Malaysian motorsport legend and top influencer Leona Chin praises Cambodia ahead of Gumball rally

PHNOM PENH (Phnom Penh POst/ANN): While the 2024 Gumball 3000 Rally won’t be tearing up the streets of the Kingdom for another fortnight, prominent Malaysian motorsport competitor Leona Chin has already been setting hearts racing in Cambodia.

The rally will see a one-off collection of hypercars and other luxury vehicles touring the country, with the goal of raising funds for a children’s hospital in Siem Reap province and showcasing the world-renowned Angkor Wat Temple.

Chin attended a pre-event for the Gumball 3000 Rally, staying in Phnom Penh and then laying down some rubber in a spectacular display of drifting in her custom-built Toyota Supra as part of the Rev Up Cambodia event, held last weekend at the old Siem Reap airport.

“My recent trip to Cambodia was an incredible experience, starting with our stay at the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. The service at the hotel was unbelievable, and the skybar offered a stunning view of the city, making it a perfect start to the journey.

A Bugatti Chiron in front of Angkor Wat Temple during the weekend’s pre-event activities. The quad-turbo W16 hypercar will be taking part in the 3,000km rally. – Gumball 3000 / Phnom Penh Post

“The trip was particularly memorable as it coincided with the Rev Up Cambodia event, held in association with Chip Mong. We traveled with over 60 supercars, and the event at the Siem Reap Old Airport was nothing short of spectacular. Fans gathered to witness drag races, drifting demonstrations and paragliders, all contributing to a festive atmosphere,” she told The Post today.

The Gumball 3000 Rally is an international celebrity motor rally taking place on public roads and travelling through multiple countries. The event was founded by English entrepreneur Maximillion Cooper in 1999, with his vision to combine cars, music, fashion and popular culture.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the event, and will see the participants travelling along a 3,000km route.

They will start in Saigon, Vietnam, passing through Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia, before continuing on to Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore during the six day event, which runs from September 14-22, according to their press release.

The tour will arrive in Phnom Penh on September 15 and arrive in front of Angkor Wat on the following day, with local partner companies and authorities staging preparatory events last weekend.

The event will include the participation of over 100 spectacular cars driven by international celebrities, including royalty, influencers, sports and music stars, gamers YouTubers and business leaders from over 40 countries.

Former Manchester United and France football Legend Patrice Evra will be piloting a 6.75l V12-powered Rolls Royce Cullinan in the event. – Gumball 3000 / Phnom Penh Post

Former Manchester United and France football legend Patrice Evra is on the list, driving a Rolls Royce Cullinan, along with US rappers Ja Rule and Bun B, and many other well-known influencers.

A huge music festival with numerous artists is planned for the rally’s arrival in Phnom Penh.

“From Phnom Penh the route navigates north to the most incredible region of ancient temples in the world to arrive into Siem Reap (Monday 16th). That evening the Gumball 3000 Foundation will host its annual gala dinner and charity auction in partnership with Christie’s at Angkor Wat, the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’,” said the release.

In an August 30 press release, The Ministry of Tourism explained that the government has cooperated with several stakeholders, including Chip Mong Group and other representatives of the private sector, to organise the “Gumball 3000 Rally in Cambodia”, which will see 150 supercars driven by 250 popular celebrities and famous artists from around the world.

The ministry said the event also aims to set a new Guinness World Record for the most supercars parked at the world heritage site, on 17 September 2024.

Prime Minister Hun Manet, sharing his thoughts via social media today, showed his appreciation for the tourism ministry and private companies and the Gumball 3000 Foundation for organising the event.

“It is a catalyst for showing the prestige and potential of Cambodia [to the world],” he wrote.

Chin shared her first impressions of the Kingdom, offering praise for the friendliness of the Cambodian people and drawing on the similarities she observed with her home country, Malaysia.

She visited the popular tourist destination Angkor Wat Temple, noting that the group who participated in the rally pre-events made sure to respect the site and its rules.

The Chiron, flanked by a collection of some of the most lusted after vehicles on the planet, travels through Siem Reap town as part of the pre-event activities. – Gumball 3000 / Phnom Penh Post

“I was deeply impressed by the rich culture, delicious food and the locals’ proficiency in English and other languages. The strong interest in car culture and music in Cambodia is very similar to Malaysia, which made the experience feel familiar yet unique,” she told The Post.

Nevertheless, she had some suggestions for ways to make visits to one of the world’s most popular attractions even more convenient for tourists. Chin proposed that the walkways and shelters around the temples be improved to cope with sudden downpours or other unexpected weather.

Regardless of her minor recommendations, she expressed her enjoyment of her time in the Kingdom, and shared her excitement at her impending return.

“Overall, my trip to Siem Reap and Cambodia was a perfect blend of cultural discovery and thrilling events. The warm hospitality, unforgettable experiences and exciting upcoming events from September 15-16 mean I am eager to return soon,” she said. – Phnom Penh Post/ANN