27th Rainforest Challenge Grand Final 2024: A Spectacular Conclusion in Ipoh
The 27th edition of the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) Grand Final 2024 wrapped up with a grand closing dinner-cum-awards ceremony held at MH Hotel Ipoh on 9th December 2024.
MH Hotel Ipoh, serving as the official hotel for the joyful event, also hosted the Secretariat and participating teams throughout the competition.
Following an intense 10-day exploit in Lenggong, Perak, participants and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the achievements of this year’s outstanding teams and individuals.
A Thrilling Competition in Lenggong
Held from 29th November to 9th December 2024, the RFC Grand Final was set against the rugged terrains of Lenggong, Perak. Teams faced 40 Prologue Special Stages before navigating the infamous Twilight Zone, renowned for its challenging conditions. The competition tested not only the technical capabilities of the 4×4 vehicles, but also the resilience and skill of the contestants.
The RFC race format challenges participants to maneuver through various obstacles, both man-made and natural, across distances ranging from 500 metres to 2 kilometres. Competitors earn points based on their speed, with the fastest participant receiving a top score of 100 points, the second-fastest earning 95 points, and subsequent competitors receiving progressively lower scores.
Additionally, points can be deducted for any breaches of safety regulations or unethical conduct, maintaining the competition’s high standards of fairness and integrity.
Distinguished Guests and Appreciation
The closing dinner-cum-awards ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including:
YB Tuan Loh Sze Yee, Chairman of the Tourism, Industry, Investment, and Corridor Development Committee of the Perak State Government
Encik Mohamad Fitri Bin Hassan, District Officer of Hulu Perak
Cik Nurmalis Binti Musa, CEO of Tourism Perak Management Berhad
Encik Mohd. Amzari Bin Mohd. Arzami, Yang Dipertua of the Lenggong District Council
Mr. Luis J.A Wee, Founder of the Rainforest Challenge
Recognising Excellence: Special Awards
Government agencies and sponsors were sincerely appreciated for their invaluable support, which has played a crucial role in ensuring the ongoing success of the event.
Special recognition was given to:
RFC Japan: Historic shipping of Japanese 4×4 vehicles
Tan Eng Joo (Team 117 / ALU): Record 10-time RFC champion since 2005
Mael (Team 136): 10 years of continuous participation
Team Latvia & Poland: Longest sea journey of 41 days
Team Vietnam: 14 years of participation
Team Russia: Spirit of persistence despite logistical setbacks
Team Australia: Returning after a 17-year hiatus
Inaugural Starlink: Service at Campsite
Other accolades were:
Team Spirit Award: Royal Malaysia Police (Logistics Unit)
Most Unique 4×4 Award: Team 128 (Japan) for their Mitsubishi J24 classic model vehicle
Most Outstanding Co-Driver: Sanita Selecka (Team 101, Latvia)
Most Outstanding Marshall: Nazrul Hazidi Bin Baharom
Jungleman Award: Mohd. Khairi Bin Mohd. Rosidi
Environment Award: Martin Wong Mun Tong
Charlie Chandran Award: Soo Kim Yin (Marshall)
Winners of the 2024 RFC Grand Final
The winners showcased extraordinary skill and determination across various categories:
Diesel Category
Champion: Team 101 (Latvia/Poland)
Petrol Category
Champion: Team 139 (Overlander 4WD, Johor, Malaysia)
R3 Standard Production Category
2nd Runner-Up: Team 122 (Australia)
1st Runner-Up: Team 120 (Australia)
Champion: Team 123 (Australia)
R2 Modified Production Category
2nd Runner-Up: Team 107 (Johor, Malaysia)
1st Runner-Up: Team 134 (Vietnam)
Champion: Team 117 (Johor, Malaysia)
R1 Prototype Category
2nd Runner-Up: Team 118 (7 Cafe, Malaysia)
1st Runner-Up: Team 101 (Latvia)
Champion: Team 139 (Johor, Malaysia)
Overall Champion: Team 139 (Johor, Malaysia)
Team 139 aka Overlander 4WD aka The Superman: 3,835 points
Note: Second overall champion title (2022 in Bera, Pahang & 2024).
Team 101 aka Vadims Seleckis Off-Road Team: 3,385 points
Note: First-time entry from Latvia & from the Baltic States from RFCGS North Europe.
Team 134 aka The Blue Marvel: 3,295 points.
Note: Second-time entry & was 2nd Runner Up in R2 category in 2023.
After their victory, Team 139’s Lee Beng Loon (Bullet) and Lee Beng Wee remarked, “To compete among the best 4×4 teams in the Rainforest Challenge, we aimed to showcase not only our sporting skills but also our impressive new vehicle as we strived to reclaim the top spot at the RFC Grand Final 2024.”
They acknowledged that success in this challenging environment was unpredictable. “Winning or losing is part of this challenge because we understand that anything can go wrong at any moment, especially since the RFC comprises 40 special stages over 10 days,” Bullet noted.
“It’s called the Rainforest Challenge for a reason,” added Lee Beng Wee.
A Global Gathering of Off-Road Enthusiasts
With participation from 22 teams representing multiple nations, the 2024 edition celebrated the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define the Rainforest Challenge.
This year’s event hosted in Lenggong during Visit Perak Year 2024, aptly highlighted Malaysia’s unique position as the sole Asian country in the league of the world’s toughest off-road races. Recognised among the Top 10 Toughest Motor Races, Top 5 Toughest Off-Road Races, and is the Number 1 Extreme Off-Road Race, the Rainforest Challenge continues to elevate its global standing.
The Rainforest Challenge remains as a testament to human endurance, engineering ingenuity, and international fellowship, promising another thrilling chapter in its illustrious history in years to come.
View the full photo album of the RFC Grand Final 2024 Closing Dinner & Awards Night on our official Facebook Page by clicking HERE.
Event: RFC Grand Final 2024 Closing Dinner & Awards Night
Venue: MH Hotel Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Date: 9th Dec 2024
Time: 8pm
