country Rally. In addition, it’s not just the name that’s making its comeback either. Two-time Dakar rally winner Hiroshi Masuoka returns to serve as team director.
The Asia Cross Country Rally is an FIA-certified event. Scheduled to be held from August 6 to 12, the team will race the Ralliart-prepared Triton pick-up truck (otherwise known as Strada in the PH) to the grueling off-road courses in the mountains and jungles of Thailand.
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart will then operate as a semi-works team. The outfit is owned by TANT Sports in Thailand with technical support from Mitsubishi Motors in Japan. That includes Masuoka himself who will oversee the team’s activities.
This event not only marks the return of Ralliart to competitive rallying but will also serve as a testbed to further strengthen the capabilities and off-road performance of Mitsubishi’s pick-up trucks and SUVs.
“Mitsubishi Motors’ participation in the AXCR in the form of technical support will strengthen our product uniqueness, especially for ASEAN strategic models including 1-ton pick-up truck and SUVs. Team Mitsubishi Ralliart will make preparations to meet the expectations of our fans, so please stay tuned” says Hiroshi Masuoka.
With the revival of the Ralliart brand in 2021 and their return to motorsports this year, Mitsubishi Motors is on the right track to honor its glorious past and make exciting high-performance vehicles again for the future.
Keyword: Mitsubishi enters Asia Cross Country Rally with Dakar legend