On the morning of November 1, the Vietnam Offroad Cup (PVOIL VOC 2025) officially kicked off at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism (Dong Mo, Hanoi), launching several days of intense racing between offroad enthusiasts from clubs nationwide.

Some categories had already begun preliminary races from October 31.

VOC 2025 marks the 18th edition of the event, attracting 70 racing teams with 140 competitors. Races are held across four categories: Basic, Advanced Pickup, Advanced SUV, and Professional. The total prize pool for this year’s event is nearly VND 600 million (approx. USD 24,000).

This year’s race features 23 courses - almost double the 14 tracks from the previous edition. A standout highlight is the introduction of a new night-time “Adventure” challenge held on November 1, covering over 150 hectares, including 60 hectares of racing terrain and 90 hectares of untouched forest and swamp.

Most challenging season ever

According to Nguyen Dai Hoang, Head of the VOC 2025 Organizing Committee, in order to meet the schedule and boost excitement, each race category has been split into two groups. Some courses are being run in parallel to intensify the competition.

This format tests the drivers’ endurance and concentration, while also pushing the vehicles’ performance to their absolute limits - fully embodying the “offroad - beyond all limits” spirit of Vietnam’s offroad community.

For the first time ever, spectators can watch two vehicles from the same category compete simultaneously on adjacent tracks, heightening the sense of fierce rivalry and maintaining a non-stop pace.

Fans get to experience the electrifying atmosphere of Vietnam’s most anticipated offroad motorsport festival of the year.

“VOC 2025 is the most difficult season yet, but we’ve ensured safety measures are firmly in place,” said Mr. Hoang.

“Each course is designed to challenge driving skills, coordination, and strategic thinking, while still meeting technical and safety standards.”

Braving the storm

This year’s competition is taking place under some of the harshest weather conditions ever seen in the event’s history.

Persistent downpours before and during the race days have turned the tracks into slippery red mud trails.

Steep slopes, deep pits, and sharp turns - already trademarks of the event - have become even more treacherous. Teams are being forced to revise strategies and adjust their driving techniques in real time.

Despite the rain and obstacles, competitors remain resilient, working in unison between the main driver and co-driver to overcome each challenge.

Pushing boundaries, not just engines

VOC 2025 is not merely a test of speed or horsepower. It’s a true test of mental strength, adaptability, and team spirit.

Spectators at the venue were left in awe at scenes of vehicles spraying mud, engines roaring, and racers battling the elements - turning the race into a dramatic and emotional spectacle.

In adversity, the “offroad never backs down” spirit shines brightest. Here, drivers don’t just compete for trophies - they race to conquer their personal limits and affirm their true passion for this rugged and demanding sport.

Hoang Hiep