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Rainforest Challenge: El Toro From Mexico
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Written by Luis J.A. Wee
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 Another new entry for the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) 2005 will come in the likes of Mexicans Juan Carlos Torreslanda and Mario Fernando Esparza from "El Toro" Action Team - the leading duo in the run up to the National 4x4 Championship of Mexico (CAEM series) this year.
The CAEM series is an extreme off-road test of driving and navigational skills across four different types of terrain (rocky/mountainous, alpine forest tracks, desert and jungle) and ending in a grand final fifth round. Each round takes 3-5 days to complete, which stretches across different climatic zones. The event normally begins in winter and ends in summer. Only the most durable, battle-hardened and quick-witted ones deserve to win in the prestigious top 10 (out of more than 70 teams nationwide). The series has three categories - standard, modified and the super modified.
 The Action Team's "combat machine" heading for RFC is a heavily modified Jeep Wrangler Rubicon fitted with, among others, a 4-liter 6-cylinder engine, 44 Dana with 4.88, Skyjaker suspensions, Mickey Thompson Baja Claw (35 inches), front Warn 8279 and two back Warn 9000, TR bed locks, reinforced roll cage and chassis.
"As active off-roaders in the super modified category, we just cannot give the RFC a miss, it's a well known international 4x4 extreme event," said Juan Carlos, the driver. "And we would like to test our level of competitiveness with the most international teams ever assembled, so we have to be there," added Mario Esparza, the co-driver and navigator.
Meanwhile, in preparation for D-Day, it's intensive preparation (both physical and mental) for now. Luckily for them, the country's southernmost region has similar jungle conditions - the ideal training ground for the ultimate battle in the RFC. Another plus point is their experience in 4x4 competitions that they have built up during the past 5 years in the CAEM series - this has greatly sharpened and honed up their skills in driving, recovery and navigation across a great variety of obstacles.
"As the first ever Mexican 4x4 team in RFC, the whole off-road fraternity in our country is abuzz with news of our entry. They are enthusiastically cheering us on; in fact, some of them will be going to the event itself to show support (as touring adventurers and spectators) remarked Mario. "So, we shall do our best for the honour of representing our country," added Juan Carlos. "El Toro stands for a well-breed fighting bull, so you can expect plenty of action from us," summed up the duo. And, we are sure, plenty of team spirit to match.
Having conquered their fears back home, their hour of truth will be revealed in the jungle of Hulu Dungun and Hulu Terengganu - in the Predator, Terminator and the Twilight Zones of RFC. The event is not for the faint-hearted. Meanwhile the others making up the South American contingent will be coming from Chile and Argentina, making this, another impact year from Latin based countries (including from Italy, Spain, Portugal and Romania).
For 4x4 aficionados, watch out for the opening ceremony in Chukai town and the Prologue Special Stages at Awana Kijal on 26th November, the biggest international off-road action of the year taking place in the district of Kemaman (Terengganu), Malaysia.
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