VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnam’s biggest off-road automobile race, the Ha Long Challenge 2012, began in Quang Ninh on June 2.    

The two-day event, the first of its kind ever to be held in the country, has drawn the participation of 21 racers from across the nation. 

Before the fierce competition began, the racecars took part in a procession through Tuan Chau, Bai Chay and Ha Long city.

The cars are divided by engine size into three categories: 2000cc, 2000-3000cc, and over 3000cc, and will compete in six stages with increasing degrees of difficulty.