Dubai. The 32nd Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive that will attempt to create a Guinness World Record for being the ‘Largest Convoy of Off-Road Vehicles’ has received an overwhelming response from UAE residents, organisers say.

The 32nd Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive, supported by Al Futtaim Motors – Toyota, will be held on January 11 to 12 with a brand new route that will be 95 per cent off-road.

“Interest in the Fun Drive has always been very high, but this time it has reached frenetic proportions, particularly as this is a Guinness World Record attempt. The attempt is being made in the category “Largest convoy of Off Road vehicles,” Naheed Patel, promotions manager of Gulf News, said.

Adjudicators from the Guinness World Records will verify the record attempt at two locations before issuing the certification once the record is set.

Because of the overwhelming response, organisers said they closed the registration process on the second day. Since then, Gulf News has received hundreds of requests to be on the ‘waiting list’.

A list of participants appears in the paper today. Participants who made the cut may claim their Information Packs, which contains the information manual that provides all the necessary information about the event, disclaimer and the Fun Drive number.

Organisers said additional passengers can be added only until January 6. Cancellations can only be done until January 6. After this, no passenger will be added and no refunds will be made for cancellation.

Al Futtaim Motors – Toyota are the main sponsors of the event, just as they have been over the last 23 years. Checkpoints are sponsored by Toyota, AXA, Bridgestone, Dubai Duty Free, Kraft, Mani, Mobil, Nescafe and Waeco.

The Fun Drive numbers are sponsored by 3M Protected. Support Sponsors include Adventure HQ, Alco, Al Ain Water, Byrne, Danube, Emirates Wet Wipes, Go Cash – UAE Exchange. Catering for the event is by Emirates Flight Catering, Jebel Ali Hotel and The Sevens. Entertainment is by Safiya Burnell Events.

The Fun Drive is being held with the support of the Emirates Motor Sports Federation.