Classics Race for the Olive Trees

This year's international Historic West Anatolia Rally, organised by the Classic Car Club for the 18th time with the aim of protecting olive trees, concluded as a successful event.

Over three days and a total of 450 kilometres on a demanding route through Ayvalık, Çandarlı and Bergama, 30 classic cars took part. Victory went to Muharrem Gök and co-driver Tules Obuter in a 1957 Volkswagen, with Erdal Gömügen and co-driver Kemal Gömügen second in a 1979 Volvo and Kıvanç Dündar and co-driver Suat Ekmekçioğlu third in a 1978 Mercedes-Benz.

Speaking at the finish night, Turkey Classic Car Club President Aydın Harezi expressed his satisfaction that the rally had passed without incident. Noting that the Historic West Anatolia Rally, first held in 1997, had now reached its 18th year, he thanked the officials of Ayvalık Municipality, the Antique Car Federation, TOSFED and the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens for supporting this year's event in aid of olive tree protection.

At the prize-giving ceremony, which was also attended by TOSFED President Metin Çeker, the delight of the class podium finishers very much defined the evening.