The 2018 King of Pickup (KOP), the biggest championships of its kind in Vietnam, will take place on Tuan Chau island, Ha Long city in the northern province of Quang Ninh, on December 15 and 16.

The pickup truck driving competition, part the national tourism year programme hosted by Quang Ninh this time, has attracted 80 teams with 160 members from across Vietnam. The teams are set to compete in four events on both natural and artificial locations.

Speaking at a press conference on the event held in Hanoi on December 7, deputy head of the Pickup Vietnam Club (PVC) Vu Minh Hung said the KOP originates from a PVC contest held annually for pickup truck drivers nationwide since 2015.

The contest, drawing the participation of hundreds of drivers and thousands of audience members over the years, is considered the most anticipated event for Vietnamese pickup truck fans, he added.

Dang Danh Tuan, an official from the General Department of Sports and Physical Training, said the KOP aims to develop the sport in Vietnam. 

The organiser will use the contest as a channel to promote the country’s image, spread awareness of driving safety amongst the public, and raise funds for charity, he added.

The National Tourism Year 2018, themed “Ha Long: Heritage, Wonder, Friendly Destination”, offers more than 50 cultural, sports, and tourism events throughout the year. –VNA