Goa begins the Rainforest challenge!
Force Gurkha Rainforest Challenge is a national event that has been taking place in Goa for the past two years. The third edition of this seven day event has just got underway in Goa and will climax on July 29. This event will qualify Indian drivers to participate in the International event known as Malaysian Rainforest Challenge (RFC), which is due to take place later this year.
The Malaysian Rainforest challenge is considered to be one of the toughest motor sport events in the world and has preliminary rounds happening in 25 venues across the globe. The Indian circuit is considered among the most popular. Out of the 30 competitive teams participating from across India, only 1 will qualify for the Malaysian Rainforest Challenge.
The Indian edition of the Rainforest Challenge was launched in 2014 by Cougar Motorsports Pvt. Ltd. and is sponsored by Force Motor Ltd. The event has been divided into four stages to be held across Goa.
- The venue for the initial stage, which is referred to as the Prologue Special stage (SS) will be held at the Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat in Dona Paula.
- The second (the Predator) and third stage (the Terminator) will take place at Quepem (Cavorem) in South Goa.
- The Final stage (Twilight SS) will be held at Sattari (Morlem) in North Goa.
"In the last two editions we restricted the participation numbers to 25. However, the response this year was so overwhelming that the registrations were closed two months prior to the event which restricted some of the RFC India pioneers from making it to the list." said Ashish Gupta, founder & Director, Cougar Motorsports Pvt Ltd while addressing a press conference in a report.
Judging criteria
For the successful completion of each stage, the teams will be awarded points. The competition evaluates the driving recovery skills of the participating teams in off-roading scenarios. Penalties are imposed when a team fails to complete a task, for non-adherence to the rules and damage to the flora or fauna at the location.
Event schedule
Source
Date
Day
Time
Activity
Venue
22 July
Friday
0900 hrs – 1800 hrs
Event HQ
The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula
0900 hrs – 1600 hrs
Vehicles available in Goa can schedule an appointment for their vehicle scrutiny on 21st July as well
Scrutiny
Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat, Dona Paula
1230 hrs onwards
Press Conference
Mandovi Hall, The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula
1700 hrs
Compulsory Drivers Briefing
Mandovi Hall, The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula
1930 hrs onwards
Opening Night (Invitation Only)
Bay 15, Odxel Beach, Dona Paula
23 July
Saturday
0900 hrs
Ceremonial Start
Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat, Dona Paula
1000 hrs – 1900 hrs
Prologue SS 1-6
Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat, Dona Paula
1930 hrs onwards
Entertainment (Invitation Only)
Bay 15, Odxel Beach, Dona Paula
24 July
Sunday
0900 hrs - 1900 hrs
Prologue SS 7-12
Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat, Dona Paula
25 July
Monday
0600 hrs
Convoy Assembly
The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula
0630 hrs
Convoy Departs for Predator Venue
The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula
1000 hrs – 1900 hrs
Predator, SS 13-18
Quepem (Cavorem), South Goa
26 July
Tuesday
0900 - 1900 hrs
Terminator SS 19-24
Quepem (Cavorem), South Goa
27 July
Wednesday
0900 - 1400 hrs
Completion of pending SS
Quepem (Cavorem), South Goa
1400 hrs – 1600 hrs
Media Challenge
Quepem (Cavorem), South Goa
1600 hrs
Convoy departs for Twilight Zone
Quepem (Cavorem), South Goa
28 July
Thursday
1000 hrs – 2200 hrs
Thriller in the Twilight Zone
Sattari (Morlem), North Goa
29 July
Friday
0730 – 1030 hrs
Twilight SS 25-26
Sattari (Morlem), North Goa
1200 hrs
Convoy Departs for Closing Venue
Sattari (Morlem), North Goa
1430 hrs
Arrival of the Convoy at The International Centre Goa and end of the Event
The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula
1700 hrs
Closing and Prize Distribution
The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula
