KUALA LUMPUR: Petrol heads, car enthusiasts and those who wanted to do something different for a change during the weekend, converged on Bandar Malaysia in droves from 10am earlier today for the very first 'Drive 4 Paul' event and car show held on this side of the world.
And they were not left disappointed, as apart from getting to see the late Paul Walker's younger brother Cody in person, they were also treated to a sight of more than 420 different delectable and exquisite cars and bikes on display.
There were also other related entertainment such as an adrenaline inducing drifting showcase and an array of performance cars burning rubber and spitting flames thanks to the powerful, high revving engines, much to the attending crowd’s delight.
Cody Walker, who fronts the 'Drive 4 Paul' event and car show while managing his late brother’s charitable organization Reach Out World Wide (ROWW), made many Malaysian fans happy as he mingled and readily posed for countless photos with them.
Tourism, Art and Culture Minister, Datuk Mohammadin Ketapi, who officiated the event, was both proud and pleased to be associated with the event, where proceeds in the form of ticket sales, merchandising and food & beverage (F&B) will be channeled for humanitarian relief efforts for areas and countries that have been ravaged by natural disasters through ROWW that was set up by Paul back in 2010.
“Such an event not only boosts the country's profile as an attractive destination for holidaying and as a gateway in discovering the beauty and wonders of the region, but also for sports tourism, in this case motorsports which has many enthusiasts and fans all across the globe,” quipped Mohammadin.
Tourism Malaysia director general Datuk Musa Yusof, echoed Mohammadin's comments, as he pointed out that thanks to efforts by local motorsport events company Retro Havoc Malaysia in engaging with such a vibrant and exciting platform in the form of 'Drive 4 Paul', it could only serve to enhance the country's attractiveness and appeal to a wider and younger audience, especially with Visit Malaysia year just less than three months away.
“When Retro Havoc Malaysia came to us about the prospect of working together for such a platform, we were not only impressed by this young team of enterprising Malaysians who wanted to bring the spotlight to our country for sports tourism, but we saw it as a welcome, ideal opportunity to promote Malaysia to the rest of the world,
"We more than pleased with how it has turned out as well as the interest and hype that it has generated.” said Musa.