Hardcore off-roaders already have the dates from November 29th to December 9th circled on their calendars. That’s when the 27th annual Rainforest Challenge Grand Final will bring participants from around the globe together in Malaysia for an event that tests humans and machines in equal measure. Named one of the world’s toughest off-road events, it will bring the most tenacious men and women to their knees over ten grueling days.
Despite its loyal following, though, I’m guessing there are plenty of people who have never heard of the Rainforest Challenge or only know about it in passing. Once you’ve learned what it entails, I’m guessing most people will have one of two reactions: abject horror or “That sounds awesome.” With the Grand Final weeks away as I write this, it’s the perfect time to tell you more about this event and prepare for the latest extreme odyssey.
What is the Rainforest Challenge?
The Rainforest Challenge, or RFC, is the brainchild of Luis J.A. Wee. As an avid 4×4 adventurer from the small Malaysian town of Kuala Terengganu, Wee and others had become disillusioned with format changes in the Land Rover Camel Trophy. Once the pillar of 4×4 competition, organizers had added biking, mountain biking, and other activities, bringing the 4×4 portion down to (in Wee’s estimation) about 30% of the format and alienating the motorsports enthusiasts who initially made the event popular.
Instead of waiting for someone else to put together a new 4×4 event, Wee decided to do it himself, organizing the inaugural Rainforest Challenge in November and December 1997. He did so during the heart of the Asian financial crisis—and while still working full-time for his home country’s Spanish embassy. Despite this and later setbacks from the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the 2002 Bali bombings, Wee persevered, relying on the passion of off-roaders to push through.
While the Camel Trophy fizzled out in 2000—and its successor, the G4 Challenge, did the same after a run from 2003-09—The Rainforest Challenge has continued to grow. They added the RFC Global Series in 2012, and two years later, Wee partnered with Cougar Motorsport to form Rainforest Challenge India, helping spark further growth. There are now annual RFC events in more than 30 countries with the original Malaysia event as the season finale.
What Makes the RFC So Tough?
Every RFC event is in the spirit of the Grand Final—and anyone who’s ever been to Malaysia will understand that this makes for a brutal event. To this day, jungles cover half of Malaysia, and the country averages more than 100 inches of rainfall annually. It’s a place where there’s no such thing as dry land—only land that’s less muddy than other parts. You’re also going to battle plenty of rocky terrain and maybe some leeches along the way. For good measure, one stage of the event—aptly called the Twilight Zone—is run only at night.
In other words, the RFC isn’t about going fast. It’s about braving the toughest conditions and coming out the other side. It’s only a matter of time before your vehicle gets stuck in the mud, or you’re faced with a 30-foot vertical climb, and you end up slogging around trying to get a winch rope hooked up. Sometimes, the recovery vehicles get stuck, too! You’ll need the heart and mind of a champion just to make it to the finish line.
The 2024 RFC 4×4 will be held in Perak, which is known as Malaysia’s “Silver State.” While exact course details haven’t been released as I write this, the region is known for its massive forest reserves, large coastal swamplands, three mountain chains, and major rivers. Furthermore, more than 60% of the coastline has been subject to major erosion. It’s the recipe for an event worthy of the Rainforest Challenge’s reputation.
RFC Rules and Requirements
If none of that has you second-guessing things, the question is how to compete in the RFC. Teams consist of two drivers, and competitors can enter any 4WD vehicle with four main classifications:
- Modified Open Class (R1) is for vehicle chassis and bodies that are self-engineered, prototypes, and other non-production models. There are several R1 subclasses as well based on engine size, engine type, axle design, and other factors.
- Modified Production Class (R2) is for vehicles with a modified body and an original production chassis.
- Production Class (R3) is for vehicles that still have the original body and chassis style for their make and model year.
- Special Class (R4) is for 6X6 vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, and other non 4×4’s.
At the end of the RFC Grand Final, there are awards for all class and subclass winners as well as an overall winner. Special awards are also given such as the Team Spirit Award, Jungleman Award, Environment Award, and Most Unique 4×4.
To be eligible, participants must have competed in the RFC Global Series (more on this soon) if their country is part of it; if not, they can apply for an exception. The entry fee isn’t cheap—$5,000 for the driver and co-driver. But beyond being in the event, you get a lot of add-ons, including daily campsite food and drinks, entry to all functions, ten event T-shirts, and four nights of hotel stays. Why only four? Because camping after certain stages is considered part of the competition, further testing everyone’s mettle.
Other Ways to be Part of the Rainforest Challenge
Has what I’ve told you so far gotten you excited? There are several ways you can join the Rainforest Challenge whether this year or in a future competition.
- Support Crew––Each team is allowed up to six support crew members to provide everything from mechanical to medical assistance. The participation fee is $1,250, and you can provide a support vehicle or rent one.
- Touring Adventurer––If you want to be part of the RFC with less stress, apply to be a touring adventurer. For a $2,500 fee, you can sit in an RFC Touring vehicle and be along for the ride.
- Media––Members of the media can apply to cover the event. While there’s no media participation fee, you do need to pay to get to Malaysia—and like the competitors and support crews, media members must have a self-contained vehicle.
What Other RFC Events Are There?
As I mentioned, the Grand Final is now just one event on the RFC calendar. Three different series, all created by Luis J.A. Wee, have sprung up so competitors can compete with the RFC sanction. Here’s a brief synopsis of each:
RFC Global Series
There are now RFC Global Series events in more than 30 countries on every continent except Antarctica. These circuit events follow the same basic format as the Grand Final, with individual event organizers that are licensed and/or franchised by RFC.
Rainforest Trophy
Founded in 2017, this series is a non-racing event committed to the expedition aspects of 4×4. Rather than competing against each other, adventurers come together to explore new places and enjoy the journey rather than focusing on the destination.
RFT World Series
The latest umbrella sprung up in 2020 as a Rainforest Trophy offshoot. While the main RFT series is mainly limited to Asia and Europe, the RFT World Series banner is allowing the same adventuring spirit to spread worldwide.
Discover the Rainforest Challenge
What was once an ardent off-roader trying to restore the purity of 4×4 competition has become a rising global phenomenon. The Rainforest Challenge has taken its place alongside the Baja 1000, King of the Hammers, Dakar Rally, and other premier off-road events. Along the way, it’s expanded while maintaining the RFC roots as an event only for the strongest of heart.
If you want to learn more about the Rainforest Challenge, visit www.rfc-global.com or find them on social media. Meanwhile, I’ll be counting the days until the Grand Final puts the world’s off-roaders to the ultimate test.
