WAR OF THE WIZARDS OF 4X4 IN SANYA!
Lebanonoffroad.com and biser3a.com will be represented in the 3rd edition of the Rainforest challenge 2011 by our official photographer and the only one representing the Middle East. Andrew Farhat a well known offroad photographer will update us with live photos from Sanya, and will cover all the deep water passages in the long and risky 4×4 offroad stages.
The 3rd edition of China International Rainforest Challenge or CIRFC aka the Summer RFC is set to sizzle with hot 4×4 action again from 18-24 Aug in Sanya. This time, the showdown will be among the wizards of 4×4 from the region as well as participants and media from Europe to Asia (25 countries).
The CIRFC 2011 committee, in cooperation with the world’s number 1 extreme 4×4 adventure event, the F1 of 4×4 – the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) will once again going all out to promote Sanya as a unique adventure sports tourism venue.
China’s year-round tropical gateway of Hainan is Sanya. This luxury district is at the forefront of reinvention to make Hainan, a truly international tourism island of repute. Thus, it is raising its business event credentials and filling its social calendar with events that vary in depth and breadth to show the world its ability of its reinvention. Apart from being known as the venue for beauty pageant, it is transforming itself as a multifaceted destination with international events for business, leisure and adventure.
The CIRFC fits into this plan as a unique outdoor adventure sports tourism which makes use of the mountains and forested inner region in its promotion of Haina as an adventure destination. Away from the beaches, there are plenty of thrills and spills of the adventure seekers to indulge in. CIRFC rainforest base, which will be the Prologue Special Stages (SS) public show-time on 18 & 19 Aug, is such a venue for outdoor pursuits.
Who are these wizards of 4×4 coming to do battle this Aug? They are among the top teams in 4×4 in the region. The cars are already loaded on containers bound for Haikou where they will be transferred by trailers to Sanya. On board is the current CIRFC champion team 117 of Tan Eng Joo of Malaysia, who’s also holds the record for 3-time RFC champion. He holds the “joker card” as the incumbent; the one team that everyone would like to beat, but can they?
The other wizards are RFC 2010 champion and CIRFC 2009 champion team of Chai Mui Shin / Jong Ai Long from Sarawak, East Malaysia, RFC 2010 1st Runner Up of team Land Rover Philippines of Larry Mendiola and son Hiryan, These two have an unfinished business to settle from RFC 2010, who will win this round in Sanya? “We shall be ready,” both teams smiled.
The other Wizards are also very strong contenders coming from Sabah, East Malaysia aka the “Land Below the Wind.’ They are considered the ‘Dark Horse” entries as only two of the 6 teams have been tested in Sanya last year. The Kinaway team of Lo Fui Min got 4th position last year. If such is the quality coming from Sabah, then expect a very interesting challenge for top 3 places this year. “All our 1Malaysia from Sabah teams are ready to take on the action,” said Daniel Liew, who’s the contingent leader and also the RFC East Malaysia Representative.
Altogether there are 14 car “wizards of 4×4” within the international contingent, but nothing is taken for granted yet that they will win the top placings this year. The other Chinese teams coming from the mainland this time are highly graded too, especially those coming from Guangdong province. These are the other “Dark Horse” entries from China, who knows they might spring a surprise or two this year? Last year, the Chinese teams scored 7th and 10th position, and this year, they aim to do better.
Everyone, from the competing teams, media and organizers are now in tip-top preparation and waiting for D-Day on 18 August for the opening ceremony to welcome yet another international event for Sanya and making Hainan an adventure destination of repute.
Website (English): www.rainforest-challenge.com under Summer RFC.
