The Cambodian Automobile Federation, headed by Lieutenant-General Meach Sophana, formally joined the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia as an affiliate member on Friday.

NOCC secretary-general Vath Chamroeun handed over the letter of approval to the CAF president, paving the way for assistance to the one-year old federation in organising and promoting motor racing in the country.

“It is a new chapter in the annals of Cambodian motor sport. We will support CAF the way we support all our other affiliate members,” Vath Chamroeun told the Post.

Meach Sophana, who leads a nine-member executive committee, categorised the formal membership of the NOCC as a great step forward and a much-needed organisational boost.

Although the fledgling CAF has set its sights on holding the Asian motorcycle championships next year, its immediate task will be to organise the Cambodian leg of the ASEAN Cross Country Rally from Pattaya to Siem Reap from August 12 to 16.

As many as 80 cars are expected to take part in this rally, which runs concurrently with a motorcycle rally involving 40 riders.

“We were hoping to see one or two Cambodian cars participate in this rally, but unfortunately it won’t happen this year. I’m sure it will next year,” Vath Chamroeun said.

The rally drivers will be flagged off from Pattaya on August 12 and are expected to enter Cambodian territory via Poipet on August 15.

The rally winds up in front of the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex the following day.

To contact the reporter on this story: H S Manjunath at [email protected]