ENTER THE
DRAGON, IN SANYA
This coming
19-23 September, it’s the unleashing of a Chinese Dragon from the
South China Sea on the island of Hainan a.k.a the “Hawaii of China.”
For the first time ever in the “Middle Kingdom,” overseas off-road
teams will pit their wits, strategy, techniques, driving and recovery
skills with their Chinese counterparts in five days of explosive action.
This inaugural
China-Sanya International Off-Road Challenge, is a signature
event from the Founder of the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) – the world’s
most internationally represented 4x4 events; the world’s number 1
extreme off-road jungle event and the F1 of 4x4. The RFC in Malaysia
attracts participants and media from over 35 countries annually since
1997.
Among the international
4x4 warriors coming for this historic debut event will be the Baltic
Knights (Poland), Benzi 4x4 Team (Lebanon), Roaring Lion FWDC (Sri Lanka),
Wild Nusantara (Indonesia), Typhoon Larry (Philippines), Siam Warriors
(Thailand), Rawang Raiders ( West Malaysia) and Headhunters 4x4
Borneo (Sarawak, Malaysia).
These are also
among the most experienced teams who have seen extreme 4x4 action in
the Twilight Zone of the RFC, bearing the scars of “battle” as well
as the RFC badge of honour as the toughest of the tough.
It will be
interesting to see how these off-road warriors representing Europe,
Middle East South Asia and South-East-Asia fight their first 4x4 battle
in China. And, for the Chinese 4x4 teams, it will be a bonus for them
as they get a taste of the upgraded RFC special stages as well as testing
their skills in the company of such experienced adventurers.
Here’s a
round up of who’s who from the international teams.
- Baltic Knights.
Marek and Agnieska Janaszkiewicz is a husband-wife combination who has
“4x4 combat experiences” in RFC since 2001. They are also among
the most widely traveled Polish 4x4 team with experience in Europe,
Asia and North/South America. Polish off-road is also renowned in Europe
for their toughness. It is fitting that these Baltic Knights represent
the European continent.
- Benzi 4x4 Team.
These desert warriors from Lebanon with wide experience throughout the
Middle East are cool and calm strategists. Both Soly Khattar and Philippe
Abboud are brave enough to tackle the RFC in the worst of times –
the Great Escape episode of 2007 and came out triumphantly with the
rest. With the status of “battle proven in both desert and jungle,”
they are rightly qualified to represent the Middle East.
- Roaring Lion FWDC.
Sean Hameed and Rushiran Silva is a pair of “cool cats” from Sri
Lanka. Hailing from Four Wheel Drive Club (FWDC), the most established
club in the country, they have experience in the most extreme test at
home as well as in the RFC. They know how to conserve themselves and
their vehicles well and know when to use their strategy to go all out
in any Special Stage (SS). A good team representing South Asia.
- Wild Nusantara.
Both Hans Mudali and Yogi Yogaswara have lived through off-road exploits
in Indonesia, a wide archipelago of thousands of islands. Having conquered
the tropical islands back home, they have also tackled the rough and
tumble of the RFC for a number of years already. Don’t be taken in
by their “tame” looks, they are cool “inside” but wild on the
“outside” to take on the most extreme.
- Typhoon Larry.
Hilario Larry Mendiola is not known as “typhoon” for nothing. This
strong-willed man, a top contender from Philippines knows no fear in
the jungle and he also knows his techniques well. He knows when to go
all out and when to pull back. Lots of guts and muscle but with brains
too. He is among the teams who have conquered the Twilight Zone of the
RFC; that is something to shout about. Watch him in action.
- Rawang Raiders.
These three teams from West Malaysia is headed by Chong Yoke Sang (team
110) are also among the top 5 teams in RFC since 2004. Their skills
and techniques are among the best, and that’s why they have consistently
been in the top 5 since 2004 and champion in the class categories too.
They know what they do and they will be the teams to watch for the Overall
Champion in Sanya. That is enough to say how good they are.
- Headhunters 4x4
Borneo. Malaysia is divided into West and East. The East is made up
of Sarawak and Sabah on the island of Borneo. These two states are renowned
for jungle off-road; Chai Mui Shin and his Headhunters team have plenty
to show how they can tackle any obstacles in the SS. They don’t give
up easily, they are from Borneo.
As for the
Chinese teams coming from the length and breadth of the country, the
most likely contenders for the national champion will come from Yunnan
and Guangzhou regions as they have the best pool of 4x4 teams and modified
vehicles to rely upon.
All in, this
Sanya event will be a historic first for 4x4 diplomacy for Chinese participants
and their overseas counterparts – an exchange of culture, friendship
and off-road. The five days will indeed, be an eye-opener for everyone,
from the teams to the spectators. Catch the thrills and spills in Sanya.
ENTER THE
DRAGON, IN SANYA (CHINA)
The Programme
Schedule (subject to changes)
18 September
2009
Arrival of
all foreign/local participants and media to Sanya. Official briefing
in the evening at official hotel.
19 September
2009
It’s show
time – “Unleash the Dragon!” Opening ceremony followed by Prologue
Special Stages (SS) in the city.
20 September
2009
Continuation
of the Prologue SS. Afternoon departure for Campsite 1. Night
SS.
21 September
2009
Rumble in the
Forest SS at Campsite 1 & 2.
22 September
2009
Rumble in the
Forest SS II. Adventure route to Campsite 3.
23 September
2009
Rendezvous
Campsite 3. Depart and show-time in the city.
Prize giving/awards.
24 September
2009
Departure of
all foreign participants & media.
