'Matra' to hold GT Radial Off-Road 2000

JAKARTA (JP): Matra magazine in cooperation with Puspita Off- Road Club will hold the GT Radial Off-Road 2000 at Cilalawi, Jatiluhur, West Java, from March 11 to March 12.

Organizer Moko Karsono said on Tuesday the event would feature eight competitions: Show n' Shine, Trail Game, Slalom Off-Road, Mud Racing, Off-Road Racing, Mud Bogger and Rock Crawling.

The events will be held at different sites around Mount Cilalawi. A base camp will be set up for the participants and their vehicles.

"The purpose of holding the two-day meet is to strengthen relations with all off-roaders in the country. We want to show that Indonesia can hold such an event," Moko said.

He added that 16 teams from Central Java, West Java and Jakarta were confirmed for the event.

Central Java will send eight teams, West Java five and Jakarta three.

"We are open to participants from other provinces and cities in the country," Moko said.

Coleman and 33 Inch Savero teams are among the participants.

Coleman consists of Syamsir Alam, Tinus, Lody Korua and Adjie Massaid. The 33 Inch Savero has Yuma Wiranatakusuma, Askar Kartiwa, Harry Sanusi and Moko Karsono.

Prospective participants should register at the Puspita Off- Road Team Secretariat, Jl. TB Simatupang No. 29, Jati Padang, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, or at the Matra office, Buncit Raya Permai Complex Kav. 1, Jl. Warung Jati Barat, West Jakarta.

The registration fee is Rp 150,000 per person, and participants are urged to bring outdoor and camping equipment. They can also buy the equipment at the base camp in the Coleman Outdoor Equipment Bazaar.

Moko said all the off-roaders would be obliged to use the GT Radial tires.

"The GT Radial tires measure about 33 centimeters in diameter and are recommended for off-road races. We will also provide GT tires for bicycles for the mountain bike race."

Another organizer, Steven, said tents, with a capacity of five people each, would be provided for the participants.

"We will also provide a huge tent that can accommodate about 50 people," Steven said, adding that water would be available in jerricans.

He advised participants to wear thick clothes, such as sweaters and jackets. "Since the races will be held in a mountainous area, it will be very chilly." (lnt)