Taprobana 4x4 Challenge 2012 (Rain Forest Challenge' Sri Lanka)
The Taprobana 4x4 Challenge started in 2004, is a hardcore 4x4 Challenge that ranks among the foremost in Asia. From 2011 it became part of Global Rain Forest challenge series; since then competitors from Malaysia and Australia have been taking part in this event along with the local competitors.
It was a pleasure to be there to witness the event live and I enjoyed every moment of it. The legendary Sri Lankan hospitality, interactions with international competitors and marshals from RFC, Malaysia, all made it an event to cherish. Thanks to Sean Hameed, Event Director, T4X4C-2012 and his colleagues in the FWDC, Sri Lanka for providing me this opportunity.
T4X4C is a 5-day hardcore event that begins with a Prolog and continues in to the jungle stages spanning over the next 4 days. Unfortunately the 4th day’s SSs this year were cancelled due to a last minute change in policy approvals.
The T4X4C is where one can expect heavy rain, mud, slush, mud holes, logs, stumps(yes, they can do some serious damage to tyres), river crossing, naturally formed V-gulleys.
To describe the standards of competition, it would indeed be a great achievement for a competitor if he manages to complete all the SSs in the event without a single DNF. The SSs were designed by professionals like Sean Hameed & Rushiran Silva, and RFC Marshals like Toh Jacky Sin Ming who have decades of experience in this adventure sport.
One needs immense driving skills, an able co-driver, a good strategy and proven winching techniques to survive these SSs. This joyous experience will definitely give every off-roader the satisfaction and fulfilment of having “been there and done that”.
The event began with a flag off by RFC Chief- Luis J A Wee, from the Independent square in Colombo on 19th Oct . On 20th Oct , the Prolog was held at the Sappers 4×4 Gympo track of the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering (SLSME),Embilipitiya. This manmade track was designed by military engineers with the help of off-road experts to simulate extreme offroad conditions. The Prolog also included separate competitions for standard and standard-modified class vehicles to encourage participation from all alike.
On 21st we proceeded to the Jungles of Monaragala. We reached campsite at night, after a long and arduous transport stage through the rivers and thick foliage. It was a challenging route into the jungle and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Though unfortunately I was unable to click pictures, the memories remain etched in my heart forever.
It would be unfair if i didn’t mention that the route to the camp site put the organisers, marshals, media and medics in the convoy, on par with the competitors. The same hardy trails dished out impartially. Kudos to their seasoned driving skills, and unwavering enthusiasm!
On 22nd the SSs were predominantly speed runs. (See below images)
On 23rd, the SSs involved speed runs, test of driving skills, manoeuvring thru’ trees and winching stages. (See below images)
On 24th, the SSs involved extreme winching, use of strategy and agile moves for co-drivers in order to complete without DNF. We saw some serious damage to the vehicles on this day. And due to the heavy rains the previous day, the water levels had risen in the river, leading to heavy current. As a matter of safety and precaution, two river-crossing SSs had to be called off.
On 25th the convoy made its way out of the thick jungle, back to Colombo and the event concluded with a grand award ceremony on 26th at the Colombo Motor Show.
Few images on Flag-off