2017 Rainforest Challenge — Here’s A Glimpse Of What’s In Store

The Force Gurkha RFC 2017 will be held soon in India and here’s a look at what spectators can expect from the sport.

By Rajkamal

Published: Thursday, June 8, 2017, 8:58 [IST]

This year's Force Gurkha Rainforest Challenge (RFC) is scheduled to take place from 22 July 2017 to 30 July 2017. A lot is expected this year and below is a quick look at what this year's event holds for enthusiasts.

To start with, this year's RFC will play a host to a lot of fresh talent. As many as 13 teams will be making their debut at the off-roading sport this year.

2017 Rainforest Challenge — Here’s A Glimpse Of What’s In Store

A total of 40 teams will participate this year at the 2017 edition of RFC to battle it out to prove themselves and their vehicles. Amongst new entrants, a notable person to look out for is Shibu Varghese and his team from Kerala, who come with a lot of off-road experience.

This year's edition of one of the toughest motorsports in the world will see William Dwaine Jungen, from the US, who has 40 years of experience off-roading. He will be driving the Scorpion MKI, representing Chandigarh's Team IronScorpion.

The vehicle in question, the Scorpion MKI, comes with 52-inch articulation and a 12-degree chassis role. It has a 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine that is paired to an automatic gearbox. The vehicle has undergone changes to comply with the rules and regulations of RFC.

Also, this year, RFC has introduced separate classes for petrol and diesel powered vehicles that are above 3010cc, owing to many competitors taking part with naturally aspirated V8 motors. The vehicle weight too has been reduced, to improve the efficiency of winches, which is a crucial part of the sport.

As per Ashish Gupta, the Founder and Director of Cougar Motorsport, "We are also contemplating adding a few night stages to make the competition more interesting. Some new sites have also been shortlisted, and we will be finalising them within the next couple of weeks."