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Rainforest Challenge: First Air Drop Entry To RFC
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Written by Luis J.A. Wee
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 Since the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) made its debut into the world of 4x4 sports adventure, it has created some historic “firsts” in the off-roading scene. We have had the first European (1998), South African (1999) and South American teams (2004) to bring their 4x4s across the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans to the shores of Malaysia.
We also had the first USA team (Alaska) shipping their Jeep Wrangler to the RFC in 2000 – Eddie Angel was the pioneer across the Pacific Ocean. We even had motorbikes and quads from Sweden flown in for the event back in 1998 and 1999. On the whole, participants have always relied on shipping their super modified rigs to the event since 1997.
However never in the history of RFC have we witnessed a four-wheel drive being air-flown for the event until now. The El Toro team from Mexico has just confirmed that due to time constraint, they have opted for airfreight instead sea freight.
“It takes some 45 days from here to reach Port Kelang, Malaysia and we simply ran out of time,” said Juan Carlos the owner and driver of his Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, which will be making its debut in the RFC. “With Malaysia so unknown to our people, it was one challenge after another getting things into place,” added Mario Esparza, the co-driver. The best option is also the most expensive - some USD20,000 for such an arrangement alone not counting the other costs for participating in the event.
The Mexicans are taking everything in their stride irrespective of the costs. “Once the dice is cast, there’s no turning back,” remarked Juan and Mario, who will be making their mark in the RFC “book of records” as the “flying” Mexicans. Its also nice to know that some sponsors are willing to go all the way for what they believe in – making an impact in one of the toughest off-road event in the world.
At the time of writing, another team, this time from Colombia will also be trying this “air drop” to come for RFC. “Everything is touch and go,” remarked Juan Linares. “It’s unfortunate ours is a late entry, however, we have to try our best to get there in time,” he added.
There is only one word to describe this band of adventurers and their supporters, its passion with a capital P. Their challenge has already begun even before the D-Day on 26th November.
Note: The opening ceremony will start from Chukai, Kemaman followed by the Prologue Special Stages at Awana Kijal from 10am to 6pm on 26th November. Catch the action.
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