Ondo Auto Rally Sets for April 4 in Ilara-Mokin

Following the success of the 2025 Lagos Autofest held at the Marina, the Nigeria Motorsports spotlight now shifts to Ondo State for an even more exhilarating spectacle — the 2026 Ondo Auto Rally, themed “Greatest Show on Wheels.”

Positioned as one of Nigeria’s top motorsport gatherings, the Ondo Auto Rally is a celebration of speed, endurance, innovation, and cultural heritage, balanced with a strong focus on sustainability.

The event blends world-class racing with immersive cultural experiences and eco-friendly initiatives. Alongside the high-octane auto racing, the rally will also feature a MTB XCE cycling competition and a tree planting event, showcasing the organizers’ commitment to environmental sustainability.

The rally will hold across two locations in Ondo State on Easter Saturday 2026, delivering a full day of action and entertainment.

According to Adeoye Ojuko, President of the Work N Play Group, organizers of the rally: “Activities will commence at the Governor’s Office in Akure from 8:00 a.m. with on-road racing headlined by Built-in-Nigeria Race Cars. This segment will showcase Nigeria’s growing automotive engineering capacity and innovation, placing locally built performance vehicles at the forefront of national pride and technical excellence.

“The Ondo Auto Rally will offer a world-class experience for motorsport enthusiasts, cultural lovers, socialites, and entrepreneurs. It will provide a platform for high-performance racing, cultural expression, lifestyle networking, and commercial opportunities, while promoting environmental sustainability,” observed Ojuoko.

He stressed that the excitement will move to Smokin Hills Race Course in Ilara-Mokin at 1:00pm where the atmosphere will intensify with off-road racing, drifting exhibitions, endurance challenges, cultural displays, live performances, the MTB XCE cycling competition, and a tree planting ceremony.

The Smokin Hills terrain provides the perfect setting for a motorsport experience inspired by the rugged endurance of the Dakar Rally while maintaining the speed, precision, and glamour reminiscent of Formula 1 circuits.

With participation expected from elite drivers, automotive brands, racing clubs, sponsors, investors, and cultural troupes, the 2026 Ondo Auto Rally is poised to deliver unmatched excitement while fostering collaboration across industries.