Hutomo to take part in Bali automotive event

JAKARTA (JP): Hutomo Mandala Putra, one of the country's biggest automotive buffs, is scheduled to compete in the Three in One Automotive Event in Padanggalak, Sanur; Bali Cliff and Ubud, Bali from Dec. 28 to Dec. 30.

The organizers' chairman Ricardo Gelael said Wednesday that Hutomo, nicknamed Tommy, is willing to test his skills against veterans and juniors in the three categories of motorcycle road racing, carting and a sprint rally. Tommy is President Soeharto's youngest son.

"It will be the most interesting race of the year because Tommy will be challenged by other old hands including Tinton Soeprapto, Soebronto Laras, Jan Darmadi, Beng Soeswanto, Aswin Nasution and juniors Reza, brothers Dendy and Danny Rukmana, Arief Indiarto and Oky Harwanto," Ricardo said.

Antara reported that Tinton said he would pit his skills against the juniors in the Rp 30 million (US$12,700) tournament.

"I'll try my best against the juniors, some of whom have become national champions, and we'll see how well I do in Bali," he said. (yan)