By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH – Team 139, known as The Overland 4WD from Johor, Malaysia, clinched the title of Overall Champion at the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) Grand Final 2024.
Team 139 earned a total of 3,835 points, marking their second overall championship title after winning the 2022 edition in Bera, Pahang.
The 10-day event, held in Lenggong, Perak, concluded with a closing dinner and award ceremony at MH Hotel Ipoh on December 9, 2024.
The 27th edition of RFC ran from November 29 to December 9, 2024. A total of 22 teams from various countries participated, with 40 Prologue Special Stages and Twilight Zones challenging the participants.
Teams had to navigate through various natural and man-made obstacles, with course distances ranging from 500 meters to 2 kilometres. Points were awarded based on speed, and adherence to safety regulations was a key element in ensuring fairness throughout the competition.
Special awards presented on the night included the Team Spirit Award, received by the Royal Malaysia Police (Logistics Unit), the Most Unique 4×4 Award, given to Team 128 (Japan) for their classic Mitsubishi J24 model, the Jungleman Award, which went to Mohd. Khairi Mohd. Rosidi, and the Environmental Award, presented to Martin Wong Mun Tong.
Team 139 dominated the R1 Prototype category and was also crowned the overall champion. In other categories, Team 101 from Latvia/Poland took the Diesel category, while Team 123 from Australia triumphed in the R3 Standard Production category.
Team 139 drivers, Lee Beng Loon (Bullet) and Lee Beng Wee, expressed their excitement, saying, it is an honor to compete among the best 4×4 teams in the Rainforest Challenge.
“This year’s journey focused on showcasing skill, strategy, and resilience in the toughest conditions. This competition tests not only our skills but also our mental strength in overcoming the hardest challenges. Success or failure is part of the experience we cherish, especially with 40 special stages to complete over 10 days,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rainforest Challenge Founder Luis J.A Wee stated that the RFC Grand Final not only promotes Perak but also strengthens Malaysia’s position as the only Asian country in the league of the world’s toughest 4×4 races.
“Recognized as the Number 1 Extreme Off-Road Race and one of the Top 10 Toughest Races in the World, RFC is a symbol of human endurance and engineering innovation. It celebrates the excellence of its participants and fosters global friendships through a shared passion for extreme 4×4 sports,” he said.
