Four Wheel Drive Club of Sri Lanka

Story by Darshan Maralanda, photos by Anuradha Ratnaweera

The inaugural event of the Summer Challenge of the RFC qualifier officially kicked off at Tianfuyan Resort in Hainan Sanya. This event is hosted by the Sanya government together with Sanya 4x4 Storm Off-Road Club under the purview of RFC secretariat Malaysia headed by Mr Luis J.A. Wee. This event has attracted over 30 entries including international representation from Poland, Netherlands, France, Philippines, Malaysia, Russia, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and local participants from China. The event was inaugurated by President of Sanya 4x4 Storm Off-Road Club Mr Lu Da Jin. And chief guest of the occasion was the vise secretary of the city of Sanya Mr Lin Yi Xiu.

The Palar Challenge which was held 100km south of Chennai on 13-15^th August was won by the Lankans, among teams that represented Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Rajasthan. The Lankan team Sean Hameed and Dharshan Maralanda drove a standard Maruti Gypsy lent to them by team Kerela, took the podium with the highest points. The event was held in the Palar dry river bed with 16 special stages and 3 techinical stages packed in 2 days under a 40 degree hot sun.

The Sri Lanka team was the only international team, for the Palar, and have managed to attract the Indians to come witness the Taprobana 4x4 Challenge in October this year. Further a Team from India will be put together to participate in Sri Lanka.

“It was a tough challenge, to contend with the heat and the under powered Gypsy which was not modified for the heat nor was equipped with any recovery gear.” “ However this win is special to me as we went out and competed in their turf in level playing ground, with a vehicle that has one third the power that I am used to”

The Lankan Team won 5 Maxxis 33x12.5 15 Tires for the first prize and donated to the Kerala team who lent them their vehicle. The Sri Lanka team was sponsored by Elephant Reach Hotel, Isotonic Lime Blast and Motor Magazine. The team was also endorsed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Board.

P.S

THE PALA CHALLENGE 2009

The first Sri Lankan representatives to this challenge held in India were none other than Sean Hameed and Dharshan Maralanda. Their participation and display of driving skill have truly opened a new avanue of 4x4 tourism to Sri Lanka.

The fellow Indian off roaders were amazed at the level of skill and have promised participation in the up coming Taprobana 4x4 Challenge 2009 scheduled to be held in October.

Team Sri Lanka return to the island with awards for participation, most outstanding 4x4 performance..

more to follow.

 NEW PICTURES UPLOADED IN PHOTO GALLERY

Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is. - (Vince Lombardi)

This was true as the 4x4 Jamboree 2009 came to a spectacular finish on the 28th June at MAS 4x4 Park after two days of exciting and actioned pack two days of pure off roading.

It was so exciting that our special guest Mr. Luis J.A Wee, founder of Malaysia Ranforest Challenge couldn't stop click away in his camara. So powerful was the event that he has personnely written a very impresive article.

4x4 Sri Lanka - A La RFC - Luis J.A. Wee

Also a press article was release by the event director - 4x4 Storm in Thulhiriya - Sean Hameed

Daily Mirror press release 4/7/2009 - Sri Lanka 4x4 Destination - Deepal Perera

EVENT RESULTS

LADIES EVENT 

After a successfull scrutinising last Saturday 20th and a colorfull street promotion with over 30 vehicles taking part was the start of the 4x4 Jamboree 2009.

The competition is all set to start off on the 27th at MAS Fabric Park with the kind assistance of the following sponsors.      

The founder of Malaysia Rainforest Challenge Mr. Luis J.A. Wee will also be present to innaugarate the FWDC 4x4 Champinoship 2009