Preview: New RFC India season begins in Goa
The fourth edition of Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India begins on July 24 at its traditional home in Goa, with 40 competitors taking part in the annual off-road event.
Force Gurkha RFC in action
RFC
Much of the attention will be grabbed by American driver William Dwaine Jungen, who will be competing with US Top Truck Challenge-winning Scorpion MK1.
In the list of foreign competitors, Jungen will be joined by veteran Malaysian driver Mervyn Lim, who has been a regular in RFC India since its inception.
Gerrari Offroaders’ Gurmeet Virdi will lead the challenge for India on the back of his class win in the Mother Event in Malaysia.
Virdi’s teammate Waraich is also expected to be fighting for the overall crown based on his performance in the previous years. Waraich competed for Force Motors last year, but has been forced to return to Gerrari Offroaders after the Pune-based manufacturer decided against fielding factory entries this year.
Speaking about the driver line-up, Mr. Ashish Gupta, founder of organiser Cougar Motorsport said, “RFC India has successfully managed to bring out the Indian off-roading talent in front of global audiences.
“This year, we’re back in Goa in our quest to deliver unparalleled off-roading action to participants and visitors. Despite receiving numerous requests from other states to host RFC India in their home turf, the overwhelming hospitality and affection that we receive from Goa Tourism and the people of this beautiful State compel us to come back every year.”
New format
As part of an overhaul to the format, the initial stages will be held in more challenging conditions on the outskirt of the city, where it is possible to simulate more muddy conditions.
Spectator-friendly Special Stages have been moved towards the end of the event where the local audience can watch the action.
In all, 26 competitive special stages will be held over a period of one week to test the abilities of competitors and their heavily modified-vehicles.
Points will be awarded for successful and timely completion of stages, while penalties will be handed in case of failure to complete a task, non-adherence to the rules or damage to the flora and fauna at the event location.
The team with the maximum number of points will be announced as the winner on July 30.
Increased prize money
As always, the winner of RFC India will get a free entry to the mother event in Malaysia. However, this time the organisers will also contribute towards the cost of procuring the vehicle, taking the total prize money up to $8000 (INR 5,16,000).
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